Are you drowning in spreadsheets trying to manage your church operations? In 2025, the right church management software isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for growth and engagement. With 83% of growing churches citing digital tools as critical to their success, choosing the right platform can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving in today’s digital ministry landscape.
CDM+ in 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
CDM+ has established itself as a powerful church management solution that offers a unified platform to connect members, leaders, and staff. As we navigate through 2025, this integrated software continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of religious organizations.
Core Functionality
CDM+ provides a robust set of features designed specifically for churches and nonprofit organizations:
- Membership Management: Maintain accurate records of church members and their involvement
- Attendance Tracking: Monitor participation in services and events
- Contribution Recording: Streamline donation management with online and text giving options
- Fund Accounting: Handle church finances with specialized accounting tools
- Facilities Management: Coordinate room usage and maintenance
- Check-In/Check-Out System: Enhance security for children’s ministry
- Online Registration: Simplify event signup processes
- Payroll Management: Handle staff compensation efficiently
The platform operates as a comprehensive ecosystem where all these functions work together seamlessly, eliminating the need for multiple disconnected systems.
CDM+ Pricing Structure in 2025
CDM+ offers several tiered plans to accommodate churches of different sizes and needs. Here’s a breakdown of their current pricing:
Starter Plan – $25/month
- Attendance tracking
- Check-in/Check-out functionality
- Contributions with online and text giving
- Facilities manager
- Fund accounting
- Membership management
- Online registration
- Payroll
Grow 1 Plan – $50/month
- All Starter features
- Enhanced capacity for growing congregations
Grow 2 Plan – $75/month
- All Grow 1 features
- Further expanded capabilities
Choice Plan – $50/month
- 1 Program
- CDM+ Mobile access
- Concurrent user capability
- Free updates
- Phone/Email support
- Secure offsite cloud hosting
- Unlimited givers
- Unlimited individuals
- Unlimited records
Core Plan – $100/month
- Accounting
- Attendance
- Contributions with online and text giving
- Membership
- Payroll
Complete Plan – $175/month
- Check-in/Check-out
- Contributions with online giving
- Events with online registration
- Facilities manager
- Regional capabilities
- Sales order functionality
- Unlimited givers
Most plans charge an additional $5/month per user, except for the Essentials and Complete plans which include unlimited users. This flexible pricing structure allows churches to scale their software investment as they grow.
CDM+ vs. Planning Center: Head-to-Head Comparison
Planning Center has emerged as one of CDM+’s main competitors in the church management space. Let’s see how these two platforms stack up against each other in 2025:
Deployment Options
| Software | Cloud-Based | On-Premise | Mobile Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDM+ | Yes | Yes | iOS, Android |
| Planning Center | Yes | No | iOS, Android |
CDM+ offers greater flexibility with both cloud-hosted and on-premise options, while Planning Center operates exclusively as a cloud solution.
User Experience
Planning Center has gained popularity for its modern, intuitive interface that requires minimal training. CDM+, while comprehensive, has a slightly steeper learning curve but offers more customization options for power users.
Pricing Approach
Planning Center uses a modular pricing approach where churches pay only for the specific modules they need. This can be cost-effective for smaller churches with limited needs. CDM+’s tiered structure, as detailed above, provides comprehensive packages that may deliver better value for medium to large congregations needing multiple features.
Integration Capabilities
Both platforms offer API access, but CDM+ has developed a reputation for stronger integration with accounting systems and third-party tools, making it potentially more suitable for churches with complex technical ecosystems.
CDM+ vs. SteepleMate: The 2025 Showdown
SteepleMate is another significant player in the church management software market. Here’s how it compares to CDM+ in 2025:
Pricing Models
SteepleMate offers a free tier that allows churches to manage members, guests, and prayer networks at no cost. Their premium tier, SteepleMate Pro, costs $69.99/month and includes a more comprehensive set of tools.
CDM+’s pricing starts at $25/month but offers more specialized features even at its entry-level tier. For churches with specific needs like robust accounting or advanced check-in systems, CDM+ may provide better value despite the higher starting price.
Deployment Flexibility
| Software | Cloud Hosted | On-Premise | Platform Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDM+ | Yes | Yes | Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac |
| SteepleMate | Yes | Yes | Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac |
Both platforms offer similar deployment options, giving churches flexibility in how they implement their management systems.
Support Options
SteepleMate stands out with its 24/7 support, including chat, phone, email, and knowledge base access. CDM+ offers email, phone, and knowledge base support but doesn’t advertise 24/7 availability. For churches that frequently need assistance outside business hours, this could be a deciding factor.
QuickBooks Integration
SteepleMate prominently features its QuickBooks integration as a key selling point, while CDM+ offers its own comprehensive accounting module. Churches already using QuickBooks might find SteepleMate’s integration more appealing, while those looking for an all-in-one solution might prefer CDM+’s native accounting features.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between CDM+ and Competitors
1. Congregation Size and Growth Trajectory
Small churches with limited budgets might find SteepleMate’s free tier or Planning Center’s modular pricing more accessible. However, growing churches should consider CDM+’s scalability, which accommodates expansion without requiring a platform change.
2. Technical Expertise of Staff
CDM+ offers more customization options but requires a moderate level of technical proficiency. Churches with limited IT resources might prefer Planning Center’s more intuitive interface or SteepleMate’s simplified user experience.
3. Specific Feature Requirements
Churches should prioritize their must-have features:
- Focus on Children’s Ministry? Compare the check-in/check-out systems.
- Complex Accounting Needs? Evaluate CDM+’s native accounting against competitors’ integrations.
- Event Management Priority? Assess online registration capabilities and calendar features.
4. Budget Considerations
While pricing shouldn’t be the only factor, it’s important to calculate the total cost of ownership:
- Factor in per-user costs ($5/month for most CDM+ plans)
- Consider implementation and training expenses
- Evaluate the cost of potential integrations with other systems
5. Mobile Accessibility
In 2025, mobile access is non-negotiable. All three platforms offer mobile solutions, but usability varies. Churches with tech-savvy congregations should test the mobile experiences of each platform before deciding.
Making Your Final Decision: CDM+ or Alternatives?
After comparing features, pricing, and capabilities, how should you make your final decision between CDM+ and competitors like Planning Center or SteepleMate?
Request Demos of Your Top Choices
Theory and comparison charts only tell part of the story. Schedule demonstrations with your shortlisted providers to see the software in action. Pay attention to:
- Interface intuitiveness
- Workflow efficiency
- Mobile experience
- Report generation
Involve Multiple Stakeholders
Include representatives from different ministry areas in the decision process:
- Financial team members
- Children’s ministry leaders
- Administrative staff
- Volunteer coordinators
- IT support personnel
Each will bring valuable perspective on how the software meets their specific needs.
Consider Future Needs, Not Just Current Requirements
The church management software you choose should serve you for years to come. CDM+ has demonstrated longevity and consistent updates, making it a stable choice for organizations thinking long-term.
Evaluate Customer Support Thoroughly
Even the best software requires occasional support. Test each provider’s responsiveness before committing:
- Send pre-sales questions at different times
- Ask about training resources
- Inquire about implementation assistance
Conclusion: Is CDM+ Right for Your Church in 2025?
CDM+ stands out as a comprehensive, scalable solution for churches seeking an all-in-one management platform. Its strength lies in integration – offering a unified ecosystem where membership, contributions, accounting, and facilities management work seamlessly together.
For churches prioritizing customization, accounting functionality, and a proven track record, CDM+ represents an excellent investment. Its tiered pricing structure accommodates growth, and its value-for-money rating of 4.3/5 reflects strong user satisfaction.
However, churches with simpler needs or tighter budgets might find Planning Center’s modular approach or SteepleMate’s free tier more accessible entry points to church management software.
The ultimate decision should align with your church’s unique ministry vision, technical capabilities, and growth aspirations. Whichever platform you choose, implementing a robust church management system in 2025 is no longer optional – it’s a fundamental building block for sustainable ministry in the digital age.
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