Overview

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a game-changing technology that enables voice communication over the internet, rather than through traditional phone lines. This allows for a highly flexible and scalable communication system.

By integrating VoIP technology, church staff, lay leaders, administrators, and communicators can connect remotely and improve operational efficiency across shared positions, flexible work locations, adjusted schedules, etc. Whether you're managing internal communication or outreach efforts, VoIP offers advanced features, lower costs, and flexible scalability.

Key Benefits of VoIP for Church and Non-Profit Organizations

1. Cost Efficiency: VoIP systems can be significantly less expensive than traditional landlines, especially for long-distance and international calls. Since VoIP uses the internet, organizations save on call charges while enjoying advanced communication features.

2. Scalability: VoIP systems allow easy addition or removal of lines, making them highly adaptable for changing or growing organizations. Seasonal changes in call volume are effortlessly managed through online portals.

3. Mobility: VoIP systems support remote work by enabling users to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. This is perfect for churches with staff who frequently travel or work remotely, or who share responsibility for a phone line (IE: Emergency Pastoral Care), where a phone number can be portaled to anyone, without a personal number needing to be shared. (Almost think of it like an old fashioned switchboard, where an incoming call can be “plugged in” to whomever it’s assigned to at that moment.

4. Advanced Features: Features such as voicemail-to-email transcription, call forwarding, and video conferencing improve communication efficiency. These features can also be integrated with customer relationship management (CRM) systems for more seamless communication.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Internet Dependence: A stable and high-quality internet connection is critical for VoIP. Issues like slow upload speeds or network congestion can affect call quality, causing jitter, latency, or dropped calls. Minimum requirement: upload speed of 10 Mbps for optimal VoIP performance, meaning this may not work for our more remote churches.

2. Emergency Services: Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP may not provide accurate location information to emergency services, which can be a safety concern. Make sure to verify emergency call capabilities with your provider, and consider keeping one land line active in the physical church location.

3. Security: Because they’re internet-based, VoIP communications can be vulnerable to security threats, moreso than traditional phone systems.. Implement strong encryption and other security measures to protect your organization.

4. Compatibility: Some older devices may not support VoIP systems, requiring an upgrade to hardware or software. Evaluate existing equipment to ensure it integrates with a VoIP system.

How to Evaluate VoIP Systems for Churches and Non-Profits

1. Network Performance:

   • Check your bandwidth: Ensure your internet upload and download speeds are sufficient for VoIP.

   • Test for jitter, latency, and packet loss: Use online tools like FusionConnect’s speed test or Cloudflare’s latency test to measure network performance.

2. Provider Research: Look for a VoIP provider that aligns with your organization’s needs. Some of the leading options include:

   • 8x8: Cloud-based VoIP solutions with a focus on scalability and reliability.

   • RingCentral: Comprehensive VoIP services, including phone systems, video conferencing, and team messaging.

   • Zoom Phone: An extension of the Zoom platform, offering VoIP with integrations for calls and video meetings.

   For churches and non-profits, some providers may offer discounted rates or specialized plans.

3. Cost Considerations: While VoIP systems offer savings in the long run, upfront costs may include setup fees or new hardware. Additionally, ensure you account for monthly subscription plans and the potential need for higher-speed internet services. As you evaluate, whether or not you decide to move to VoIP, use this time to ensure you are not paying your phone company for more lines than you’re actually using at the church — think fax lines, etc. We recently heard from a retreat center that saved $1,000s when they learned they were still paying for a landline connection to every single building on property, where phones hadn’t been in over a decade.

Resources & Links

• Speedtest by Ookla – Test your internet upload and download speeds.

• FusionConnect Jitter & Latency Test – Assess network stability for VoIP.

• Cloudflare Latency Test – Check the latency of your internet connection.

• VoIP Info – Comprehensive resource for VoIP implementation and provider comparisons.

• FCC Guide on VoIP – Federal Communications Commission’s official resource for VoIP technology.

How-Tos & Implementation Guides

• VoIP Setup for Non-Profits: A Step-by-Step Guide – Detailed instructions on choosing, installing, and configuring a VoIP system, including hardware and internet considerations, from Nextiva​ (Nextiva).

• Evaluating VoIP Providers for Churches – Learn how to compare VoIP providers based on features, cost, reliability, and support​ (Novocall).

• How to Optimize Internet for VoIP – Tips on maximizing internet performance for VoIP, covering bandwidth, jitter, and packet loss​ (Net2Phone).

By considering these factors and leveraging the power of VoIP, churches and non-profit organizations can significantly enhance communication capabilities, lower costs, and provide greater flexibility for staff and community members.