Widgets are available!

This exciting application is being released in phases and will eventually replace the Portal. Until then, Widgets can be used in tandem with the Portal. For all the reasons to start leveraging Widgets today, see Why Widgets?. We will continue to add new Widgets in future updates, so, keep your eyes peeled for announcements on what's next!

Want a quick way to add the most common Widgets to your website? We offer a Microsite for each congregation or parish as a simpler, plug-and-play alternative to Widgets. For more information, check out Microsite: Widgets Made Easy.

Portal End of Life

Do I have to stop using the old Portal?

Widgets will not break the Portal. Widgets and Portal pages can run in tandem without issue. But we continue to deploy new Widgets, and strongly encourage you to start making the transition. Eventually, the Portal will no longer be supported and your system's Portal URL will be disabled. Both dates are TBD but will be communicated early and often.

We strongly recommend making the switch sooner rather than later to take advantage of the countless enhancements of Widgets.

How are Widgets different than the Portal?

Widgets are all about your website - your way!

Widgets live on your website. They can be placed where you like and even be used multiple times - configuring each differently (for example, one Group Finder Widget on the Women's Ministry page and another Group Finder Widget on the Men's Ministry page).

For the full rundown on all the reasons to start using Widgets today, see Why Widgets?.

What do I need to do to start using Widgets?

Configure Widgets on your website by completing the shared configuration (script and permitted URLs) along with the configuration for each specific Widget (code snippet and attributes).

Transitioning from the Portal

Below is our suggested approach for a smooth and successful transition from the legacy Portal to the new Widgets! Feel free to modify as needed for your church.

When planning your transition to widgets, please note that there will not be an Online Giving Widget or Missions Trip Giving Widget, mainly because we have so many amazing online giving vendors that provide cutting-edge online giving features and seamlessly integrate with MinistryPlatform. Why reinvent the wheel? But never fear! There is a My Giving Widget, a My Contributions Widget, and a very exciting Invoice Detail & Payment Widget, which leverage partnerships with our online giving vendors. Also note that there is no Impersonate User Widget. Contact your giving vendor to discuss options for managing recurring donations on behalf of donors.

Phase 1

• Pick the shiny Widget you want to start with!
• Review all articles in the KB for that Widget.
• Follow the Quick Start to:
  • Enable Widgets on your website.
  • Identify (or create) a web page on your website for the Widget.
  • Configure your Widget.
  • Configure your Platform records.
• Test, test, test!
• Contact mpsupport@acst.com if you need assistance.

Phase 2

• Add the code snippet for the Login and Language Widgets to make Widgets work seamlessly.
• Test, test, test!
• Determine if you want to add any other Widgets before promoting to your community.

Phase 3

• Update any links in your Portal skin and website to direct to the Widget.
• Promote the Widgets to your community!

Phase 4

• Evaluate what went well and what you want to do differently next round.
• Rinse and repeat Phase 1- 3 with the next Widget!

Phase 5

• Rinse and repeat Phase 1- 3 with additional Widgets!
• Say goodbye to the Portal!