Megachurches count on software to help keep track of their members

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Dallas Morning News

On any given Sunday, about 5,000 kids come into the children's ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.

Families form lines and check in at 32 kiosks spread among the church's six entrances, swiping "Quick Passes" at the self-service machines. Parents register the kids for classes, then a kiosk spits out sticky name badges for both parent and child with identifying information: child's and parent's names, classroom and any food allergies.

About a dozen of the kiosks have volunteers standing by to help families who have forgotten their digitized cards.

Badges in hand, parents walk their kids to one of 85 classrooms for a Bible-focused story hour, playtime or worship before they themselves head off for services in Prestonwood's main sanctuary.

"This was essential to us," Prestonwood executive pastor Mike Buster said of the technology to ensure children's safety. "Volunteers are at every entrance making sure everyone has a badge."

Prestonwood relies on a special computer software designed for churches to keep track of who is where – not just which children should go home with which parents.

Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/DN-ChurchBiz_10bus.ART0.State.Edition1.4d781fe.html

[Taverner]

1. Well, on one hand they won't mix up kids

On the other hand, they'll mix up kids

[tridim]

2. They should just wiretap everyone, like their sacred President does.

[CatholicEdHead]

3. You get lost in the shuffle with 27,000 church members and 5000 children

I now have Green Day's 'Jesus of Surburia" song in my head after reading this. You sure do question the church's priorities when trying to manage something that large.

[sharp_stick]

4. I don't understand the draw of such places

Being someone that avoids churches in general probably doesn't help but what could possibly draw people to attend a church that resembles an arena more than a place of worship? I wonder what the odds are of actually ever meeting the pastor?

When I was a kid the pastor of my Grandparents church would come by for Sunday dinner at least a few times a year. I bet the guy that runs this place is too busy sucking down caviar and wondering where to take his private jet to actually have a meal with a member.

[LiberalFighter]

7. How well will they get to know others in the congregation? Geesh.

Then again maybe they attend so they can get lost in the crowd.

[Blue_Tires]

9. the general mentality of 'bigger is better"

hey, if 10,000 people join a local church, it must be really good, right??:sarcasm:

also, the country club mentality comes into play sometimes...remember, so many of these members live, work and play in the same social circles...you don't want to be the only person in your circle to NOT attend the megachurch, right?? this is even more so the case with the rich and influential... I have relatives who attend a megachurch in Atlanta, and although they won't admit it, their joining is as much of a business/social/networking decision as a religious one...

[pipoman]

11. Rest assured there are many, many pastors in a church that size.

[yourout]

5. They figure heaven is like a Pro Football game.....the more you pay the better your seat.

[RoccoR5955]

6. Rounding them up like sheep to the slaughter. N/T

[GreenPartyVoter]

8. Nothing like the personal touch. I understand that megachurches can offer a lot of "bling" but

for me it would just be too big and overwhelming. I don't want to be a face lost in the throng. I want to know and be known by my fellow church members.

[deaniac21]

10. OH, THE HUMANITY!!

[ColbertWatcher]

12. I thought they put RFID chips in their communion wafers. n/t

[pipoman]

13. I can't understand why

every thread here at DU which involves a church results in criticism, insults, and hate talk. I mean, I haven't been to a church service in over 10 years but is it really necessary to bash people who you don't know over something as insignificant as their registration process, who the fuck cares what they do or why they do it?