7 Ways Churches and Worship Locations can use QR Codes
Key Takeaways
- Churches and holy sites of all denominations can make use of QR codes
- QR codes can simplify much of the tedious processes involved in church work
- QR codes are easy to make and can be used by just about anyone
Churches and worship sites often struggle to keep up with the modern age. With everyone and everything connected now, it's hard to stay current when you're trying to maintain ancient traditions.
Luckily, QR codes can be a simple way to help modernize your church and streamline much of the tedious processes both staff and patrons have to deal with, like donations and events planning.
In this piece I will cover just that, as well as 7 ways churches can make clever use of QR codes. So let's dive right in!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is an encoded image that can be used as an easy way to access all sorts of digital content. One simple scan with a smart device, like a phone or tablet, and you can be instantly linked to websites, social media pages, images, WiFi logins, parcel tracking, contact information, and just about any kind of virtual media.
These codes are easy to make through a service like QR Code Developer and can be affixed to just about anything you can print a picture on. This can be something like a poster, a flyer, a card, any other type of visual advertisement, and even in on screen media like TV shows, movies, and video games.
How can churches and holy sites use QR codes?
Full disclosure; I will be mostly using Christian terminology for this piece, as it is the dominant religion in my part of the Earth, but all these practices can apply to whatever faith you subscribe to. Whether you're a part of a church, a temple, a mosque, or a coven, QR codes can help you!
As stated above, QR codes can be easy gateways between physical media, like cards and posters, and digital content, like videos and websites. This can be greatly beneficial to church organizers, patrons, donors, and guests alike.
Below are just some of the ways churches and holy sites can make clever use of QR codes.
WiFi login
Just about every public location needs to have WiFi these days, churches included. A QR code can be set up that allows guests and worshippers to sign onto the WiFi network instantly, without needing to ask for the password or type anything in.
Virtual sermons
The COVID-19 pandemic made virtual sermons extremely popular as a way to stay connected to the church even if you can't physically be there. Even though the pandemic has since passed, these can still be used for disabled or ill worshipers to participate in their own spaces.
Additional information
If your worshipers have any additional questions about a particular sermon or lesson, then they can scan a QR code with all the information they could possibly want. This way they can continue their spiritual learning outside of church grounds.
Additionally, the history of your specific building or denomination can be given through a QR code.
Donations
Carrying physical cash has become somewhat rare these days, with most people opting for the convenience of cashless payments, like with bank cards or tap pay on mobile devices. However, churches and holy places heavily rely on patron donations.
Luckily, it's extremely easy to set up a virtual payment page, through something like Square, Stripe, Cashapp, or Venmo, to allow patrons to easily donate without needing to make a trip to the ATM. This will also reduce the amount of cash you need to physically handle and loose pocket change you have to deal with.
Contact information
You want to make sure that you're connected with your patrons or followers, and you also want to make sure that they can contact each other. Thankfully, QR codes can be set up to either list contact information outright or link to a webpage or document that allows for better communication between worshipers, church staff, and whoever else needs to communicate with each other.
Events and services
QR codes can be made to link to your church's official website and allows guests to see or sign up for various events, like potlucks or clothing drives.
Official website
Adding onto the last point, a QR code can be made for your church's official website, which can give current and potential worshippers a better feel for what you are and what your church stands for, as well as schedules and events.
How to make a QR code for a website
• Copy the share link for your desired web address
• In QR Code Developer, click on Create Code.
• Select the Website option as your code type.
• Name your code and paste the link into the URL bar.
• Click on the pencil icon in the Preview window to further customize the look of your code.
• Click Generate.
• Test your code on multiple devices.
Benefits of using QR codes
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up.
QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Customizable
QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it's possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
Monitoring code usage
With the tools available on QRCodeveloper, as well as other code generators, you can monitor the usage of any code you create. This can include how many times a code has been scanned, where it has been scanned, on what device, using what browser, and more. With these tools, you can figure out which codes are reaching the most people and where to focus any advertising efforts.
With QRCodeveloper you can monitor:
• Number of scans
• Number of scans by operating system
• Scans by browser
• Scans by country
• Scans by city
• Scans by language
• Unique scans
General tips
Know your audience: If you're certain that most of your intended audience doesn't know how to use QR codes or just don't like them, then don't use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don't place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that's easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can churches and worship sites make use of QR codes?
Yes. Worship sites of all denominations can use QR codes in various ways to make life easier for both patrons and organizers.
Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
What devices can scan QR codes?
Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Are QR codes safe?
While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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