Technology changes rapidly, and one of the latest changes you’re likely to see (if you haven’t already) is NFC tags for churches. Sure, you’ve used tap to pay for your third latte of the day…but did you know that people can now tap to get more connected with your church?
There are now software tools made just for churches that can help you manage NFC tags. But if you're not looking to add yet another subscription, there’s also a DIY approach you can take in just a few simple steps.
Keep reading to see how you can easily—and affordably!—set up tap features for your church.
But first…
What is NFC anyway?
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range communication technology that enables two devices to pass data when they’re placed near each other.
Think of it like QR codes, but even simpler—instead of opening up your camera and aligning the code just right, you can tap your phone against the NFC tag and instantly arrive at whatever web address the tag is programmed for. Newer phones have NFC automatically enabled, while other models have a setting that you’ll want to toggle on. (Run, don’t walk!)
NFC is what makes contactless giving or payments possible, like using your debit card at the grocery store or your Starbucks rewards card (we see you grabbing that group order on Sunday morning). While QR codes require an extra step to open your camera app, NFC tags work with just a simple tap for a more seamless experience.
And now, with this same technology, you can make it even easier for people to learn more about your church and get connected!
Here’s how to do it yourself in 3 easy steps.
1. Buy NFC tags for your church
The first thing you’ll want to do is order your hardware. That may sound scarier than it is, so just think of it as supplies.
You’ll want to get either tap cards or stickers, depending on how you plan to use them. Here are some inexpensive cards and stickers that we’ve found work well.
Stickers can be placed on the backs of chairs in your sanctuary. Then, at any point during their attendance, people can tap a chair sticker to engage.
Alternatively, cards can be placed at a table in your church lobby for people to grab, or even placed in a newcomer’s welcome bag. People can take them home, tap them, and then engage with what they’re looking for.
But what are they engaging with? It’s totally up to you! Because once you have your tags, you’ll need to program them.
2. Program your NFC tags
You’ll need to use a mobile app to program your tags, and there are many to choose from in popular app stores. We’ve found that NFC Tools for iOS or Android works well.
When you open your app of choice, this is the general process for setting up your tags:
- Find the option to write a tag
- From there, you’ll want to add a new record
- Choose the URL option
- In the text box, enter the link you want to direct people to
- When you’re prompted, hold your phone up to your NFC sticker or card, and it’ll be programmed to go to the link you specified
To do it again, or write new church NFC tags that direct to different URLs, just follow the same steps.
That’s it!
3. Tap people into connection
When people tap a card or sticker, they’ll be linked to anywhere you choose. For example, individual Church Center pages like your home page, giving page, connect form, events page, small groups page…you get the idea!
But you can also take people to a central and simple landing page, which then gives them options to other destinations they can easily access—similar to a Linktree.
Using NFC tags for church can help you get people to a destination on your church website quickly and easily.
No more telling people to check out your site when they get home. No more typing in URLs. No more holding your phone up to a QR code.
Just tap…and arrive.
No matter where you want to direct visitors or regular attendees alike, using NFC tags for ministry will help you get them there instantly and effortlessly.