Getting Started¶
Beta to Release Version Process¶
- Steps to Going Live
Step 1 - Kickoff
For new Churches/Not Currently on Version 2.0 we will schedule a kickoff call for all new partners after they are in the part of the data conversion process where they have a database with people records or they already have a database ready with that data.
For churches already on Version 2.0, TouchPoint will announce on the blog when the next release is ready for sign-ups and what is included in that release version. If your church is ready to upgrade then you’ll be invited to a group webinar over zoom to review the steps to upgrade.
Step 2 - Configure your app
See the TouchPoint Mobile App 3.0 Setup Checklist, which lists all the items that need to be configured for your beta app to be approved.
Step 3 - Beta Review
Notify us that you’d like to go to beta after the above items have all been completed.
Provide a list of beta testers
You can provide up to 5 users each for iOS and Android to be added as testers.
When you are ready for your app to be submitted, please provide the email address used for these users
Note
The email address must be the email address used for their Apple ID for iOS or Google Play Account for Android.
Before getting your app in the queue, we will review your settings and configurations to ensure that everything is ready for you to go into beta.
After this review it takes roughly 5-10 business days for us to get your app built and approved by Apple and Google in order for you to test.
When the app is approved for beta testing each user will receive a link with instructions for how to download the app.
Step 4 - Approved for release
After you have had a chance to test your app and confirm all your configurations and settings are set to your liking you can notify us that you’re ready to go live with your app.
We will then make the final build and send the app over to the stores for their approval.
This process can take 5-10 business days to complete the process (depending on the store’s current workload).
- FAQ
What is included in version 3.0 of the mobile app?
Roughly every 4-8 weeks we will be releasing updates to the app. Any church that is already live on the app will automatically be notified of new features and then their app will automatically be updated. If you are waiting for specific features to be available before your church goes live watch the blog for updates on when new versions will be made available and how your church can sign up for that version.
What can be changed with a setting and what will require a new app version?
Our goal is making the app as configurable as possible with settings that can be adjusted without the need for a new version of the app to be submitted to Apple and Google for approval. There are certain items, like the app logo, name and description that require an app update.
Will our church incur additional expenses to make changes or updates to our app?
If the changes are changes that can be made by changing a setting you can make as many of these as you’d like, and the changes will be reflected immediately in our app.
If the changes require an update to be submitted to Apple and Google for approval, then this requires developer time and could incur additional charges. If these changes can wait until the next time we push a new update (in our regular release cycle) then we can often make the changes without any additional cost to you.
Finding/Downloading your Church’s App from the store¶
- Deeplink to App Store
You can generate a deeplink that will take users to the app store on their device to download the app. The church URL (whether standard or custom) will work as a link to download the app by adding /app to the end of the URL.
Standard Example: churchname.tpsdb.com/app
Custom Example: my.churchname.org/app
Logging In¶
- Login Process
After the welcome page the user is taken to the login page where they will have the ability to login to the app through these scenarios:
The first login prompt will ask the user for their cell number. If they have a cell number on their profile, they are texted a verification code and after entering the code they will be logged in.
If the user’s cell number is not found during entry, the user will be prompted to enter their email address and are emailed the verification code to use and login.
If the user’s email is also not found on record, they will be prompted to create a new record which will auto-fill the cell/email information they previously entered. From here they can add their profile photo, first name, and last name to complete the process and login.
Mobile App Versions and Release Notes¶
Here you will find all of the released app versions and the release notes that are in each version. This section will be updated when a new version of the app is pushed for release so please refer to this list to make sure you are on the most current version which is always at the top of the list. The app version is found at the bottom of the main menu page in the app.
- Version 3.4.1
Misc
Recurring giving page can be launched in app if Candid/Benevity settings are valid
Launching giving page out to browser now stays authenticated
Misc directory adjustments
Dark mode adjustments for Android
Prayer tab no longer visible on other user’s profile
Media/Resources with no thumbnail will should cover image
- Version 3.4
Attendance
Leaders of involvements can take attendance
Setting to enable attendance, can also be restricted by involvement type
Settings for how many days forward and back to show meetings
Home Feed
Feed code re-written to support future enhancements
Channel posts cannot be reported anymore
Posting from a channel is now supported from the home page
Prayer Requests
Added option to archive and mark as answered
Improved prayer feed scrolling
Added ability to limit how many days back to display requests
Media
Thumbnails for all media types now pull from media & resources
Start/End time filtering is respected
Misc
Adjusted timeout if user is actively using the app
New app store settings & validation of settings for pushing updates
Support for showing the engagement score on the badges tab
Support for multi-campus churches, including filtering events, prayers and channels by campus and allowing users to edit their campus. All based on settings.
- Version 3.3
Adjusted padding on events filters
Show disclaimer text (new setting) on prayer submission page
Registration Updates
Registration Types Adjusted
Consistent sizes in widget
Can show without meeting
Can show without registration
Remove tips section if no tips are enabled
Version number shows in settings, not build number
Deceased people can show in profile based on setting
Deceased people can show in “Everyone” (for staff) director based on setting
- Version 3.2
Re-designed Channels widget
IOS photos orientation
Moved MyTask actions to buttons
Changed three dots to edit profile to pencil
Messages & Notification clean-up
Event title pulls from involvement name is title is not present
Removed “Following” filter from prayers page
Added “Press and Hold to Pray” pop up to notify users how to pray
Increased character count on involvement tab for inv names
- Version 3.1
Banners in Feed
TouchPoints tab on a person’s profile
MyTasks in Menu
New Prayer Settings
- Version 3.0
MVP