Feature

Description

Unlimited child portals

A child portal is a sub-site that exists under your main site. For example, a child portal may be accessed in the following manner: www.[YourDomainName].org/[ChildPortalName]. The child portal can function as an entirely separate web site from its parent, offering the opportunity to create and manage multiple web sites under a single Church-Link subscription. This feature is useful when you want to create a separate site for a particular ministry (youth, young adults, etc.).

Unlimited pages / nested pages

Add pages / child pages according to your specific requirements without limits or quotas.

Tabbed / dropdown menu navigation

Site navigation can be configured to display a set of horizontal tabs and / or nested drop down menus. Vertical side bar menus are also available.

Hidden Pages

You have the choice of whether or not to include a page in the main navigation menu. If a page is not included in the menu, you can still link to it based on its page URL.

Customizable Menu Structure

Administrators have complete control of the site navigation structure. Easily set / move pages to any place in the menu hierarchy to organize site navigation according to your needs.

Multiple Language Support

The Church-Link application framework supports multiple languages for display of text, labels, and site content. The application currently supports 60 + languages, including English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Catalan, Dutch, Polish, Turkish, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic.

Site Skinning

Church-Link employs a site “skinning” mechanism that allows administrators to change the look and feel of their web site with just a few mouse clicks.

Unlimited Roles and Role Groups

Administrators can create an unlimited number of roles, which can be used to define site security or functional distinctions among members. Each member can be assigned to any number of roles. Roles may be organized into groups for easy categorization.

Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin stores all pages and modules that have been deleted from a site. These pages and modules can be restored or permanently removed.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Features

Administrators can configure a site map which can be submitted to one or more Search Engines for improved search optimization. You can then easily register your site with Google, Yahoo!, and Bing.

Site / Page / Module / Item level security

Site security can be managed at the site, page, and content levels, providing administrators the ability to apply security in any manner according to their needs. Permissions may be assigned to pages and content by role or individual member(s), allowing detailed control over access to both content and functionality.

Page level skinning

A skin may be applied to a single page, set of pages, or the entire site.

Page / module start and expiration dates

Each page and module configuration contains optional start and expiration dates, allowing administrators to post date and / or expire pages and content in advance.

Page / module auto copy and referencing

Existing pages may be copied with their content and used anywhere in the site. Modules may be copied to or referenced from other pages, allowing content to be shared across the site.

RSS Feeds

RSS (Rich Site Summary, or Really Simple Syndication) feeds allow site users to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest content from selected modules.

WYSIWYG editing

What You See Is What You Get: Content authoring is similar to using a word processor such as Microsoft Word, enabling even non-technical users to create and maintain web site content.

HTML source editing

Advanced users with adequate permissions can switch to HTML view to directly modify the source code of HTML content modules.

Image / document / Flash / media libraries

The HTML Editor module (see application features list) is equipped with library functions that enable content authors to upload, manage, and insert multiple file / media types, including images, documents, Flash movies, MP3, etc.

Expand / collapse HTML sections

The expandable Text/HTML module allows content authors to create sections of content on a page that end users can expand and collapse with a mouse click.

Pop-up form navigation

Pop-up form navigation presents the user with a modal dialog window with a prompt and one or more navigation actions.

Integrated Spell Checker

Misspelled words are automatically underlined in red. Content authors can right click to expose a list of possible alternatives, or initiate spell checking on an entire area of text.

Content Staging

Administrators can set the content publishing workflow to either direct publish or content staging. Content staging allows authors to make incrementatal changes and preview content prior to publishing to the site.

Content Versioning

The system will automatically save versions of published content.

Change Tracking

When change tracking is turned on, authors can view the various content changes that have been made during a particular session.

Content Rollback

Authors can revert web content back to a prior version.

Help Files

The Help module can be configured to display an on-line library of help files organized by category.

Printable versions of pages

Each module can be set to display a Print icon that displays a printable version of its content in a separate browser window.

Member Registration & Login

Each site can be configured to allow site visitors to register for an on-line account. When logged in, registered users may be permissioned to view restricted content, pages, and functionality.

Product Documentation

Each site subscription includes a detailed administrator’s guide.

Third party widget support

Administrators can easily insert functionality available from other web sites, such as Verse of the Day, Bible searches, weather, news, etc.

Feature

Description

Announcements

The Announcements module produces a list of simple text announcements consisting of a title and brief description. Options include a read more link to a file, page or other site. Link click tracking and logging are also available. Announcements are ordered from newest to oldest; unless a view order is specified. Announcements publish / expiration dates are also supported.

Art & Photography Gallery

Users can upload and display images of original artwork or photography. Entries may be categorized and sorted. Users may add comments and ratings.

Articles

The Articles module allows advanced articles to be created with functionality such as multi-page, publish/expire dates, categories, comments, ratings, etc. Security can be broken down to allow other registered users to submit and approve articles. Other tools such as RSS, Search, and PDF export are also provided.

Banners

The Banners module displays advertising for other companies. You are in control of the management of both vendor accounts and their advertising banners.

Blog

The web log ("blog") module allows users to communicate their ideas to other users in an organized, accessible format. The blog module allows other users to add comments and ratings. Blogs may be published to social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

Business Card Directory

Members can share their own business card information via a highly customizable interface that supports images, links, styles, and more.

Chat

Group chat which can be used by all users on your site, or a subset of users based upon assigned roles

Child Page List

Displays a hyperlink list of all pages nested under any other page.

Classifieds

Allows users to post their own classified ads by category. Includes automated email notifications, categorization, and search functionality.

Classroom Workspace

Church-Link provides on-line workspaces that organize applicable modules together to facilitate multi-media on-line classes and training spaces

Compassion Workspace

The Compassion Workspace is a tool to be used by a church, ministry, or group as a single point of communication and organization around a specific need to be met within the church or community.

Console

Displays a graphical list of all pages nested under the current page.

Contact Us

A simple form that allows visitors to your site to send you email messages and contact information

Contacts Journal

The Contacts Journal is a tool used to maintain a list of ministry contacts and to track and facilitate the follow up process.

Contacts List

The Contacts module allows users to store a list of contacts and relevant related information. Each entry may contain a contact photo, personal and business information, links to church members, and notes.

Content DeJour

A text/html module which dynamically selects its content based on the current month, day of month, day of year, day of week, profile property, time of day as well as by optional category

Content Tagging

Each page (or module within a page) can be tagged with any number of pre-defined descriptive labels (tags) that enables users to find content beyond the capabilities of a traditional web site search.

Counseling Workspace

The Counseling Workspace is designed to help organize and facilitate a church pastoral counseling program, including the ability to track multiple cases with multiple counselors and counselees. Application security features are utilized to ensure confidentiality.

Course Grade Book

The Course Grade Book module is designed to give instructors a method of sharing grade information with students.  It features an ability to track multiple courses, govern student access by user role, handle multiple tests or assignments, enter grades by student, customize grade point totals, student grade reports, class average scoring, and teacher comments. The module may function within the Classroom Workspace, or as a standalone module anywhere on your site.

Course Quiz

The Course Quiz module is a Quiz/Testing engine built to work within the Classroom Workspace, or as a standalone module anywhere on your site.  Site administrators can create quizzes, and make them available to users by assigning specific quizzes to user roles.  Once the quiz has been created users can take the quiz at any time, and they will receive instant feedback regarding the pass/failure of the quiz.

CountDownUp

A simple counter that allows you to visually track the number of days / hours / minutes to a set day / time.

Custom Lists

The Custom Lists (Form and List) module allows the creation of a list of records with fields (columns) that can be specified by administrators. Each field gets a dedicated type with various additional options like dropdown selection, input validation, input help text, and formatting. Data entry forms are automatically generated by the list definition. Choose to display the form, list, or both to end users. The module also supports data sorting, paging, and searching. Automated email notifications can be set up to generate an email message when items are created, modified, or deleted.

Decisions List

The Decisions List provides a means to document, store, and review decisions related to a particular ministry, team, committee, or group.

Discipleship Workspace

The Discipleship Workspace is a tool designed to facilitate the discipleship development process within the church or its individual ministries.

Discussion Forums

The discussion forum module provides the ability for users to start discussion threads and reply to other people's threads. The forum features includes Role Avatar support, User Banning, Post Reporting Details, Direct Post Links w/ Anchors, Admin/Moderator/User Control Panels, Per Forum RSS Enable/Disable, Support for Multiple Attachments, Support for Inline Post Image Attachments, Per Forum FROM Notification Email Addresses, Email Queue, Subforum Support, Thread Bookmarking, Notification Management , Support for Limiting Post Edit Period, My Posts Support, Search Keyword Highlighting, Private Messaging Outbox, Jump to Last Unread Post Support, Ability to view latest threads by time frame and more.

Documents

The Documents module provides file sharing functionality within the organization. Upload, store, categorize, describe, and download a multiple of document file types.

Donations

The Donations module allows administrators to easily collect donations from their web site using PayPal. After clicking “Donate,” users are directed to PayPal to complete their donation transaction.

Event Planning Workspace

The Event Planning Workspace provides a collection of modules that may be used to organize and plan for an event.

Events

A robust event calendar module that includes a wealth of features such as month / week / day views, all day and recurring events, event categories, location management, schedule conflict checking, event registration with PayPal integration, enrollment moderation, RSS syndication, event priority settings, automated email notifications, automated event expiration, event detail pages, sub-calendars, export to Outlook contacts, and more.

FAQs

The FAQs Module allows Authorized Users to manage a list of Frequently Asked Questions and their corresponding answers. The question is displayed as a link, requiring the user to click on a question to view the corresponding answer.

Feedback

The Feedback module provides a means for web site visitors or members to communicate with administrators or ministry leaders in a variety of ways: ask a question, offer suggestions or comments on a predefined topic, sign up for or express interest in an event or activity, etc. Administrators can optionally solicit contact information from users, and can implement content moderation. Feedback content is both forwarded to you via email and recorded in a secure location on your web site for further reference.

File Manager

Administrators can manage the files stored in their upload directory. This module allows you to upload new files, download files, delete files, set permissions, and synchronize your upload directory. It also provides information on the amount of disk space used and available.

Flash Banner

The Flash Banner module allows you to insert a set of images into your web site and will automatically rotate them at regular intervals. Multiple transition effects are available, as well as an optional menu that allows users to scroll through available images.

Google AdSense

AdSense is an advertisement application run by Google. Website owners can enroll in this program to enable text, image, and video. This module allows you to include AdSense content in your web site.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics (abbreviated GA) is a free service offered by Google that generates detailed statistics about the visitors to a website. This module allows you to interact with this service in an easy to implement manner.

HTML Editor

Add any web content to your web site with MS Word style editing. Add text, images, links, and tables. Supports video and Flash movie integration, spell checking, content approval, versioning, change tracking, and content rollback.

IFrame

The IFrame Module displays content from another website within an inline frame on your site.

Issues List

The Issues List provides a means to document, store, and monitor issues related to a particular ministry, team, committee, or group.

Job Board

The Job Board allows members to post job openings from any number of external sources.

Jobs Wanted

The Jobs Wanted list allows users to post their resume and job availability.

Links

The links module is designed to display user links in several different formats and styles, including a simple list and drop down. You can add a link to an external web site, a page on your site, or a user profile. Links can be opened in the same or a new window, and can display a detailed description of the link content. Includes link tracking by number of clicks and user.

Map

Adds mapping to your web site via Google maps functionality.

Media

The Media module allows you to display image, video, and audio files on your Web page. The media can either be located on another Web site, or uploaded to your Web site. The Media module also lets you add a link from an image.

Meeting Organizer

A Meeting Organizer provides a meeting preparation area to gather attendees, organize the agenda, objectives, and any related documents, as well as an organized space to store historical artifacts generated from a meeting.

Member Directory

The member directory offers a rich list of features around your membership and roles information, including contact list and address card view, user roles, custom grouping, and My Roles view. Members can manage their own profile photos and export contacts to vCard format for importing into MS Outlook. Roles and member filters may be applied, allowing various groups and ministries to configure and use the directory according to their own needs and preferences. The directory may be filtered to function as a staff directory. Search user profiles by any or all profile properties. Advanced reporting features with output to MS Excel, Word, PDF, HTML, and Tiff formats. Administrators can upload new members from a CSV file, and export the entire directory to MS Excel.

Ministries

A listing of ministries offered  by your church / organization, including leadership contact information and links to ministry spaces

Ministry Opportunities

A list of current ministry opportunities with full descriptions and contact information.

Ministry Workspaces

The Ministry Workspace provides a secure, on-line “sub-site” that organizes applicable modules together to facilitate collaboration, communication, and community for ministry teams.

News Feeds

The News Feed Module provides visitors with collected excerpts of content from other modules/websites. This is done via so-called 'syndication' (RSS).

Newsletters

The Newsletters module allows administrators or authorized users to send bulk email to all users belonging to one or multiple selected roles and can also specify additional email addresses manually.

Photo Gallery

A feature-rich photo gallery. The module allows photo(s) to be uploaded, thumbnailed and browsed. Advanced functionality includes approval of photo(s), albums, bulk upload, search integration, tags and syndication via RSS feeds. Use the gallery to share photos of special events, missions trips, etc.

Prayer Requests

Share prayer requests and praise reports with all users or selected roles. Includes categories, search, automated email notifications, and much more.

Private Messaging

The Private Messaging module allows users to send messages, search for other users and receive notifications. Advanced messaging functionality such as emoticons, signatures and read receipts are also provided.

Reports

The Reports Module is designed to display data from your web site's database. Church-link staff can configure the Query used to retrieve data and then users with edit permissions on the module can change the way it is displayed.

Search

The search input module allows users to search for content from all pages across your web site. The search results module is then used to display results to the user. Results are ranked by relevance and include links to each page returned.

Site Map

The site map module displays all the pages on your site in a hierarchical tree view format, providing a high-level view of your entire web site. The module is permission-aware, displaying only the pages authorized for viewing by the current user.

Site Wizard

The site wizard provides administrators with an easy method to provision a site with a template and skin

Small Groups Directory

The Small Groups Directory helps people new to your church find a small group to attend. The directory includes searchable group and contact information.

Small Group Workspaces

The Small Group Workspace provides a secure, on-line “sub-site” that organizes applicable modules together to facilitate collaboration, communication, and community for small groups.

Song Library

The Song Library is a powerful sharing and collaboration tool for worship teams, youth groups, or small group ministries. Songs may be listed in multiple keys, and track song information such as title, artist, tempo, style, and category. The library may be searched using all available columns. Administrators can attach files to each song to support lyric sheets, chord charts, arrangement notes, or any other relevant materials.

Store

The store module allows you to sell products using either Authorize.Net or PayPal. Display items for sale or distribution by category along with shopping cart check out and user account management.

Surveys

The Survey Module generates an easy-to-complete survey to which website visitors can add their input. Survey results are rendered as a bar chart and include the number of individual responses.

Task List

The task list provides a simple and efficient way for individuals or teams to record and track progress of items in a to-do list. Tasks may be assigned to other members, prioritized, categorized, and tracked against due dates, percent complete, and status.

Tell A Friend

The Tell A Friend module allows users to quickly and easily send an email to a friend containing a link to a page on your web site.

Users Online

The Users Online Module displays one or all of three membership information: membership details, people online, and members online.

Vendors

Administrators can manage the Vendors and Banners associated to the portal. This module allows you to add a new vendor, modify an existing vendor, and delete a vendor.

Video Gallery

The Video Gallery module allows administrators to maintain a library of videos on the web site. Videos may be uploaded and played from the web site, or streamed from an external source (such as You Tube). Source videos may be of a variety of file formats, and are converted to Flash video format for universal accessibility. Users may search for videos by category or keyword, add comments and ratings, and view a list of related videos organized into a series. You can insert videos on any page in your site, either into a list or within an individual player. The video gallery also supports MP3 files, and can function alternatively as an audio library.

Visitor Counter

The visitor counter is used to track the number of hits to your web site. The counter may be configured using a variety of different style options, and can be used in "stealth" mode, visible only to administrators.

Wiki

The wiki module allows the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages