Side by side
PewRoster vs Ministry Steward
Both stand on church volunteer management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid Web
PewRoster focuses on congregation scheduling, swaps, reminders, imports, and calendar updates through a web browser. Compare volunteer limits and the post-cancellation retention period with your congregation’s needs.
Visit PewRoster Free trial Web
Ministry Steward focuses on church volunteer scheduling, family coordination, and targeted announcements. The paid plans differ mainly by locations, messaging allowance, and added administrative support.
Visit Ministry StewardThe facts
| PewRoster | Ministry Steward | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Small Congregation: $19 a month | Base: $50 a month |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | pewroster.com | ministrysteward.com |
| On church volunteer management software | #28 of 30 | #24 of 30 |
PewRoster: what it does well
- Roster planning uses availability and blackout dates
- Volunteers can swap serving slots
- Text and email reminders
- Calendar feeds update after swaps
- Imports from common church systems
What to know first
- No mobile app
- Does not perform background checks
- Small plan supports up to 60 volunteers
- Data is deleted after 30 days post-cancellation
Ministry Steward: what it does well
- Automated rosters use qualifications and availability
- Supports one-time and recurring events
- Guardians manage dependent volunteer accounts
- Email and SMS schedule notifications
- Includes attendance tracking and check-in
What to know first
- No free plan
- Mobile app is marked coming soon
- Base plan covers one church or campus
- SMS allowances depend on plan
Alternatives to PewRoster Alternatives to Ministry Steward The whole list