Why should I care about this app?

Church Center is how we stay connected beyond Sundays. Whether you're new to Bethel or have been here for years, the app makes it easy to register for events, give securely, update your info, and stay in the loop. It’s the simplest way to engage with life at Bethel—all in one place. You don’t need to be a member to use Church Center. Guests can register for events, explore what’s happening, and get connected.

Get Started with Church Center

Church Center Video Walkthroughs

Why Connectedness Matters — And How Church Center Helps Us Get There

Vision-setting: why we’re doing this, and how Church Center supports deeper connection at Bethel.

How to Install Church Center

Sign up quickly for events, workshops, and special gatherings.

How to Access Church Center as a guest

For visitors and newcomers — what you can access without logging in.

Quick Overview of Church Center

A brief walkthrough of the full app before we break down each feature.

How to Manage Your Profile in Church Center

Update your contact info, add household members, and keep your details current.

How to Navigate the Home Screen in Church Center

Learn what each tab does and how to find what you need quickly.

How to View Events in the Church Center Calendar

Browse what’s coming up and stay in the loop with all Bethel events.

How to Join and Use Groups in Church Center

Find ministries, small groups, and stay connected throughout the week.

How to Manage Your Giving in Church Center

Give one-time or recurring gifts, and view your full giving history.

How to Manage Your Directory Info in Church Center (If Invited)

Update what others can see once you’ve been added to the member directory.

How to Register for Events Using the Signups Tab

Sign up quickly for classes, gatherings, and more — all in one place.

Prefer to Read Instead? Step-by-Step Written Guides 

Each of the video topics is also available as a written walkthrough below. Perfect if you want to go at your own pace, revisit a step, or save for later.

1. How to Install the Church Center App (iOS & Android)

The Church Center app connects you to Bethel’s events, giving, directory, and more. It’s free to install and takes just a few minutes to set up.

For iPhone/iPad (iOS):

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Tap the Search icon and type: “Church Center App”.
  3. Look for the app called Church Center App with a blue and green icon.
  4. Tap Get to install the app.
  5. Once installed, tap Open.

For Android:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. In the search bar, type: “Church Center App”.
  3. Look for the app with a blue and green icon labeled Church Center App.
  4. Tap Install, then tap Open once it finishes

2. Logging In and Connecting to Bethel AME Church

Once you’ve installed the Church Center app, the next step is to connect it to Bethel and log in securely.

For iPhone/iPad (iOS):

  1. Open the Church Center app.
  2. Tap "Get Started".
  3. Tap "Search manually."
  4. In the search bar, type: 100 Wachusett Street, Boston, MA 02130
  5. Tap on Bethel AME Church - Boston, MA when it appears.
  6. Tap "This is my church."

For Android:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. In the search bar, type: “Church Center App”.
  3. Look for the app with a blue and green icon labeled Church Center App.
  4. Tap Install, then tap Open once it finishes

Step-by-Step: Log In Securely

  1. Enter your mobile phone number or email address.
  2. Tap Next and check your phone or email for a 6-digit code.
  3. Enter the code in the app and tap Next again. 
  4. Select your profile when your name appears.
  5. You're in! The app will keep you logged in unless you log out.
Tip: If your name doesn’t appear, you may be prompted to enter it to create a new profile. You can still access everything you need.

3. How to Update Your Profile in Church Center

Your profile helps us keep in touch with you and serve your household better. You can update your contact info, add family members, and even upload a photo — all from the app.

How to Access Your Profile

  1. Open the Church Center app.
  2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  3. Tap "My profile & settings."

What You Can Update

  • Phone Number
  • Email address
  • Mailing Address
  • Gender, marital status, birthdate (may be locked if managed by the church)
  • Add household members (e.g., spouse, children)
    • If you're an adult in your household, you'll be able to:
    • Edit information for family members
    • Add a new adult or child
    • Remove someone from your household if needed
    (Note: this does not delete their church profile - it only removes them from your household view.)

    Profile Photo

    1. From your My profile & settings page, tap your current photo (or initials circle).
    2. Choose to take a new photo or upload from your phone gallery.
    3. Crop as needed and saSelect your profile when your name appears.
    4. You're in! The app will keep you logged in unless you log out.

    Tip: A clear, front-facing photo helps people recognize you if you choose to be listed in the directory.

    4. How to Navigate the Home Screen in Church Center

    The Home screen is your starting point in the Church Center app. It’s where you’ll find quick access to the most important links, updates, and next steps at Bethel.

    What you'll Find on the Home Screen

    • Welcome Message from Bethel

    Quick Links to things like:

    • Worship Service Times
    • Event Registration
    • Online Giving
    • Video Content (including our Livestream)
    • Featured Announcements or seasonal highlights
    • Contact or Help Info

    How to Access the Home Screen

    1. Open the Church Center app.
    2. After logging in, you’ll land directly on the Home screen
    3. If you’re navigating from another tab, just tap “Home” in the bottom menu bar.

    What Each Tab Does (Quick Overview)

    At the bottom of your screen, you’ll see navigation tabs that include:
    • Home – Your starting point with announcements and quick links
    • Calendar – View upcoming events and service times
    • Groups – Join or manage your small groups and ministry teams
    • Give – Make donations and manage your giving
    • More – Access additional features like Directory, Signups, or Settings

    5. How to View Events in the Church Center Calendar

    The Calendar tab in Church Center helps you stay up to date with what’s happening at Bethel. From worship services to special events, everything scheduled by the church is listed here in one place.

    How to Access the Calendar

    1. Open the Church Center app.
    2. Tap the "Calendar" tab in the bottom menu.
    3. You’ll see two sections:
    • Featured Events – Priority events Bethel wants to highlight (e.g., special services, workshops, major gatherings).
    • Upcoming Events List – A full, scrollable list of all scheduled events in chronological order.

    Bookmark Events for Quick Access 

    1. Tap on any event.
    2. Tap the "Bookmark" button.
    3. Afterbook marking, a small label will appear showing it's saved.

    View Your Personal Schedule

    After bookmarking events (or registering for others), you can find everything in one place:
    1. Tap the three dots next to "Bookmarked".
    2. Select "View My Schedule."
    3. This shows all events you've registered for or bookmarked.

    Subscribe to Your Church Schedule

    To automatically sync your Bethel events with your personal calendar app:

    1. From the My Schedule screen, tap the "Actions" button in the top right corner.
    2. Choose "Subscribe to Calendar."
    3. Follow the prompts based on your device:
    • Google Calendar
    • Apple Calendar
    • Outlook, etc

    Once subscribed, any future events you sign up for or bookmark will appear in your personal calendar automatically.

    Tip: Subscribing to your Church Center calendar means you’ll never miss an event — even if you forget to check the app.

    6. How to Join and Use Groups in Church Center

    Church isn’t just about showing up on Sunday — it’s about building relationships. The Groups tab in Church Center helps you connect with ministries, small groups, Bible studies, and teams at Bethel.

    How to Access the Groups Tab 

    1. Open the Church Center app.
    2. Tap the "Groups" tab in the bottom menu.
    3. You’ll groups that are:
    • Open to browse (public or interest based groups)
    • Private or invite only (which may not appear unless you've been added)

    How to Join a Group

    If a group is open to join:

    1. Tap on the group name to view its details.
    2. Tap "Join" or "Request to Join".
    3. A group leader may follow up if approval is required.

    Some groups are visible but require approval to join, while others are by invitation only.

    Once You're in a Group, You Can:

    • See upcoming group meetings or group events
    • View group members (if enabled)
    • Get updates or announcements
    • Chat with your group (if messaging is enabled)
    • Check resources shared by your leader (e.g., documents, devotionals, links)

    7. How to Manage Your Giving in Church Center

    Church Center makes giving to Bethel secure, simple, and completely under your control. Whether you're giving once, setting up recurring support, or downloading your annual statement, it's all right in the app.

    Ways to Give in the App 

    • One-Time Gifts
    • Recurring Gifts (weekly, monthly, bi-weekly, etc.)

    You can give using:

    • Credit or Debit Card
    • Bank Account (ACH)
    • Apple Pay/Google Pay (if enabled)

    How to give a One-Time or Recurring Gift

    1. Tap the Give tab in the bottom menu (or find it under “More”).
    2. Enter the amount you’d like to give.
    3. Choose which fund to give to (e.g. General, Missions, Building)
    4. Select "One Time" or set a recurring schedule.
    5. Choose your payment method or add a new one.
    6. Tap Give Now to complete your donation.

    You'll receive a confirmation email after each donation.

    Manage Recurring Giving

    You can view and manage all recurring gifts from your profile:
    1. Tap your profile icon (top right corner).
    2. Select My Giving.
    3. Under Recurring Donations, you can:
    • Pause or cancel an active gift
    • Change the amount or frequency
    • Update the payment method used

    Updating Your Payment Method

    Inside My Giving, you can:

    • Add a new credit/debit card or bank account

    • Remove or replace a saved payment method

    • Set a default Payment source for future gifts

    Viewing and Downloading Giving History

    1. Go to My Giving from your profile.
    2. Tap Donation History to view your full giving record.
    3. Filter by year or method if needed.
    4. Tap Download Statement to get your annual tax statement.

    All records are saved and downloadable at any time.

    Security & Privacy

    • Your giving is private - only you and authorized finance admins can see your giving history.
    • Church Center uses encrypted payment processing through strip (a secure industry standard).
    • Bethel does not store or see your full payment details

    8. How to Manage Your Directory Info in Church Center

    The Directory in Church Center is a private, invite-only space that helps Bethel members connect with one another. It’s like a secure digital church phonebook — but you’re in full control of what others see.

    Who Can See the Directory?

    Only members who have been invited and who choose to share their info can view others. If you’re in the directory, you’ll only see members who have also opted in.

    What You Can Choose to Share

    When you manage your profile for the directory, you can choose to include:

    • Your name
    • Your photo
    • Phone number
    • Email
    • Mailing address
    • Household photo and family members (if desired)

    How to Manage What Others See

    1. Tap your profile icon in the top right
    2. Select "My profile & settings."
    3. Tap "Manage directory settings" (only visible if you're invited).
    4. For each person in your household, you can:

    • Toggle on/off what you want to share
    • Choose to add a photo
    • Share contact info or limit visibility

    Household View

    You’ll also be able to upload a household photo and see how your family appears to others in the directory. Children’s info is limited and protected by default.

    Tip: You can update or remove your info from the directory anytime — you’re always in control.

    FAQ's

    Church Center is Bethel’s official mobile and web app for staying connected. You can register for events, give securely, manage your profile, and join groups — all in one place. We’re using it to simplify engagement and help you take next steps more easily.

    No password needed. Just enter your phone number or email, and you’ll receive a one-time 6-digit code to log in securely.

    Yes! Guests can open the app and browse events (via the Calendar or Signups tab), give a donation, and explore public groups — all without creating an account or logging in.

  • Calendar shows everything happening at Bethel — services, classes, and public events (whether or not registration is required).
  • Signups shows only events that require registration or RSVP — including ones that may not appear on the home screen.

    • Yes. When you register for an event, you can include other members of your household, like your spouse or children, all in one form.

    Yes. You can bookmark an event, then tap the three dots next to “Bookmarked” → View My Schedule → Actions → Subscribe to Calendar. From there, choose your calendar app (Google, Apple, Outlook) and sync future events automatically.

    Tap the Give tab to make a one-time or recurring donation using a card, bank account, or Apple/Google Pay. Giving is processed securely through Stripe, and your information is never visible to other members or staff.

    Yes. When giving, select a recurring schedule (weekly, monthly, etc.). You can view, edit, or cancel recurring gifts anytime under My Giving.

    The Directory is invite-only and private. If you’ve been added, you can choose what personal information (photo, phone, email, etc.) to share with other directory participants. You control your own visibility and can update your settings anytime.

    Some tabs, like Groups or Directory, are only visible once you’ve been added or approved. If you don’t see a tab, it may be invite-only or not currently enabled for your account. If you're unsure, ask a Bethel staff member or Church Center Guide for help.

    We’re here to help! Just fill out the support form below, and a member of our Church Center Support Team will follow up with you directly. We’ll make sure you get the help you need — step by step.

    Want Help or Want to Help Others? 

    We’re building a growing team of members who can support others with Church Center. Whether you need help or feel called to offer it, we’d love to hear from you.

    Submit a Church Center Help FormJoin the Church Center Team

    Meet Your Church Center Support Team 

    Need help using Church Center?
    If you’re having trouble getting started, registering for events, or just have a question — we’re here to help.
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