Preachly.io vs Church Center
Church Center is your members' app. Preachly.io is the no-login page anyone can open from a QR code. They overlap less than you'd think — and most churches benefit from both.
Two different audiences
Church Center (from Planning Center Online) is built for committed members who sign in to join groups, give, register for events, and check in kids. Preachly.io is built for the service itselfand for everyone in the room — including the first-time guest who will never download an app.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Preachly.io | Church Center |
|---|---|---|
| No app or login to view | ✓ | Profile-based |
| Works for first-time guests | ✓ | Limited |
| Sermon slides in a viewer | ✓ | ✗ |
| Worship songs with streaming links | ✓ | ✗ |
| Per-service QR code | ✓ | ✗ |
| Groups, giving, registrations | Links | ✓ |
| Child check-in | ✗ | ✓ |
| Planning Center integration | ✓ | ✓ (native) |
| Connect cards → Planning Center People (no login) | ✓ | In-app only |
| Engagement analytics | ✓ | Basic |
It also captures — straight into Planning Center
Preachly.io isn't just one-way. Add a connect card to your page and a first-time guest, prayer request, or next step flows directly into Planning Center People — with a note attached and an optional follow-up workflow — without asking anyone to download Church Center or sign in. That's the difference: Church Center captures members who already log in; Preachly.io captures the guest standing in your lobby who never will.
Better together
You don't have to choose. Keep Church Center for members managing groups, giving, and registrations. Use Preachly.io for the frictionless Sunday link — the one you put on the screen so everyone, member or guest, can grab the slides, songs, scripture, and next steps in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Preachly.io a replacement for Church Center?
Not exactly — they solve different problems. Church Center is a members’ app for groups, giving, registrations, and check-ins inside Planning Center. Preachly.io is a public, no-login page for sharing each service’s slides, songs, scripture, and announcements. Many churches use both.
Do people need to log in to Church Center and Preachly.io?
Church Center is designed around a member profile — most useful once someone signs in. Preachly.io requires no app and no login at all; attendees scan a QR code or tap a link and see everything instantly, which is why it works for first-time guests.
Can I use Preachly.io with Planning Center?
Yes. Preachly.io integrates directly with Planning Center Online. After a one-time authorization you can import a service plan — worship songs, scripture, artwork, and speaker info — and publish it to your congregation in about 30 seconds.
Which is better for first-time guests?
Preachly.io. Guests are the least likely to download a church app or create a profile. A Preachly.io page opens instantly with no friction, so guests can access the sermon, songs, and next steps before they leave the building.