Unleashing the Power of Workflows in Planning Center People

Planning Center People is a comprehensive church management solution that offers a myriad of features to streamline church operations. Among these features, the Workflows module stands out for its ability to automate processes, track progress, and ensure no one falls through the cracks. This blog post will delve into the main benefits of Workflows and provide examples of potential workflows that can enhance your church's operations.

What is a Workflow?

A workflow is a series of steps that guide the people in your church through a specific process. This could be anything from becoming a member, expressing interest in volunteering, or following up with individuals who have been absent for a while. Each step in the workflow is defined by you and can be as specific as you want, such as "send welcome email" or "run background check."

When you add someone to a workflow, their progress is stored in a card. This card serves as a historical record for this person and is a convenient place to keep track of notes about your interactions. To ensure no one falls through the cracks, cards are always assigned to someone on your team, making it clear who is responsible for the next step. You can reassign a card to a new person at any time, and even automatically reassign a card to a certain person for each step.

Benefits of Workflows

Streamlined Processes

Workflows allow you to streamline your church's processes by automating tasks and ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities. This can significantly reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing your team to focus more on ministry.

Improved Communication

Workflows facilitate better communication within your team. Everyone involved in a workflow can see the progress of each step and who is responsible for what. This transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Enhanced Tracking

With Workflows, you can easily track the progress of various processes in your church. This can help you identify bottlenecks, monitor trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve your operations.

Potential Workflow Examples

Volunteer Onboarding

You can create a workflow for onboarding new volunteers. This could include steps like sending an information packet, scheduling a training session, and assigning them to a team. With Workflows, you can ensure that each new volunteer receives a consistent onboarding experience.

Member Integration

Workflows can also be used to guide new members through the integration process. This could involve steps like sending a welcome email, inviting them to a newcomers' meeting, and connecting them with a small group.

Absentee Follow-Up

If a regular attendee has been missing for a while, you can use a workflow to ensure they are followed up with. This could include steps like sending a check-in email, calling them, or arranging a pastoral visit.

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Conclusion

Workflows in Planning Center People offer a powerful way to streamline your church's operations, improve communication, and enhance tracking. By implementing workflows, you can ensure that no one falls through the cracks and that everyone in your church is cared for. Whether you're onboarding new volunteers, integrating new members, or following up with absentees, workflows can make the process smoother and more efficient.

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