We are excited to release our Top Church Resources Guide for 2016! Our Sharefaith Editor’s Pick were handpicked by our CEO and team and based on the criteria we felt best related to quality, product offering, service and support. We believe that our Sharefaith Top Church Resources Guide for 2016 is a great list of amazing resources for churches big and small. Whatever you need, this top church resources guide is bound to bring some solutions and inspiration.
2016 Top Church Resources Guide: Sharefaith Editor’s Pick
The 2016 Top Church Resource Guide: Sharefaith Editor’s Pick has been divided into 3 main categories with dozens of sub-categories with 3 companies selected for each sub-category. Each company is listed in alphabetical order within its category. Here is a quick overview of all of our categories:
Worship Tech
Best Wireless Microphone Providers for Churches
AKG
Since 1974, AKG has been well known in the church technology industry. AKG microphones and headphones have a long history on tour and in the studio with international musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, and more. Website link: http://www.akg.com/
Sennheiser
A household name amongst many in the audio industry, Sennheiser delivers fantastic wireless microphone options for churches whether it’s a wireless handheld mic or a wireless countrymen. Their passion and professionalism can be seen throughout all of their products. Website link: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/
Shure
World renowned for their microphones, since 1925 Shure has been trusted for their audio equipment and offers a wide variety of products. Most likely you have their most popular microphone, their SM58 somewhere at your church. Website link: http://www.shure.com/
Best Projectors for Churches
Projector People
With over 20 years experience in the audiovisual industry, Projector People has put their experience together to help you find the right projector for your needs. They offer many different brands of projectors as well as both LCD and DLP projectors. They carry more models than any other reseller and is a great starting point for any church looking to purchase a new projector. Website link: http://www.projectorpeople.com/
Digital Projection
With two Emmy® Awards, Digital Projection is an industry leader with an extensive line of high-performance projectors perfect for any church needs. They have over 17 years of proven excellence for churches and houses of worship. Website link: http://www.digitalprojection.com/
Epson
Whether your church worship service is small or large, Epson offers a wide variety of projectors to fit your ministry needs. Especially for those churches who need a portable worship solution. Website link: https://epson.com/
Best Stage Lighting Providers for Churches
Prestige LED Lighting
Prestige LED Lighting specializes in high-quality LED stage lights. With worldwide shipping, they can ship their product to you directly. They offer a wide variety of stage lighting, truss & staging, haze machines and controllers. Website link: http://www.prestigeledlighting.com/
PSSL: Pro Sound And Stage Lighting
PSSL is one of the most respected and largest sources for professional lighting and audio equipment. With hundreds of options, you’ll find something that fits your church size and stage no matter what. Website link: http://www.pssl.com/
Blizzard Lighting
You name the event and Blizzard Lighting has you covered, from church conferences to your weekly worship service. With re-sellers nationwide, you’re bound to have one close to you. Website link: http://www.blizzardlighting.com/
Best Keyboard Providers For Churches
Korg
Founded in 1963, Korg has created new experiences in both music and performance with their well-known synthesizers and keyboards. Through the years, they have maintained the quality that professionals love and yet their products remain approachable enough for anyone to play. Website link: http://www.korg.com/us/products/
Roland
Roland has offered state-of-the-art products since 1970, including digital grand pianos, upright pianos and stage pianos. With their wide variety of products, you’ll find exactly what you need, whether you’re a beginner or advanced. Website link: https://www.roland.com/us/
Yamaha
With the knowledge and expertise of over 100 years of manufacturing musical instruments, Yamaha combines the best in technology and craftsmanship in the development of Portable Keyboard products. Beginners and Pros alike turn to Yamaha Portable Keyboards for learning, creating, perfecting, and performing. Website link: http://usa.yamaha.com/
Best Soundboard Providers for Churches
Mackie
Mackie offers high-end mixers and their solutions fit any church budget or setup. Mackie has the gear for your church, whether you’re portable and on the go or you require professional installations for larger churches. Website link: http://mackie.com/
Allen-Heath
Allen & Heath know a thing or two about mixers. They were involved in London’s big music scene in 1969 and built mixers by hand for top performing bands in that era. They offer an extensive selection of mixers for all your church needs and have options for any church size. Website link: http://www.allen-heath.com/
Sound Craft
Sound Craft was founded in 1973 and, over the years, has released many iconic consoles with user interfaces that are designed to make the sound technicians learning curve and jobs easier. Sound Craft offers dozens of products that will fit your church size and need. Website link: http://www.soundcraft.com/
Best Overall Sound Equipment Providers
Full Compass
Full Compass has offered great prices, production selection and customer service for nearly 40 years! They offer a massive variety of pro audio, pro video, AV, lighting and musical instruments. Whatever your need is, Full Compass is bound to have a solution for it. Website link: http://www.fullcompass.com/
Guitar Center
Guitar Center started off as a small appliance and home organ store in 1959 and started pursuing guitars and amplifiers in 1964. Now, Guitar Center is well known by all and has stores all over the country. With their massive collection of product offerings, Guitar Center has everything your church could need. If you can’t find it locally, they offer a ship-to-store option or direct shipping to you. Website link: http://www.guitarcenter.com/
Sweetwater
Since 1979, Sweetwater has been “doing the right thing.” If you’ve ever purchased something from Sweetwater, you know this to be true. Not only do they excel in their products and customer support, with each purchase you get a bag of candy. With everything from live sound & lighting, musical instruments, recording gear, and more, Sweetwater has become the go-to for many churches. Website link: http://www.sweetwater.com/
Best Overall Music Equipment
Guitar Center
We’ve also selected Guitar Center as one of the best overall music providers for similar reasons as their sound equipment selection. Guitar Center offers one of the best online and in-store selection of music equipment. You name it, they have it. Website link: http://www.guitarcenter.com/
Musician’s Friend
Musician’s Friend was founded in 1983 by Rob and DeAnna Eastman. Newly married, the Eastmans financed the start-up with a $5,000 loan from Rob’s parents and ran the business out of their suburban California garage. Eventually, they relocated their headquarters from San Diego to a dairy barn in Southern Oregon. Rob and DeAnna, along with brother-in-law Al Dinardi, grew the business into a prominent direct marketer of music gear. Website link: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/
Sam Ash
At Sam Ash Direct, they don’t just serve musicians — they are musicians. The people working at their call center, packing your orders, and even roaming their offices are just as music-obsessed as you are, and that’s why you can count on Sam Ash when it comes to knowing what today’s musicians need. Their jaw-dropping inventory of the latest instruments, gear, and accessories will have you hooked, and yet that’s only part of what Sam Ash has to offer. Website link: http://www.samash.com/
Best Video Camera Providers for Churches
Sony
Shoot videos in stunning detail, then instantly share them with family and friends. From your son’s first goal to summiting your first peak, you’ll never miss out on living in the moment while capturing it for the future. For each nature lover, daredevil, parent, music video director or auteur, Sony offers an innovative video camera to get you the great footage you have in mind. Website link: http://www.sony.com/
Canon
Capture your vision with exceptional clarity and beauty – that is the driving force behind every Canon Camcorder. Reflecting decades of leadership in optics and imaging, with an impressive history of excellence in the design and manufacturing of professional video products, Canon HD and SD Camcorders deliver on the promise of outstanding image quality and performance. Website link: http://www.canonusa.com/
Panasonic
Whether you’re a new parent, an experienced videographer or somewhere in between, full-featured Panasonic camcorders make it easy to record and share dazzling video at home, on vacation or on assignment. Advanced features like image stabilization, twin-camera shooting, WiFi/NFC and 4K Photo Mode make memorable imaging easy. Website link: http://shop.panasonic.com/
Best Drum Kit Providers
Truth Drums
Truth Custom Drums is one of the top custom drum shops in the world. They’ve been building strong for the past 14 years. In this short amount of time, they have become a name brand across the globe. They can build it all from chambered hybrid snares, hybrid kits, custom graphic drums, sandblasted logos on acrylic, custom snare vents, wraps, stains, etc. you name it they can build it. Truth Custom Drums quality is proven from their growing list of inspiring artists and customers. So if you would like a kit with an amazing look and a matching sound then TRUTH has you covered. Website link: http://www.truthdrums.com/
DW Drums
At Drum Workshop, The Drummer’s Choice® is more than a slogan, it’s a fact. After more than thirty years of innovation and tireless dedication to improving the way drum products are made, DW drums, pedals and hardware are the standard by which all others are measured. To get here, it takes more than a working knowledge of the instrument or a few good ideas; it takes a true passion for designing and manufacturing the very best. Website link: http://www.dwdrums.com/
Gretsch Drums
Gretsch Drums is an iconic American drum brand manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina. For more than 130 years, our award-winning company has been providing “That Great Gretsch Sound” to drummers around the globe. Website link: http://www.gretschdrums.com/
Best Acoustic Guitar Providers
Taylor Guitars
Renowned for blending modern, innovative manufacturing techniques with a master craftsman’s attention to detail, Taylor guitars are widely considered among the best-sounding and easiest to play in the world. The company was a pioneer in the use of computer mills, lasers and other high-tech tools and proprietary machinery, and today, Bob Taylor is widely recognized throughout the musical instrument industry as the visionary acoustic guitar manufacturer. Website link: https://www.taylorguitars.com/
Martin Guitars
Martin guitars and Martin Strings are the instruments and strings of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers. They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television (Glee, Psych, Raising Hope and American Idol) to the movies; on Broadway and in books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere. Website link: https://www.martinguitar.com/
Fender Guitars
With an illustrious history dating back to 1946, Fender has touched and transformed music worldwide and in nearly every genre: rock ‘n’ roll, country and western, jazz, rhythm and blues and many others. Everyone from beginners and hobbyists to the world’s most acclaimed artists and performers have used Fender instruments and amps, in the process making the company not only a revered music industry name, but also a cultural icon. Website link: https://www.fender.com/
Best Electric Guitar Providers
Epiphone
The name Epiphone evokes both history and the spirit of invention. The “House of Stathopoulo” has played a central role in every great musical era from the mandolin craze of the early 1900s to jazz age guitars of the 1920s; from swing era archtops through post-war pop, jazz, r&b, and early rock n’ roll; and from the “British Invasion” to heavy metal, punk, grunge, and thrash. And now, in the 21st century, new Epiphone technical breakthroughs such as the ProBucker™ pickup, series parallel switching, built-in KillSwitch™ pots, the Shadow NanoFlex™ and NanoMag™ pickup systems, and premier acoustic/electric guitars with the eSonic™ preamp have brought Epiphone to a new generation. Website link: http://www.epiphone.com/
Ibanez
Another well-known name amongst electric guitar players is Ibanez. Based in Nagoya, Japan, Ibanez Guitars sells and markets musical instruments throughout the world! Their collection of Ibanez Signature Artists is massive and covers a wide variety of who’s who in the music industry. Website link: http://www.ibanez.com/usa/
Fender
Leo Fender wanted to craft an instrument that was as functional as it was easy to use. It was a primitive-looking object that was tough as nails, its powerful name inspired by another groundbreaking invention: the television. And with its revolutionary electrified tone, it would change the way music was made—forever. When someone asks, “Why Fender electrics?” the answer is clear. Fender guitars were designed to be louder, and the exciting tones they produced are still ingrained into our cultural DNA. Website link: https://www.fender.com/
Best Screens (LED, TVs, ETC.)
Daktronics
Reinventing the way you display since 1968. Daktronics are the world’s industry leader in designing and manufacturing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays. It’s their passion to continuously provide the highest quality standard display products as well as custom-designed and integrated systems. Website link: http://www.daktronics.com/en-us
NEC
Whatever your needs are, NEC Display Solutions has the right product. No other vendor today can offer such a comprehensive and solutions-oriented portfolio as NEC Display Solutions has today. NEC Display Solutions brings together experts in the industry and offers a single point of contact to provide total display solutions for a variety of vertical markets. NEC Display Solutions offer the personal touch of a small business but with global outreach capabilities. Website link: http://www.necdisplay.com/
PixelFLEX
Industry-leading LED displays that revolutionize your space. PixelFLEX begins with your vision. When it comes to creating a one-of-a-kind design for your space, PixelFLEX offers industry-leading LED display technology and solutions to transform your space into a digital world. Website link: http://pixelflexled.com/
Church Supplies
Best Chair providers for churches
Biz Chair
Whenever people gather for spiritual enlightenment, an educational seminar or your company’s annual sales meeting, church chairs keep your audience comfortable, allowing them to focus on the message. Many of their church chairs are in-stock and ready to ship, including ganging church chairs, church chairs with book racks and folding chairs. Website link: http://www.bizchair.com/
Church Chairs 4 Less
You can count on ChurchChairs4Less.com for the highest quality and best variety of church seating for your church, synagogue or worship center. From sturdy metal frame stackable banquet chairs to plush 21” wide church chairs, they have chairs for every room in your worship hall. They feature items by the most popular and well-trusted church chair manufacturers at wholesale prices, free or discounted shipping, and include a free chair dolly, with certain models, for orders of 50 or more. Website link: http://www.churchchairs4less.com/
Church Interiors
Since 1981, Church Interiors, Inc. has performed over 10,000 renovations and remodeling projects. Church Interiors has renovated small chapels that seat less than 100 people to large sanctuaries & cathedrals that seat over 5,000, including many churches on the Historical Registry. Church Interiors, Inc. has a Nationwide Dealer Network of project consultants and installers that are eager to help make improvements to your church. Website link: http://www.churchinteriors.com/
Best Communion Supplies for Churches
Family Christian
Family Christian offers all of the communion supplies that your church needs, including communion bread, wafers, communion cups and pre-filled communion cups. We also offer an outstanding selection of quality communion ware – communion trays, bread plates, chalices, communion sets, and more – from top brands like Artistic ChurchWare, Broadman Church Supplies, and Swanson. Website link: https://www.familychristian.com/
Cokesbury
Cokesbury’s mission is to reach more people in more places with quality services and resources that help them come to know and deepen their knowledge of God through Jesus Christ, learn to love God, and choose to serve God and neighbor. They want to be your trusted partner for Christian resources—staying in touch with your needs and meeting them with a personal response and trusted, relevant resources at the best possible price. Website link: https://www.cokesbury.com/
Christian Book
Christian Book has been a go-to for many churches for their wide variety of communion supplies. They offer everything you would need from cups, to bread & wafers, wafer & juice sets, bread plates and more. Website link: https://www.christianbook.com/
Best Pulpits and Other Church Furniture
Church Plaza
For 29 years, ChurchPlaza has been the definable standard for quality products and services in America. That is why 45 national denominations, fellowships, ministries, and/or their publishing houses have recommended ChurchPlaza to their churches. No one else is able to say that! Our value pricing, trustworthy warranties, knowledgeable consultants, and commitment to you will always provide great stewardship opportunities for your Church or Ministry! Website link: http://www.churchplaza.com/
Quality Church Furniture
Quality Church Furniture is proud to represent only the finest church furniture manufacturers. You will find their service and products to be unparalleled and their prices are the lowest available. As a result, they will match any competitor’s pricing so that you will feel confident you are getting the lowest cost you can to start building your church. In addition to furniture, they offer interior and exterior crosses, steeples, baptistries, and much more church furniture and furnishings for your congregation’s needs. Website link: https://www.qualitychurchfurniture.com/
Church Partner
ChurchPartner offers discount prices on products chosen for the church, Christian school, and Christian non-profit market. These include church chairs, sanctuary furniture, church supplies, communion supplies, school furniture, preschool furniture, Vacation Bible School Programs, Religious Education Curricula, Christian Books and Bibles, and much, much more! Website link: https://www.churchpartner.com/
Best Offering Supplies Providers
Christian Book
Christian Book began in the late 1970’s and today is one of the leading resources for Christian Goods. They still continue to provide an enormous selection at an excellent value, with strong customer service and support. Christian Book offers a fantastic selection of offering supplies for any church or ministry. Website link: https://www.christianbook.com/
Kingdom
Founded in 1980, Kingdom Inc. began as a home business with a single product, an audio cassette course on house training. Now Kingdom is one of the top providers for churches when it comes to resources such as Communion and offerings supplies, CD duplicators, church furniture and other church supplies! Website link: https://www.kingdom.com/
Christian Supply
Christian Supply’s major area of work currently involves their presence and their efforts to not only service many worldwide churches and individual consumers with e-commerce, but also with Christian Supply’s established “excellent customer service” as they configure to allow customers to track orders and monitor their accounts on-line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Website link: http://www.christiansupply.com/
Best Online Printing Providers
Church Ink
ChurchINK.com helps organizations create print and signage collateral that communicates well and inspires people. At Church INK, you’ll find quality printing and signage at value pricing – provided by people who understand the Church Communications context. Our goal is to ensure that customers are designing their print collateral professionally, promoting their church exceptionally and yet still budgeting wisely.
ChurchINK was started by Paul Fleming – a seasoned Church Communications leader for nearly 20 years. In addition to launching a thriving church in Portland, Oregon, Paul has led a talented Communications team at a large church in Dallas with over 12,000 in weekly attendance at 7 different campuses. The Church INK team consists of talented people who are actively involved in their church and love helping churches communicate. Today, thousands of customers from 46 states depend on their services to improve their brand and communicate their vision. Church INK is not just another company. What we do is both our passion and our expertise. We look forward to helping you inspire people with great printing. Website link: https://churchink.com/
Overnight Prints
Overnight Prints is the preferred online printer of business cards, postcards, brochures, and other printed materials. Launched by founder Brett Heap in 2003, Overnight Prints has risen from a twenty-man operation set in an office to one of the largest online printing companies in the world. The secret to our success – a simple formula: Combine high-quality products with eco-friendly practices and make sure it’s all delivered to you exactly when you need it…even if it’s tomorrow. Website link: https://www.overnightprints.com/
Vistaprint
Vistaprint, a Cimpress company, empowers millions of business owners worldwide to market themselves professionally. Their wide range of quality products and affordable prices, along with design tools suited to every skill level and need, mean everyone can create the customized materials they need to get their message across. And it all started the way most businesses do, with one entrepreneur’s ambitious goal. Website link: http://www.vistaprint.com/
Best Sunday School Classroom Supplies
Discount School Supply
At Discount School Supply, good service is more than friendly voices on the telephone or helpful responses on their online chats. Good service also includes having items in stock when your order is placed and shipping those orders as quickly as possible. They are so confident in our service levels that we offer a One Invoice policy, they will not bill you for your order until every product that you ordered has shipped. Website link: http://www6.discountschoolsupply.com/
Fun Express
Make an impression. Utilize Fun Express’s award-winning artists and designers to develop products that will separate you from the competition. They have developed thousands of products exclusively presented by Fun Express. Take advantage of their one–stop shop. Save time and money by incorporating their full range of services including artistic design, product development, production and distribution. Website link: http://www.funexpress.com/
Oriental Trading
Oriental Trading Company is the nation’s largest direct retailer of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, school supplies, toys and novelties. The company has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Internet Retailers based on customer satisfaction. Website link: http://www.orientaltrading.com/
Other
Best Bible Apps/Bible Study Apps
Blue Letter Bible
The Blue Letter Bible allows you to access the Bible on your Apple Mobile device. There are over 30 translations available for free downloading. Blue Letter Bible comes standard with the KJV and ASV. Many other translations are available with an internet connection. Website link: https://www.blueletterbible.org/iphone/
Glo Bible
Glo Bible has a beautiful visual design with top translations such as ESV, KJV, NIV, NKJV and the Message. It has built-in videos, images, maps plus a large set of study tools to help you better understand Biblical times and history. A remarkable Bible app! Internet connection required! Website link: https://globible.com/
YouVersion
Customize your reading experience. Access everything online or download select versions to use offline. Read, study, and share with friends. Enjoy honest conversations about faith in trusted community. Grow together every day with friends, sharing your discoveries. Create shareable art: add Scripture verses to your photos. Website link: https://www.youversion.com/
Best Musical/Cinematic Strings Providers
Cinematic Strings
Because Cinematic Strings was created to meet the needs of working composers in today’s film, television and video game industries, our focus has been to maximize both efficiency and authenticity. With this in mind, it provides a realistic mockup tool, and an inspiring instrument – which will save you from all the hassle and wasted time spent tweaking parameters, modifying CC data, or applying drastic EQ and reverb effects to emulate the sound you’re after. Website links: http://www.cinematicstrings.com/
LA Scoring Strings
From Andrew Keresztes, the Composer / Developer of LA Scoring Strings: I have always been passionate about strings, even before I ever scored my first orchestral project. As a kid, I remember listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Winter in particular) and getting goose-bumps. It is amazing to me how a real orchestral string section can elicit such a wide range of emotions and touch our soul. From horror to euphoria, and everything in between, strings seem to be able to express any emotion. Website link: http://audiobro.com/
Symphobia Strings
Symphobia is not your traditional orchestral sample library. Instead of focusing on individual multi-samples, Symphobia offers ensemble multi-samples in numerous arrangements for orchestral sections as well as a full orchestra performing together. The reason is simple: the real thing sounds so much more powerful. Symphobia is famous for its cinematic orchestral effects. Like the ensemble performances, the effects are available in different orchestrations, performed by different sections of the orchestra. You’ll find full orchestra rips & hits, string risers, brass clusters and woodwind textures. Website link: https://www.projectsam.com/Symphobia
Best Online Worship/Ministry Training Providers
World Revival School
World Revival School of Ministry is a comprehensive Christian Bible school offering students the unique and effective experience of a strong theological education coupled with practical ministry training. Areas of concentration include preaching, pastoring, youth and children ministries, media production and worship. Their commitment to the integration of spirit-filled living, faith and a quality education attracts students from around the world. Website link: http://www.worldrevivalschool.com/
Worship Online
Relax knowing your team is prepared with Worship Online’s in-depth song tutorials. Imagine if Sunday morning downbeat happened without a hitch and your band hit every part? With Worship Online, not only is that possible, but it’s easier than ever. They give you video tutorials that cover the exact parts so your band can be tighter and your rehearsals will be smoother than ever. Preparing for Sunday has never been easier. Website link: https://worshiponline.com/
Worship U
Gain a foundation of worship. Worship U believes leading worship starts with cultivating a life of worship. These lessons illustrate how creating an environment goes beyond the abilities of playing an instrument or leading a team. Worship U has created multiple tracks to suit your needs. Tracks include Worship leader, songwriter, sound engineer, team essentials, producing a song, and worship fundamentals. Website link: https://worshipu.com/
Sharefaith has been the go-to resource for over 120,000 churches in the last 14 years. Sharefaith offers everything from 78,000 sermon and worship media, online tithing platform, worship presentation software, church websites, church mobile apps, and kids Bible resources! Browse Sharefaith’s massive collection of church graphics here or sign up for a free trial with over $500 in content!