Our story
As Methodism was 'born in song', so Chrestos was born in Methodism. Two Methodists applied available technology to the needs of Methodist circuits and the result was Chrestos. Along with Beyonce, The Office and YouTube, the noughties brought Methodist Circuit amalgamations. Small circuits became big circuits and, in doing so, discovered new administrative challenges.
In one particular amalgamation, the circuit's many churches were to be grouped into Mission Areas. Circuit plan-making was to be done in two stages: within Mission Areas, then across the Circuit. Preacher availability would be gathered by the Circuit; the preacher's own Mission Area would then have first pick, with remaining availability returning to the Circuit for wider planning. With almost a hundred preachers, how on earth could this work?
It turned out it would only work with technology. Preacher availability needed to be stored online. It could then be accessed by the Mission Areas and the Circuit at different times and by different people. Preachers would sign-in and leave their dates; planmakers would sign-in and make the Plan. It needed technology along with the insights of two Methodists, John and Andrew. John was trained and experienced in web technologies; Andrew was an experienced Superintendent Minister. Together they created Chrestos Planmaker.
Planmaker allowed complex plan-making to be efficiently carried out in large circuits. The new, large circuits needed this, but they needed other digital tools too. A Chrestos website would allow the plan to be published, along with other circuit news and information. A Chrestos database and directory would securely manage names and contact information, and a Chrestos library would store circuit admin papers and archive materials.
Chrestos began in one circuit, but soon spread. It is currently used in well over a hundred circuits across the Connexion. Created by Methodists, it's being used by Methodists.
In Matthew 11:30, Jesus promises his disciples his yoke would be easy and his burden light. As NT Greek scholars know, the word translated 'easy' is 'chrestos'. ThenMedia's Chrestos is easy to use and makes life just a little easier for Methodist circuits.
Churches and circuits
right across the UK
Today Chrestos supports churches, circuits and districts across the country with websites, plan-making, social media, digital signage and a shared circuit database, all managed from one place.
Behind it is a friendly team who understand church life, and who are still only a phone call away.
Technology should
serve ministry
Every Chrestos tool is designed to be simple enough for a volunteer to use on a Sunday afternoon, reliable enough to trust with your church’s communication, and priced so that a small chapel can afford it.
If a tool gets in the way of the work, then it is the tool that is wrong. That is the test we hold every part of Chrestos to.
Discover more
Explore the tools, compare our packages or talk to the team.
Chrestos Cloud
Web-design, Planmaker, Loudhailer, Database and Signage, all managed from one place.
Packages & pricing
No build fee and no long contract. Pick the package that suits your church and grow from there.
Talk to us
Questions, a demo or a chat about what your circuit needs. We are happy to help.
Ready to get started?
Let’s explore how Chrestos can support your church, circuit or district.
Technology for a brighter church