The IT challenges are real for churches: with a remote workforce, shared folders, cybersecurity threats, financial data and sensitive pastoral records, it’s critical that you’ve done everything you can do to build a robust IT system.

Without internal IT knowledge or a healthy budget for quality hardware/software, too often churches make do with a patchwork of free online solutions. Churches need virtual space for podcasts and online services, websites, sharing key information for upcoming events and storing financial records and Working with Children Check (WWCC) details. Then there are the inevitable iPads for sound, media or sign in, staff phones, laptops, printers, wi-fi and more.

The risks are ever-increasing. We need to be good stewards of the data we hold and protect it wisely.

Download the IT Audit Checklist to see how your church stacks up when it comes to IT and where you need to prioritise attention next.


Topics covered in this episode include:

• Domain- Your domain- yourchurchname.com.au- needs to be registered and maintained, annually or every two years. If this lapses, your email and website can stop working because they aren’t directed to the right place.
• Emails- Avoid POP and iMAP emails, like Gmail, Hotmail and the ones that come with your internet provider.
• Shared file storage- Gather all your files in ONE place so there’s a single source of truth.
• Data recovery & backups
• Hoaxes/phishing/spam/scams- How to spot dodgy emails.
• Cybersecurity
• Microsoft 365 Not-for-profit Solutions- FREE options
• Setting up for success

Be prepared to pay for expert help to get your IT system set up right, so you have the best possible chance of maintaining IT in-house. That way you have a trusted IT specialist you can call on if things go pear-shaped. Think of reliable IT support an insurance policy for the future, protecting your church from reputation cost, damaged relationships and even legal action.

Where should churches start?
Start talking about IT in your regular meetings.
Bring your IT person into the discussion.
Create an action plan: data, security, backups and start at the most crucial point.

Resources
Royal Commission Report: Record Keeping & Information Sharing
Microsoft Non-profit Solutions
IT Audit Checklist
Gravity IT
Essential Eight