Places of worship

We’re very aware that many church communities are struggling not only with an ageing and declining congregation, but also with the responsibility for maintaining and heating a large uninsulated building. This is obviously a huge burden when financial resources are limited.

What the majority of churches are rich in, is the centuries of stories to share about people, place and possessions. Churches, amongst their many advantages, are museums. Religion is just one of many themes that someone can learn about when visiting a church: architecture, nature, local, regional and national events, art, music, the list goes on.

Yet, church tourism is generally an untapped market and churches appeal to people for many reasons. Where parish churches do offer a ‘visitor experience’ we’ve often found them to be left wanting in one way or another.

Many paper-based guided tours tend to be too high brow, and text heavy. Pop up exhibition stands and panels often cover up the church fabric that people have come to see, and they usually give an untidy first impression. Churches often also struggle with connectivity – mobile and/or Wi-Fi. All of these reasons are why we designed Info Point. 

Webinar

Why not watch our 22 minute webinar below? It reveals how Info Point can enhance the church visitor experience through a visitor’s own mobile device, regardless of mobile connectivity. Create interactive church tours 3D models and games, encourage donations, plus much, much more. Dan Boys, Wildfi co-founder, showcases some case studies, gives a live demo of the front and back end experience for visitors and content managers. This introduction is followed by a 10 minute Q&A with a panel of PCC members from a benefice on the Isle of Wight.

Info-Point is a one-off capital cost with the following benefits:

• Interactive church tours – signpost visitors to your most significant features and artefacts
• No impact on the fabric of the church – simple plug in and place on a shelf (or similar)
• Unobtrusive – no need for panels or video screens but equally you can install a tablet in a secure enclosure that provides general access, if desired
• Stand-alone – no external connectivity e.g. mobile network necessary
• 360º panoramic images and 3D models with info ‘hotspots’
• Use visitor’s devices – people use their own mobile devices to connect and engage with Info Point
• Self-managed – content is easily uploaded and updated by anyone with login details
• Universal accessibility – any device with a web browser can connect
• Physical Security – locating Info Point out of sight won’t affect performance
• Cyber security – safe for children and protected against hacking and malicious use
• Low power consumption – the same as one 20w light bulb
• Community Sharing – local groups can be given their own independent area, and access, on an Info Point
• Exclusive to visitors – bonus ‘material’ that www surfers can’t access
• Donations – can be encouraged digitally

Whether you need a faculty will depend on a number of factors, and which diocese you belong to. Read our blog post about this for more information.

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