Okay. I think this this my last post in this two week series of technologically heavy posts (I think). I actually came across the little slide show below several months ago. It’s not outdated, but there are now other web application out there now that could also be included in this presentation.

Here’s where we are. The multi-site model of doing ministry is exploding. Members of the same teams are sitting in offices spanning cities and even states. Even though I was only 15 minutes away from one of our campuses, sometimes a few weeks would go by without even seeing the CP at that campus. So, we need the tools to effectively work together when we are apart. This is Enterprise 2.o. Most of the tools listed in this presentation are free (or very low cost). See how it may change the way you collaborate! Continue reading »

Okay, I’m on a Google tangent here, but I had to share. Maybe you’ve used Google Calendar before. Even if you have, things have changed!

I started playing around with Google Calendar a little over a year ago. I immediately LOVED it. The interface was so easy to use and efficient. It integrates perfectly with Gmail as well, which is what I use for personal email. One of the things I loved the most was how it handles appointments. You can invite other people, regardless of what network they are on to appointments and when they click yes, no or maybe… it immediately updates their status on your guest list on your calendar. This function feels a lot like evite. Although I loved the interface, Google calendar was just not a viable option for me.

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I had to share this cool new feature of Google Docs, but I didn’t want the last post to go any longer than it already was.

One of the great things about Google is that they are always innovating. One of their coolest innovations is an online form that fills data directly into a Google Spreadsheet. So here’s how it works. Open up a Google Spreadsheet and click on the “share” button. This will give you the opportunity to share as collaborators, viewers or to to fill out a form. Click on the “fill out a form” selection and write whatever questions you need. Then you simply add the email addresses of who you want to fill out the form. They’ll get a slick form in their email (if for some reason the form doesn’t work, it includes a link to the form on a separate web page). As people complete the form, their responses are automatically added to the spreadsheet you created in Google Docs.

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Google Docs Rocks! If you have a Gmail account, then you already have access to Google Docs. If you don’t, just sign up for free. It’s really easy.

Basically Google Docs are simply an alternative to Word, Excel and PowerPoint. No, there isn’t anything wrong with these programs and I use them all the time (well, not PowerPoint as much anymore). Actually the Microsoft incarnation of these programs are much more powerful. You can’t do complex formulas on Google’s version of Excel and you can’t do a mail merge on Google’s version of Word. However, there are some unique aspects about Google Docs that I love.

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When it comes to tech, I’m Switzerland. No really, I’m truly neutral. Actually, that’s not completely true. I’m Switzerland with some strong opinions. I’m a big believer in anything “open.” I love Google and want them to continue to succeed because I think they’re giving the big boys like Microsoft a run for their money. So, all this being said, I don’t vote a straight ticket. I use whatever is best out there. For blogging, I’ve been using a Microsoft product. Continue reading »

I give all the credit for this post to my father-in-law as he’s the one to tell me about the show wall. I tried to do a little research on the “show wall” and couldn’t find anything. I’m going to take his word for it as I trust him, but regardless it is a great principle. After talking about some conversations I had with some people at church, he introduced me to this concept. He said that sometimes in construction, builders will erect a show wall while they are concentrating their effort on the foundation. The foundation work is a tedious but necessary step in building any structure. The only problem is that during the days to weeks of building the foundation, no one can see what you’re doing. People passing by may look and wonder when anyone is going to do anything with that building. I was told that sometimes during this process, builders will erect a show wall. Perhaps this is a wall that will actually be a part of the structure, but it wasn’t put up because it was necessary. It was put up because it communicated progress and kept people’s attention.

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Okay, here is my favorite web app of all time right now. It it literally changing the way I prepare for church and even has some great application for personally use. The program is called Folder Share and it free. I think it used to be called file taxi or something, but Microsoft bought them out and they seem to be running the show (don’t let that scare you off yet, the application is really cool).

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I’ve recently come across two killer apps that I absolutely LOVE. I’ll share the first one with you today and the other one tomorrow. Continue reading »

I’ve been a children’s pastor now for over 11 years, 7 of those full time. Yeah, I was only 18 when I started pastoring 8 kids in a back building in Jenks, Oklahoma. It didn’t take me long to realize two very important points.

• Yes I had an opportunity to make a significant impact on the life of a child spiritually.
• Making a significant impact is going to be a lot harder than I would like it to be. Continue reading »

  

It may be quite around here on the CMOnine Blog. My wife and I are in the hospital right now… looks like we may be having our first baby tonight. Tomorrow is his due date, so I can’t complain about his timing. We’re so excited. Keep us in your prayers and I’ll post again when we have a son!

 Kenny

I tagged this comment in the category “Productivity.” I figured that would be appropriate.