What you can do
These are the tools in the app today. There is no platform fee to open a church and invite people. When someone gives, Stripe processes the gift and the church's own Stripe account receives it.
Feeds
People post updates and photos, then like and comment. A church can keep the conversation with its own members, and a family can keep a separate one.
Families
A family can have its own group, apart from the church, and invite relatives with a link. Someone can belong to a church and a family at the same time.
Prayer
Members submit prayer requests and can follow them. A request can be shared with the church or posted without a name.
Worship rooms
A worship room is where people watch a service together. The video plays from YouTube. Chat in the room stays with that gathering.
YouTube live streaming and go-live alerts
The church keeps using YouTube for the actual broadcast. An admin saves the channel, pastes the live link, and taps Go Live. Members who still have live alerts turned on get a notice that the church is live, titled LIVE NOW, and the feed shows a LIVE NOW banner that opens the worship room. When the service ends, a replay can be opened from the church page.
Events
Create events, collect RSVPs, and add a bring-list so people know what to carry in.
Giving
One-time and recurring gifts go to the church's Stripe account. The Gathering does not add a fee. A receipt email with a PDF is sent for the gift. The giving page explains the processing fees in plain language.
Questions pastors ask
Is The Gathering really free for churches?
Yes. The app is free to use and there is no platform fee right now. Online gifts only pay standard card or bank processing fees.
Can we live stream our services?
Yes. Connect your church's YouTube channel and members get a go-live alert when your service starts.
Does it work for small churches without tech staff?
Yes. A pastor or volunteer can set up the church, invite members, and post announcements from a phone.
What is included?
A feed, prayer requests, groups and chat, worship rooms, events, and online giving. There is no platform fee right now.