church presentation software comparison

The Best Church Presentation Software in 2024 — Reviews and Pricing

For many people, worship plays a center role in their spiritual journey, with Scripture and sermons serving as foundation. Sermons especially build on the message of Scripture to guide followers in their faith. Ministers act as bridge builders — between Scripture and the world. And software supports the delivery of engaging and memorable sermons.

As enticing as the Word is, we have all struggled with following some sermons. Sometimes, the concepts feel too abstract; other times, our mind drifted off because of bad sleep or other preoccupations. That's where church presentation software comes in. It won't magically make everyone laser-focused on the sermon. But it will make them more vivid and relevant to life.

Let’s say you were preparing a sermon on the power of faith by using using Matthew 8:5-13 as the foundation. As you read the passage, the screen shows images of the sick servant, the desperate family, and the compassionate centurion. This helps your congregation visualize the event, making them active spectators.

On the last slide,display a simple, yet thought-provoking question or prompt. For example, you could ask: "What one thing can you do this week to show your faith in Jesus' power?"

This way, you help your audience connect the passage to their life, making it feel more real,and thus engaging.

The market offers a slew of competent church software solution. That’s why we reviewed themajor options and hand-picked the best nine.

We evaluated each software based on the following criteria:

• Ease of use
• Flexibility
• Customization
• Integrations

Each one of the options on the list will work. But, each one comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s up to you to decide which software is best suited to your needs.

Let’s get started.

Slides With Friends

At the top of our list resides Slides With Friends . Think Google Slides or PowerPoint, but interactive.

Create a deck, customize it with our editor (don’t worry, it takes a couple of minutes), and you’re good to go. Host an event for the members of your congregation; they can join with any internet-connected device via QR code or URL.

Use the interactive features to make your service unique. Some ideas to get you started:

• Ask attendees to submit words or phrases related to the sermon topic (e.g., "Faith," "Hope," "Love")
• Nudge attendees to submit their own questions
• Summarize your sermon message
• Ask your congregation to submit prayer requests.

Pros of using Slides With Friends:

• ‍ Easy to use . The visual editor offers an intuitive interface that takes almost no time getting used to. And anyone who can operate a phone can join an event. ‍
• Engaging . Ditch the class-like lectures and make attendees active participants in the Word. ‍
• Accessible . Attendees can join from anywhere with an internet connection via QR code or URL. ‍
• Cost-effective . SWF presents an affordable solution for churches looking to upgrade their presentation game.

Cons of using Slides With Friends:

• ‍ Not specifically made for churches . We created Slides With Friends for general presentation purposes. You might find its customization options limited compared to church-specific platforms. This could make it more challenging to create a branded experience that aligns with your church's unique style and identity. ‍
• Technical requirements . To use SWF effectively, you'll need two things. One, reliable internet connectivity. Two, devices (e.g., laptops or tablets) for attendees to access the presentation. And, potentially, extra equipment (e.g., projectors, screens).

Key Takeaway

Slides With Friends' interactive capabilities turn your sermon into a dynamic,participatory experience that engages your congregation like never before.

SermonView offers a versatile and visually engaging presentation solution tailored for churches. The platform provides high-quality biblical graphics and thematic slides. And it works with popular software like PowerPoint, Keynote, Proclaim, and MediaShout.

As a preacher, your sermons take a central role in your activity. And with SermonView, you can deliver an engaging and memorable visual experience. All in a matter of a few clicks.

SermonView supports churches by offering a wide array of visual aids. Slides for sermons,banners, and printed resources represent but a few of its features.

Pros of using SermonView:

• ‍ Visual Appeal. Give your sermons stunning, professional-quality graphics to enthrall your audience. ‍
• Ease of Use. Customize your slides with minimal effort thanks to the click-and-type features. ‍
• Compatibility. Already using software like PowerPoint or Keynote? Got an iPad? These — and more — integrations make adding SermonViews to your preaching a breeze. ‍
• Variety. Make use of the platform's wide range of themes and design to select visuals that best fit your message. ‍
• Affordability. A couple hundreds of dollars give you full access to the image and slides created by SermonView.

Cons of usingSermonView:

• ‍ Limited advanced features. If you need more than slides and evocative imagery — e.g. live streaming or interactivity — look elsewhere. ‍
• Customization constraints. While the platform offers good customization options, it might not be as flexible as some other tools designed specifically for interactive church presentations. ‍
• Dependency on other software. Since SermonView provides graphics to be used with other presentation software, churches need to have compatible software to make full use of its offerings.

SermonView stands out for its high-quality visuals and ease of use. These features make it an excellent choice for churches looking to enhance their sermons with engaging graphics. Its compatibility with popular presentation software and variety of themes offer flexibility, though it may require complementary tools for a fully interactive experience.

Presenter by WorshipTools offers a lightweight presentation solution tailored for churches and ministries. This software stands out for its intuitive interface and rich feature set.

The software supports multiple output screens, motion graphics, and integrates with various other tools, such as SongSelect and CCLI. Its comprehensive feature set includes a remote control app, stage display capabilities, and built-in Bibles, making it a versatile option for church presentations.

Pros of using Presenter:

• ‍ Free and volunteer-friendly. Presenter provides a cost-effective solution with a free tier, making it accessible for churches of all sizes. Its design caters to volunteers, ensuring ease of use. ‍
• Cloud sync. Wherever you are, you can bring your presentation assets with you. Yes, even on the free plan, with its 500MB of free cloud storage. ‍
• Support ormultiple outputs. Presenter supports multiple screens with different visual layouts. This makes it ideal for live streams or stage displays. ‍
• Motion graphics. Offers a variety of creative motion loops, enhancing the visual appeal of presentations. ‍
• Integration: Works seamlessly with SongSelect for importing lyrics, and includes auto-reporting to CCLI. Built-in Bibles allow quick scripture displays.

Cons of using Presenter:

• ‍ Limited advanced features. While feature-rich, it may lack some advanced functionalities found in premium, paid alternatives. Examples include live streaming capabilities (found in Proclaim or EasyWorship) and advanced media libraries. ‍
• Internet reliance. An internet connection is a must when using Presenter because of the cloud sync. ‍
• Customization constraints. The customization options it offers don't go too deep. It's the price to pay for having such accessible software.

Presenter by WorshipTools provides a robust, free solution for church presentations. But,should you need more oomph, there's always the premium subscriptions.

ProPresenter

ProPresenter stands out as a leading presentation software for churches. The platform's main feature is the seamless integration of lyrics,videos, chord charts. And, its advanced video engine ensures smooth playback and high-quality presentations.

ProPresenter 7, the latest version, enhances the user experience. It comes with improved editing tools and an intuitive interface. Even ministers inexperienced with tech will find themselves at home in its UI.

Pros of usingProPresenter:

• ‍ Versatility and customization. ProPresenter users can tailor presentations to their specific needs. Regardless of your workflow's complexity, the software can run it without hiccups. ‍
• Comprehensive features. The software includes a wide range of features such as scripture display, song lyrics integration from SongSelect, MIDI control, and remote apps for slide control. ‍
• High-quality media. ProPresenter provides access to a vast library of high-quality graphics and media. ‍
• Live streaming integration. Built-in live streaming capabilities allow churches to broadcast their services directly from ProPresenter.

Cons of using ProPresenter:

• ‍ Steep learning curve. Customization comes with a price. It's not hard to learn per se, but it will take some time to explore all the features. ‍
• Cost. ProPresenter is a premium software with a higher cost compared to some alternatives. The starting price is $399 for a single-seat license, which includes one year of ProPresenter+ for updates and support. ‍
• System requirements. The software needs a relatively powerful computer to run. This might be a limitation for churches with older or less capable hardware.

ProPresenter delivers a professional-grade presentation solution. It's rich customization options and features make it a great choice for churches looking to enhance their worship services — provided they are fine with spending some time to get acquainted with the software.

EasyWorship

EasyWorship offers a church presentation software designed for both small andlarge congregations. It allows users to build a full worship service,from song lyrics to sermon slides, in one place. EasyWorship supports a variety of media formats and includes features like live streaming integration and multi-camera angles.

The software is known for its ease of use, making it ideal for volunteers who may not have extensive technical skills. It also provides a wide range of customization options to tailor presentations to the specific needs of a church.

Pros of using EasyWorship:

• ‍ Intuitive. EasyWorship focuses on simplicity. Ministers and preachers will find it easy learn and use, reducing the training time. ‍
• Media compatibility. The platform supports a wide range of media file types. Videos, images, and PowerPoint presentations included. ‍
• Competitive pricing. EasyWorship is priced competitively, offering good value for its range of features. ‍
• Versatile. The breadth of supported media formats make EasyWorship fit several styles of preaching.

Cons of using EasyWorship:

• ‍ Limited device support. The app has a limited number of supported devices for using a smartphone as a remote, which can be a drawback for some users​. ‍
• Bugs and stability issues. Some users have reported bugs and stability issues, particularly with older versions. This can affect the reliability of the software during services​. ‍
• Subscription Model. The shift to a subscription-based model has not been well-received by all users, especially those who prefer a one-time purchase option.

Churches looking to enhance their presentations should consider an EasyWorship subscription. Its ease of use and wide media compatibility, coupled with wide array of features, make it a solid choice for any church willing to invest into learning how to get the most out of it.

Churches looking to elevate their worship services should consider MediaShout .The platform offers a comprehensive set of features that make it suitable for both small and large congregations, enhancing the worship experience.

Its advanced media handling — including video playback, live streaming, and integration with various Bible translations and song libraries —makes it a serious contender in the space. MediaShout also supports both Windows and Mac, offering a consistent experience across platforms.

Pros of using MediaShout:

• ‍ Extensive feature set. MediaShout helps ministers craft the perfect sermon. How? Thanks to features like displaying Tweets, syncing with Dropbox, and playing audio files. Plus, the platform offers a high degree of customization.
• ‍ User support and community. The platform has a strong support network and a helpful user community. The company offers responsive customer support, including troubleshooting and assistance with any issue. ‍
• Multi-platform support. Available for both Windows and Mac, MediaShout ensures that users can work on their preferred operating system. ‍
• Ease of Use . Despite its advanced features, MediaShout remains accessible to anyone. Its intuitive interface allows quick learning and operation.

Cons of using MediaShout:

• ‍ Steep learning curve. The interface, while simple, has a lot going on. It will take some time to get used to, though it's quite easy for a basic setup. You can make the workflow as complex as you wish. ‍
• Cost. MediaShout comes with a higher price tag compared to some alternatives, with a single license costing $399. ‍
• Text editing limitations. Users have reported limitations in text editing capabilities, often resorting to external programs like PowerPoint for better formatting​.

MediaShout provides a feature-rich and highly customizable solution for church presentations. Its strong support network and multi-platform availability make it a versatile choice for churches looking to enhance their worship services. However, preachers should consider the learning curve and cost before committing.

Proclaim by Logos stands out as a cloud-based church presentation software.

The platform allows teams to collaborate in real-time. Which makes it easier to prepare and update presentations from any location.

Integration with other Faithlife products — such as Logos and Bible Software — help Proclaim stand out. These integrations simplify the process of crafting captivating sermons.

Pros of using Proclaim:

• ‍ Cloud-based collaboration. Proclaim works in the cloud. Anyone with login information can join and work on the presentations. Church staff and volunteers can all collaborate on the same sermon from anywhere. Got a volunteer whose sermon input always strikes a chord in the audience on a trip? No problem, let them login from any internet-connected device and you'll get their contribution. ‍
• Faithlife integrations. The integration other Faithlife tools provides rich content options. The program's content library lets you build your presentation in a matter of minutes. And, with this centralized library, you will have all resources in one place. It will be easy to reuse older content when relevant to your new sermon, building a web of connected teachings. ‍
• Engaging media library. Proclaim comes with a library of over 15,000 pieces of media. Among them, we find worship backgrounds and motion graphics. As a result, you'll find it easy to create engaging and dynamic presentations. Your congregation will find your sermons livelier and more memorable. ‍
• Multi-platform flexibility. Whether you're a Mac or Windows user, Proclaim has got you covered. Churches can work on their preferred operating system. without compromising on functionality. This cross-platform compatibility is crucial for churches with diverse tech setups.

Cons of using Proclaim:

• ‍ Cost . Proclaim operates on a subscription-based model, which can be more expensive compared to one-time purchase alternatives. The pricing varies based on church size, starting from $19.95/month​​. ‍
• Media compatibility issues . Some users have reported difficulties in handling different media sources, which can affect the reliability of the software during services​​. ‍
• Limited slide customization . The software may have fewer advanced slide customization options compared to traditional presentation tools like PowerPoint​

Proclaim's cloud-based design, extensive media library, and integration with Faithlife products set it apart from other solutions in the space. Cloud collaboration especially makes it a solid choice for churches with people who might not always be around to meet up in real life. ]For example, a church with volunteers who travel frequently or team members who live in different cities can greatly benefit from Proclaim. They can all work on the same presentation remotely, ensuring that everything stays up-to-date and synchronized, making the preparation process seamless and efficient for everyone involved.

For example, a church with volunteers who travel frequently or team members who live in different cities can greatly benefit from Proclaim. They can all work on the same presentation remotely, ensuring that everything stays up-to-date and synchronized, making the preparation process seamless and efficient for everyone involved.

OpenLP is a free and open-source church presentation software. It comes with all the features you need from this type of program — the ability to display song lyrics, Bible verses, images, videos, and custom slides.

It comes with all the features you need from this type of program — the ability to display song lyrics, Bible verses, images, videos, and custom slides. Being FOSS, OpenLP is compatible with Linux operating system, something that separates it from the other software on the list. Plus, its VLC media player integration makes it compatible with almost every video and audio format.

Pros of using OpenLP:

• Cost-Effective . Got a tight budget? No problem, OpenLP costs nothing to setup and run. No subscriptions, no limitations. You get full access to the software right out of the box.
• Versatile Media Integration . Thanks to its VLC integration, OpenLP supports a wide variety of video and audio formats. Plus, the software can import PowerPoint presentations and control them.
• Remote Control . The software offers remote control capabilities via Android and iOS apps. Which means you will be able to control presentations from tablets or smartphones. This feature is particularly useful for larger venues or distributed teams.
• Custom Slides and Stage View. Churches can create custom slides for liturgy, announcements, or other content. The stage view feature provides a simplified display for musicians and speakers, accessible from any device with a web browser.

Cons of using OpenLP:

• Limited advanced features . Compared to some paid alternatives, OpenLP lacks certain advanced features and customizations. If you're tech-savvy or run a larger church, you should probably look elsewhere.
• Learning curve and support . Using OpenLP is very much a "learn it the hard way" kind of experience. Several users believe the software needs more comprehensive tutorials and support documentation. The open-source nature means relying on community support rather than dedicated customer service.
• Feature limitations . While OpenLP handles basic presentation needs well, it may not compete with the robust functionality of premium software like ProPresenter or EasyWorship, particularly in areas such as video playback within the software itself.

OpenLP is a cost-effective and versatile solution for churches, especially small to medium-sized congregations looking for a budget-friendly presentation tool. Its open-source nature allows for flexibility and customization, while features like VLC integration and remote control enhance its usability. Churches, however, should be prepared for a potential learning curve and limited advanced features compared to premium alternatives.

Playlister is a church presentation software tailored for Kids Ministry. It streamlines the process of delivering curriculum and media content to screens without the need for complex setups.

Playlister is designed to simplify media delivery and volunteer training. These qualities make it an efficient tool for busy ministry environments.

Pros of using Playlister:

• Simplicity and ease of use . Playlister's intuitive interface allows volunteers to control presentations with minimal training. The system's design makes it accessible even for those with limited technical skills.
• Efficient content delivery . Churches can drag and drop media into playlists, schedule when they appear on TVs, and ensure that all content is ready for sermons without the need for manual setup each week.
• Remote management . Playlister supports remote control via an Apple TV remote, making it easy for volunteers to manage presentations during services. This reduces the need for a dedicated technician to be present in the room.
• Curriculum integration . Playlister works with various curricula, allowing seamless integration and scheduling of lessons. This feature is particularly beneficial for churches using structured teaching materials.

Cons of using Playlister:

• Apple TV dependency . Playlister requires an Apple TV for operation. While the Pro plan includes an Apple TV, the Lite plan requires users to provide their own.
• Limited advanced features . Playlister lacks features like custom slide creation or live video integration. Great software if it already includes what you're looking. Not a fit if you were looking for a more customizable solution.
• Subscription costs . Playlister operates on a subscription basis, with costs starting at $19.99 per screen per month. While this might be affordable for some, it can add up for larger churches with multiple screens.

Playlister offers a user-friendly and efficient solution for Kids Ministry presentations, making it an excellent choice for churches looking to streamline their media delivery and volunteer management. Its integration with Apple TV and easy-to-use interface help reduce the technical burden on staff and volunteers. If you don't mind the Apple TV requirement, then it might be what you're looking for.

‍ Wrapping Up

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best church presentation software. Each option has its own strengths and fits different needs. Slides With Friends works great for those looking into adding interactivity while not caring about church-specific features. ProPresenter might be great for larger churches needing advanced features, while Playlister could be perfect for a simple, easy-to-use tool for Kids Ministry. Consider what matters most to your church, whether it's cost, ease of use, or specific features, and choose the software that aligns best with your preferences and needs.

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