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Software · head to head

OpenLP vs PastorsLine

OpenLP logo

OpenLP

Software

Free, open-source presentation software for churches

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PastorsLine logo

PastorsLine

Software

Text messaging and communication platform for churches

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OpenLP has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: OpenLP there is no standalone mobile app; the Android and iOS apps are remote controls for a desktop running OpenLP; PastorsLine pastorsLine has joined the Text In Church family and its own pricing page now sells Text In Church plans instead of PastorsLine plans
  • They diverge on capability: OpenLP covers Presentation, PastorsLine covers SMS Messaging.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OpenLP and PastorsLine actually diverge.

Attributes where OpenLP and PastorsLine differ
AttributeOpenLPPastorsLine
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Mac, LinuxWeb, Mobile
Founded20042005

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in OpenLP

  • Presentation
  • Lyric Display
  • Media Playback
  • Bible Display
  • Theme Support
  • Plugin System
  • Custom Layouts
  • Scripture Integration

Only in PastorsLine

  • SMS Messaging
  • Email Integration
  • Contact Management
  • Scheduling
  • Church Management
  • Email Services
  • Contact Lists
  • Analytics

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

OpenLP

  • Member managementnot PastorsLine
  • Donation trackingnot PastorsLine
  • Event planningnot PastorsLine
  • Volunteer schedulingnot PastorsLine
  • Communicationnot PastorsLine

PastorsLine

  • Two-way SMS and voice communication with a church congregationnot OpenLP
  • Text-in keywords and automated follow-up for church guestsnot OpenLP
  • Group texting tied to church management system contactsnot OpenLP

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

OpenLP

  • There is no standalone mobile app; the Android and iOS apps are remote controls for a desktop running OpenLP
  • Only the most recent Fedora release and Debian unstable are supported on those distributions
  • The Flatpak build is experimental and the OpenLP team states it does not support its use
  • Requires macOS 10.15 or higher and Windows 10 or higher

PastorsLine

  • PastorsLine has joined the Text In Church family and its own pricing page now sells Text In Church plans instead of PastorsLine plans
  • No PastorsLine plan, rate or credit price is published on the pricing page any more
  • The only calls to action on the pricing page are a Text In Church free trial and a demo booking form

Pricing, plan by plan

OpenLP

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Full features
    • No restrictions
    • Community support

PastorsLine

On request
  • Starter$29/month
    • SMS messaging
    • Up to 1000 contacts
  • Professional$99/month
    • Advanced features
    • Unlimited contacts
    • Email integration

Which should you pick?

Choose OpenLP if

  • You need presentation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, Linux.
  • You also want lyric display.
OpenLP review

Choose PastorsLine if

  • You need sms messaging.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want email integration.
PastorsLine review

Questions people ask

Is OpenLP or PastorsLine better?
Neither clearly leads. OpenLP starts at Free and PastorsLine at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OpenLP or PastorsLine?
OpenLP has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OpenLP and On request for PastorsLine.
Does OpenLP or PastorsLine run on more platforms?
OpenLP runs on Windows, Mac, Linux. PastorsLine runs on Web, Mobile.
Can I use OpenLP for free?
Yes. OpenLP has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PastorsLine starts at On request.
What is OpenLP best used for?
OpenLP is most often used for member management, donation tracking, event planning, volunteer scheduling. Of those, member management and donation tracking are not what PastorsLine is typically brought in for.
What can OpenLP do that PastorsLine cannot?
OpenLP covers Presentation, Lyric Display, Media Playback, Bible Display. PastorsLine covers SMS Messaging, Email Integration, Contact Management, Scheduling.
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Related pages

More on OpenLP

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