Let's discuss how churches can communicate well using websites, social media, and other tools.
Gail
Ken
Joshua
Rebecca
Stanley & Monica
I love technology. If you’re reading this blog, you may enjoy it, too. But, even though I appreciate the use of technology, I also appreciate it when people are thoughtful about its use -- or non-use. Opposite decisions about whether or not to use technology can both be "right."
An online storage site is an easy way to share files with groups of people—such as teams or committees. There are many free and low-priced services for online storage.
Does your church use a wireless network? This article in the New York Times Technology section has some good tips on wi-fi security.
Can technology be a tool to increase your devotion to God? Have you ever signed up for a thought or Bible verse a day? Did it help you spiritually? Have you ever developed or experienced a system using technology to increase your own or others’ devotion?
I’ve seen many guidelines about what should and should not be done with worship slide shows. Here are a few that I personally ascribe to, specific to song lyric slides.
Those of you who follow The Network may have seen the forum discussion led by Tim Postuma regarding Google’s decision to no longer give Google Apps free to religious organizations. It’s really too bad, isn’t it? Maybe the CRC Network can help to change their minds, what do you think?
Some things never change. Fostering relationships involves building trust, developing rapport, and sharing experiences. But some of the tools for accomplishing this have changed. This is especially true when using technology and the web to accomplish this with kids and young adults.
Who doesn't love a good deal? There's that shirt you found hidden on the clearance rack or the coupon you used at the restaurant for dinner. In the same way your church can get deals on technology services and software. Is your church taking full advantage of all the available discounts and freebies that it can?
Here are a few tips (focusing mainly on PDFs) to keep in mind as your church disseminates information via email, your church website or any other electronic means.
How do you connect with church family members? With the missionaries you support? With other partners in faith? We have Skyped with our missionaries several times. They also blog so we can keep up with their doings. Many churches use Twitter, stream their services, post online videos, and more. It makes me wonder, what's next?
Livestream, formerly known as Mogulus, is a live streaming video platform that allows users to view and broadcast video content using a camera and a computer through the internet.
As Reformed Christians we have a Reformed "world and life view." We believe that God is sovereign over all the world and our whole life. It follows, then, that he is sovereign over technology, too. What does that mean in terms of how our churches use technology?
Here's a forum post about it and here's the new guidelines. Does anyone know when this changed? I'm wondering what will happen to those of us whose churches already had a non-profit version approved in the past.
Here are 5 reasons why your church should consider using Twitter to create relationships within your community.
Why would your church use YouTube? And how to use it?
For a master's in communications I am pursuing here in Grand Rapids at GVSU, I'm doing a study of my church's communications: Facebook, website, bulletin announcements, prayer chains, etc. I'd like to do a survey of the church members, asking them about comm preferences, tools they use, that sort of thing.
What do the web, mopeds and justice have to do with each other? They’re all connected in a “Moped Justice Mission.” Jonathan and Brady are on a mission -- and they’re using the web to help spread their message.
Have you ever seen (or maybe performed) “the sound guy neck crane”? You know...when the sound goes wacko in a church service and everyone starts turning around to look at the person running the sound? Poor guy. Working in technology can be a thankless job.
Most likely your church is using images in many ministry areas—on your website, bulletins, Power Point slides, posters, etc. Creative Commons licenses were made for the way most people use the web. Many times people are willing to share their images, as long as they get credit.
Backup! It’s so necessary, but figuring out the best method for set up and maintenance can be a real quandary. There are so many options. I’ll talk about some, but I’m sure I won’t cover everything. Please share recommendations and feedback from your experience.
Does your church website have a welcome video? I read this Church Juice blog entry and was intrigued by the idea. It seems that, if the video is well done, this could be a very effective tool for your church.
That’s “word” with a small w, although it may also be “Word.” I’m talking about ways that the church shares their news -- especially events to which they are inviting their community. What technology, if any, works well for getting the word out?
Several years ago, I started an electronic prayer chain for our church using Google groups. All anyone needs is an email address—no more technical skill is necessary than the ability to read their own email. It’s been the easiest thing ever to create and maintain.
It is common now for churches to use technology to connect within their community -- using Skype to visit with missionaries, social networks to encourage each other, electronic prayer groups, and so on. How does, or can, the church go even further with technology, and use it to do more than connect with each other?
What would you save if your house was on fire? Many people answer, “My family photos.” Family photos are precious. Our church is a family, too, and it is good to figure out the best way to store our church family photos.