Setup for the Member Portal

The Empower Church Management Software includes a Member Portal that allows church members to manage their personal information, view church directories, and access contribution history. This documentation provides an overview of the Member Portal, its features, and step-by-step instructions for setup and usage.

Member Portal Status

• Enabled/Disabled: The Member Portal can be enabled or disabled based on church preferences.
• User Data Updates: Members can update their personal information, including contact details and out-of-town information.

Personal Statuses

• Access Control: Access to the Member Portal is gated by personal statuses (e.g., member, regular attender, former member).
• Directory Visibility: Only certain personal statuses can view the church directory.

Activities and Contributions

• Activity Management: Members can view activities associated with their profiles.
• Contribution History: Members can access their giving history and download contribution statements.

Custom Links

• External Resources: The portal can include links to external giving platforms and other resources.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Enabling the Member Portal

1. Log In: Access your Empower database by entering your URL, email, and password.
2. Navigate to Options: From the dashboard, click on Utilities and then select Options.
3. Access Member Portal Settings: Click on Member Portal in the left-hand menu.
4. Edit Member Portal Status: Click the pencil icon to edit the Member Portal status. Enable or disable as needed.
5. User Data Update Options:
   • Allow users to update their data.
   • Allow users to update their out-of-town information.
   • Enable review of member changes for admin approval.
6. Terms of Service: Edit the terms of service paragraph that users must agree to upon signing up.
7. Save Changes: Click Save Changes to apply your settings.

Configuring Personal Statuses

1. Access Personal Statuses: In the Member Portal settings, locate the section for personal statuses allowed to log in.
2. Select Statuses: Choose which statuses (e.g., members, regular attenders, former members) can log in.
3. Save Changes: Click Save Changes to apply your selections.

Managing Directory Access

1. Directory Settings: Decide who can view the church directory.
2. Select Allowed Statuses: Uncheck any statuses (e.g., visitors, regular attenders) that should not have access.
3. Save Changes: Click Save Changes to finalize your directory settings.

Enabling Activities and Contributions

1. Activities Options: Enable or disable member portal activities.
2. Contribution History: Enable or disable access to contribution history.
3. Add Online Giving URL: If using a third-party giving platform, provide the URL for direct access.
4. Custom Links: Add any additional links to documents, forms, or payment gateways that members may need.