What is a good alternative solution for churches using ServiceU? In September 2022, ServiceU (also known as EventU) announced that the product would be sunset in April 2023.
For those of you who used ServiceU, you know that it was the gold standard for managing church events for more than 20 years. Now that the product is no longer offered, churches are seeking an alternative.
What About Existing Customers?
The ServiceU team, owned by Ministry Brands, has partnered with Smart Church Solutions to help onboard their clients to eSPACE Event Scheduling as a replacement for ServiceU.
With this strategic partnership, the two teams collaborated in a way to help churches migrate to a new system without a large number of headaches. The eSPACE team provided group training sessions twice a week for 6 months, provided 1x1 training, and offered complimentary API import services for those clients migrating over.
Feedback From ServiceU Customers About eSPACE
We can tell you all about the migration and compare the products, but it is best you hear it from other churches:
“Thank you so much for helping us transition over to eSPACE! It has been a really smooth transition and we seem to have adjusted well. Now that I have a better understanding of eSPACE, I’d like to talk about incorporating facilities setups and the HVAC system into eSPACE."
Bethany Rondon
Receptionist/Facilities Assistant
Fielder Church
"I just want to take a minute and express my sincere appreciation for all the hard work you guys are doing and the gracious way you are answering questions and being available for us."
Cindy Theriot
Ministerial Administrative Assistant
Crosspointe Church
I appreciate your quick response. I have to say we are very impressed with the customer service we have received in eSpace so far!
Linda Olson
Facilities Secretary
Golden Hills Community Church
Alternatives to ServiceU
We already covered one alternative to ServiceU being eSPACE, but there are a few others to consider:
Your Church Management Software (ChMS)
Most church management software options today have a built-in platform for event scheduling. This includes options like ACS Technologies, Servant Keeper, One Church, and Elexio.
Pros: typically free or very inexpensive, along with your church management software subscription.
Cons: typically doesn't have all the features and capabilities that most churches need for event management, such as setup details, real-time conflict detection, rental capabilities, and more.
EMS Professional
This platform was initially designed for schools, colleges, and workplaces. However, it can also work for churches. EMS Professional has many of the same features that ServiceU provides that a typical ChMS would not.
Pros: very robust program with lots of features and capabilities.
Cons: Very expensive and costs +$10,000/year, difficult for less technical members, and no public facing integrations for event requests. Free trial periods are not allowed.
eSPACE Event Management
The best alternative to ServiceU by the company itself is eSPACE Event Management. eSPACE is a full-blown facility management platform built specifically for churches. eSPACE includes Event Management and integrations with HVAC, doors, lights, digital signage, and more. eSPACE also offers a component for work order management, preventative maintenance, and life cycle tracking.
Pros: a very robust program with many features and capabilities, affordable for almost any church, and easy to learn and start with.
Cons: free trial periods are not allowed.
Conclusion
eSPACE Event Management is the best alternative when looking for a replacement to ServiceU, but luckily you still have multiple options. Each church should do its due diligence and find the best solution for them. If you'd like to learn more about eSPACE Facility Management, you can click the button below for a free demo:
