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Wisely purchased, skillfully installed, and user-friendly information systems further a congregation's internal communications and mission to the community. Learn how your congregation can better use technology to serve ministry efforts.
ADMINISTRATION : Information Technology
  40 Days and 40 Bytes: Making Computers Work for Your Congregation (Book)
Aaron R. Spiegel, Nancy Armstrong, Brent Bill, Authors.
Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2004.
An important book for any congregation that wants to use computer technology more effectively, 40 Days and 40 Bytes is essential for congregations that have made costly mistakes in the past—and want to avoid those mistakes in the future.
 Computer Savvy: Information Technology in Congregations (Article)
Nancy S. Armstrong, Aaron R. Spiegel, John R. Wimmer, Authors.
The Christian Century. February 7-14, 2001. Vol. 118, No. 5, pp. 20-23.
Chicago, IL: Christian Century Foundation.
Arguing against the notion that computer technology has undermined congregational relationships, the authors of Computer Savvy explain how congregations are using computers to support their ministries.
 E-zekiel (Web Resource)
Birmingham, AL: E-zekiel and Axletree Media
E-zekiel provides Internet-based tools and training for your congregation to establish, edit, and maintain a Web site; manage Web files; conduct e-mail; and engage in marketing and tracking.
Reaching Out in a Networked World: Expressing Your Congregation's Heart and Soul (Book)
Lynne M. Baab, Author.
Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2008.
Lynne Baab relays the urgency of considering how new technologies can help congregations communicate their identity and values. She also offers a conceptual framework and practical tips for evaluating some new communication tools.
Web Site Development for Religious Organizations (Web Resource)
Understanding that faith communities are often low on funds and must rely on volunteers, a professional Web site developer has created a resource that will help congregations with instituting and maintaining organizational Web sites.
Webmedley (Web Resource)
Allowing congregations to quickly establish and maintain a Web presence, Webmedley offers a variety of user-friendly editing and development tools through a Web browser with add-on features.
Wired Churches, Wired Temples: Taking Congregations and Missions into Cyberspace (Book)
Elena Larsen, Author.
Washington, DC: Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2000.
Although it was released in 2000 and many of the statistics may have changed since then, this report provides an interesting look at congregational Internet use at a time when such use is becoming more common.
 Advanced Internet Management (Web Resource)
Advanced Internet Management provides Internet content filtering solutions and Internet blocking of pornography, adult material, criminal activity, chat blocking, and other categories.
 BibleWorks (Software)
BibleWorks aims to provide pastors, educators, seminarians, and others with complete computer-based tools for biblical exegesis and interpretation. Bible translations, reference tools, maps, and more are included.
 Center for the Digital Future (Organization)
The Center for the Digital Future (CDF) tracks and reports information on Internet usage. Leaders who use the Internet for communication and ministry will find this organization helpful as they think about Web-based initiatives.
ChurchMedia.net (Web Resource)
Las Cruces, NM: Church Media.net
Many congregations are wrestling with the issue of using media in their worship services. ChurchMedia.net is a great first stop to get a handle on the difficult issues of "why" should I use this technology and then "how" do I go about
Delivra (Software)
Neighborhood Email
(Formerly Neighborhood Email.) Delivra helps congregations launch and maintain email programs such as newsletters, announcements, and discussion forums.
Habits of the High-Tech Heart: Living Virtuously In the Information Age (Book)
Quentin Schultze, Author.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2002.
Schultze takes the role of constructive contrarian, placing the technological worldview of efficiency, control, and individualism under the authority of the Judeo-Christian worldview with its practices of virtue and spiritual discipline.
Hartford Reviews of Congregational Web Sites (Web Resource)
Hartford, CT: Hartford Institute for Religion Research
This set of congregational Web site reviews from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research provides links to—and analyses—of good sites, plus criteria for evaluating congregational Web sites.
High-Tech Worship?: Using Presentational Technologies Wisely (Book)
Quentin Schultze, Author.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2004.
Having encountered both fruitful and poor uses of presentational technologies in worship services, Quentin Schultze argues that liturgical wisdom should guide our technological adaptations and technology should nurture the love of the Lord.
iHateSpam (Software)
Sunbelt Software USA
iHateSpam is a filter for Outlook and Outlook Express that, once configured, removes unwanted email from one’s inbox and relegates them to a quarantined, junk email folder for review or deletion.
Media Ministry Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Visual Communication (Book)
Tim Eason, Author.
Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2003.
Written in a simple, easy-to-read format that does not assume a background in multi-media, Media Ministry Made Easy provides concrete guidance for churches seeking to start effective media ministries.
Microsoft Charity Open License Program (Organization)
Microsoft Charity Open License Program
Qualifying congregations and organizations can purchase Microsoft software for discounts sometimes nearing 70% of retail pricing.
The Networked Congregation: Embracing the Spirit of Experimentation (Web Resource)
Religion writer Andrea Useem offers support for congregations exploring Web 2.0 technologies. She addresses the history of the Internet, defines Web 2.0, examines what it means for congregations, provides practical advice, and recommends resources.
New Tools for a New Century: First Steps in Equipping Your Church for the Digital Revolution (Book)
John Jewell, Author.
Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002.
This resource explores both why and how the local church can join the digital revolution to further its primary mission of spreading the faith.
Web Pages That Suck (Web Resource)
This site offers much valuable information about what NOT to do with a Web site. Mistakes around first impressions, text and links, graphics, navigation, and content are covered, along with examples of the worst Web sites.
Websense (Software)
Websense
Protecting and controlling Internet use within a congregation is becoming a necessity as church facilities become more like community centers. Websense provides a quality check for all internet use on your computer.
Wired for Ministry: How the Internet, Visual Media, and Other New Technologies Can Serve Your Church (Book)
John Jewell, Author.
Brazos Press, 2004.
Having served as both a pastor and a computer systems analyst, John Jewell addresses both the ways technology can enhance ministry and the difficulties that technology can bring.
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