December 15th is National Cat Herders Day! The goofy holiday was created by a couple in California that has thought of a few funny holidays.  This time of year I think many of us feel like we’re trying to accomplish the impossible, like herding cats. Family visits, parties with friends, children’s Christmas activities, and not to mention our day to day work routine. At church we’ve been reflecting on the name the angel said Jesus would be known as in Matthew 1:20-23

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

So as your busy time just gets even more hectic, remember to slow down and remind yourself (and others) that God is with us.

Don’t let herding cats take control of your Christmas!

I think it is a great question and it took me a few moments to process an answer for her.  Technology is rapidly changing the life of pastors. I see it impact my job more and more with every year that passes.  I would break it down into three primary areas:

1. Connectedness

For pastors, our job is people first.  I desire to connect with people so I can help them build a better relationship with God and with one another.  Today, that connection is not only established face to face but also digitally.  The average church in the United States is less than 100 people and if we truly want to reach others we have to communicate with them:

• - The average teenager sends 50-100 text messages per day (adults are rapidly adapting texting as a form of communication as well)
• - 75 billion text messages are sent every month
• - 22% of people say that a text is easier than a phone call
• - 50% of facebook users log in daily to use the social networking tool
• - The average facebook user has 130 friends
• - As a group people spend over 700 billion minutes per month on facebook

I could add twitter, skype, and blogging statistics, but I think you get the point.  Digital media and social networking tools are a part of relational connectedness with the world around you.  Plus, the younger you are the more you rely on it to maintain your friendships.  I’m in my late 30′s and I use facebook regularly to stay in touch with people around the world.

Now translate that into the local church and we’ve got something really powerful and important to add to the working life of a pastor.  When I first started serving at Hope Summit one of my first compliments was around my use of facebook.  A woman my first Sunday at church thanked me for my facebook usage! She said, “Frank, thanks so much for talking with us on facebook, we’ve been waiting for this!” It was neat to see how something so simple like facebook gave us an opportunity to know one another in a better way.

I’ve also noticed another interesting trend.  I ask every new person I meet at Hope Summit this question, “How’d you find us?” More than 50% tell me that they found us on the internet.  Churches can no longer ignore digital media and technology, it’s essential for ministry.

2. Efficiency

The second thing tech does to change my job as a pastor is it helps me accomplish more work in less time.

• - My laptop keeps me mobile and I can write sermons and research on the road, at home (if my boys 3 and 5 will let me!) or in the office.
• - If I have my smart phone I can pull up any Bible verse in an instant.
• - I can accomplish a Greek word study with the click of a mouse.
• - With bible software like Logos or Quickvserse I can research thousands of resources on any topic or scripture verse in seconds!

When writing a sermon I used to have 6-8 books opened on my desk, now I have 1 or two favorites along with 10-15 on my laptop.  It actually makes me a better preacher.  Why wouldn’t you want the ability to use more resources for better research in less time?

3. Relevance

Not only is technology helping us connect and save time but it is also becoming more and more affordable.  That means even smaller congregations can access these tools at little or no cost.  Laptops are now less than $300.00 and you can pick up an average projector for less than a thousand.

With simple tools like screens and projectors we can more effectively:

• - Show video clips for sermon illustrations
• - Let the church see something that happened instead of telling them
• - Utilize PowerPoint to make our sermons easier to follow
• - Keep the church informed and up to date using text alerts
• - Use a combination of mobile and visual tech all at once with companies like jarbyco and engage the congregation in creative was like a live poll via text messaging.

Those are a few of my thoughts on the topic, and my conversation with Laura was great! Technology and media on a Sunday morning not only saves us time but it also makes a better presentation and helps us connect to a younger crowd that most churches need to do a better job reaching.

Click here to read Laura’s article from the Rocky Mount Telegram.

Here is a list of some of my favorite Android apps:

1. Pandora (free)

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If you don’t use Pandora yet, you should start.  It is a great way to discover new music and listen to music you love for free.  The more you rate the songs you like or dislike the better it gets at reccomending new music for you to listen to.  With this Android app you can take Pandora with you in the car or the gym.  I even use it while mowing the lawn.

2. NFL Mobile (free with Verizon)

This app lets you track your favorite teams and players on the go and give you a live video feed from the NFL Network.  Plus if there is a game you want to keep tabs on and you cant get to a TV you can get keep track of the game right from you phone.  If you are a fan, this app is a must have.

3. KeePassDroid (free)

Do you have trouble remembering passwords?  How about usernames? When creating online accounts for paying bills or using online banking, or even goofing around with social media they all require usernames and passwords.  On top of that they all have different standards for creating passwords.  For me, that makes it a little challenging when trying to keep all my passwords organized and that’s where KeePassDroid comes in.   This free nifty tool keeps them safe, secure and organized.  If you keep your phone with you, the passwords are with you.

4. Google Voice (free)

Don’t confuse this with the voice activated search on your phone, Google Voice is a new phone number assigned to you by Google.  A phone number that saves you, your friends and family time and frustration.  People don’t have to make a decision to call you at home, work, or on your  mobile… no, they call one number and you decide where that number rings. Here is a video that explains how the app works

5. You Verson Bible (free)

You version is actually available on most mobile platforms.  So even if you don’t have an Android phone you probably can pick up this app.  I use this app quite a bit since it is so easy to navigate the bible and also it helps me manage my reading plan.

Those are some of my favorites, what are your favorite apps?

Camp Entrance

This place is beautiful!

Having a great time.

Fun with friends at The Dorcet House in Dorcet, Minnesota

Turtle Sundae

Time to make the donuts!

Awesome root beer at the Minnesoda Fountain!

Men... Need... Cake...

Pizza Burgers... MMMmmmmmm...

Boating with Brad and Julie

Michael driving

AJ driving

Awesome view...

More good times...

Guys solving all the world's problems

A BIG THANKS to all our new friends from Pine Haven for helping us have a great week!

Is God Mac or PC?

That is, up in heaven, is he cranking away on a Mac or a PC? Does he love the iPhone or is he currently listening to Michael W. Smith’s greatest hits on a Zune? Does he have a little apple sticker stuck anywhere?

I feel like lists work well on blogs, so let’s break it down list style and weigh all the facts.

1. Macs are beautiful and glimmery white in their design. Christ and God are always represented as the “light of the world.” PCs are often dark. God is definitely a Mac.

2. As soon as you own an iPhone you start to feel a potpourri of pity and shame for anyone who does not own one. Someone whips out a Blackberry and you immediately, smugly think inside, “That poor person. Pushing on physical keys. The horror.” God doesn’t like that arrogance. God is a PC.

3. Apple makes real efforts to improve the planet and recycle their products. God loves that. God is a Mac.

4. Apple is notorious for rejecting apps that people try to put on the iPhone. God doesn’t reject anyone. God is definitely a PC.

5. PCs are often plagued by viruses and crashes. Much like sin, God hates that. God is definitely a Mac.

6. Mac commercials are constantly mocking people who use PCs. God hates mockery. God is definitely a PC.

7. You don’t have to learn a complicated operating system to use a Mac. You turn it on and go. Same with God. Repentance and salvation are not complex systems designed to confuse people. God’s a Mac.

8. PCs are constantly needing to be upgraded and updated with the latest software and operating systems. Just like sanctification. You are constantly changing and being renewed. God’s a PC.

9. Macs take a very holistic approach to computing. There’s iLife and iTunes and iPhone. They all work together seamlessly. Just the way God wants to be integrated into every part of our life. God’s a Mac.

10. Some people treat Apple’s Steve Jobs like he’s God in a mock turtle neck. Turns out God is not cool with that. God’s a PC.

11. Macs are very intuitive. When you want to do something, you don’t look up how to do it, you just do it. With a PC, things are often backwards. When you want to shut down for instance, you have to click “Start.” The Bible is very intuitive too. Proverbs lays out pages of simple wisdom that just makes sense. God is a Mac.

12. Macs are all about outside appearances. They look fantastic. But God cares more about what’s inside. Macs are too vain. God’s a PC.

13. Macs make music easy to enjoy. They’re more artistic and often the choice of graphic designers and photographers. God is a great fan of the arts, as evidence by the colorful sunsets and sunrises he paints each day. God’s a Mac.

14. Macs are really expensive. God’s not. He paid the cost. He paid the debt we owed to him. God’s a PC.

15. The Mac logo, an apple with a bite out of it, is reminiscent of our fall from grace in the garden of Eden and God’s forgiveness of us. God’s a Mac.

16. The Gates Foundation has given millions and millions of dollars to help people around the world. God’s all about generosity. God’s a PC.

17. Apple stores are not designed like traditional retail outlets, but are more like aesthetic sanctuaries. They’re practically consumer churches. God’s a Mac.

18. Mac is constantly teasing us with information. There is a tablet. There’s not a tablet. God, on the other hand, is much more direct with his love and purpose in our lives. God’s a PC.

There’s the list and I’ve got to tell you, I’m stuck. I have a PC desktop and an Apple laptop. I don’t know who to score this one as anything other than a tie. How about you?

You can read more of Jon’s funny stuff or even buy his book by clicking here.

Is God a Mac or a PC?

What evidence would you offer to support or deny either decision?

Norman Vincent Peale said,

Plan your work – work your plan. Lack of system produces that “I’m swamped feeling.”

I think we can also get that feeling when we are not grounded in the one thing that gives us a glimpse into the way God sees the world.  Regular Bible reading can not only be a source of comfort during tough times but also a source of direction when making choices and wisdom in daily living. However, when some people look at the Bible the just don’t know where to start and that is where You Version can help. On their website You Version says,

We aren’t just building a tool to impact the world using innovative technology, more importantly, we are engaging people into relationships with God as they discover the relevance the Bible has for their lives.

Technology really has made reading the bible easy.  After creating your account (which is free) you choose your plan and begin the readings for that day.  There are over 20 reading plans to choose from, to view them click here. After you choose you plan you can get started today! They’ve also made it easy to read on the go.  You Version can be accessed easily through your web browser, cell phone, blackberry, and i-phone (or i-pod touch).  They have lots of different apps to make it easy.  So, hopefully you’ll join me in choosing a plan for reading the Bible this year! Here is a video that gives you an idea of how easy it can be…

Create A Facebook Group

What’s great about facebook is that it is growing exponentially right now.  It is something that many people are already using in their daily routine to reconnect with old friends and stay connecting in current relationships.  If we can take advantage of social tools that people are already using in daily life, it only makes sense that we will have more success.  What’s great about creating a facbook group is it allows people to communicate to the entire group quickly, share photos from group activities, and even have discussions about what was shared at group that night.  Another convenient thing the facebook group can be utilized for is keeping a continuous prayer list.

Create A Group Twitter Profile

If you use twitter already you understand the networking value in a text message.  Since you may not want to bother all of your followers on twitter with details from your small group, I would suggest creating a separate twitter profile for your group.  Then have all your group members set up a twitter account.  Depending on their web skills you may have to help them with this task during a group meeting, but don’t forget to set them up as mobile users and to set your group profile “device updates.” This way when you update the twitter status it will hit their mobile phone as a text message.  Why is this helpful for a small group?  Here is a quick list of reasons:

• -Reminders to prepare or do homework from group that night
• -Last minute change of meeting location
• -Cancelation of your group due to weather or unforeseen circumstances
• -Messages of encouragement through the week
• -Reminder of daily bible reading that will be discussed on group night
• -Prayer requests through the week
• -Have some fun

Try Tokbox or Skype

What we thought was science fiction 20 or more years ago is reality today.  I can have a real-time conversation over the web with my brother in Hawaii and actually see him, hear him, and hold a great conversation on my computer in the comfort of my home.  Skype and other online video tools are allowing people to maintain long distance relationships like never before.  How can this enhance group life?  If you have a group member that has to travel out of town, but they don’t want to miss out on a great discussion, set up a laptop in the room and let them participate using the web!!! Or with other great tools like Tokbox, you can actually hold your entire group on the web, plus see and hear every person at the same time.  Sharing life experiences, reading the bible, asking engaging questions, and praying together can all be done via video conferencing online.  I must admit that I do prefer an “in person” group experience but these things can be done on the web and actually lead to a worthwhile experience.  If you’ve not tried something like this yet I’d encourage you to give it chance and have some fun with some friends as an experiment. 

If you’ve found some other forms of social media useful please share in the comments below.

And if you would like to connect with me using social media you can find my points of contact by CLICKING HERE

For more great info on small groups you’ll want to check out my blog at Small Group Help – http://www.smallgrouphelp.com/Blog/

The best part for you… no more listening to long voicemail messages!!!  Google Voice transcribes all your voicemail into an email.  I can’t even begin to tell you how much easier this had made things for me.  My voicemail hits my blackberry as an email and I can click through and call that number back if I need to return the call.  SOOOOOooooo convenient.  If your still now just beginning to catch on, watch the video below for a simple explanation:

Now here is where it gets better, If you’re smart your already thinking, “But my caller ID will still show up, they won’t see my new Google Voice number.”  That is where the nifty application comes in.  If you are using a Blackberry or Google Android phone, this app fixes everything.  Using the app you have access to your entire address book and you place calls through the application instead and PRESTO – your caller ID number that is displayed is your Google number.  Again, here is a video that explains it quite simply:

Click here to learn more about Google Voice or click on the button below to check out some other free tools you may like!

1 - Take Social Media Seriously – People that have gone far with social media and made a significant impact or useful for their effort are constantly connected.  Updating and using these social tools daily.  Some even consider it a major function of their full time job or an important part of their personal daily routine.  If you don’t take it seriously and invest the necessary time, you probably wont find using it rewarding or very effective to draw attention to your cause.

2 – Promote Others More Than Yourself – Some jump into social media to simply use it as a bull horn to self promote.  They completely forget about the SOCIAL in social media.  Unless you are a celebrity you wont get very far without this principle.  One great benefit to engaging in social media is new relationships.  If all you do is constantly self promote people will catch on and other leaders that have potential to help you spread your message are more likely to ignore you.

3 – Be Real – Life isn’t always bad and life isn’t always good.  If you are authentic on social media people will take notice.  Obviously you don’t want to be too transparent especially if you are in the public eye and constantly under a microscope.  However, it is important for people to get a glimpse into your life, your emotions, and your passions.  Let others celebrate your wins and mourn your losses with you.

4 - Say Thank You- Be appreciative of what others do for you.  When people RT on twitter, share things on facebook, encourage you with a quick note on your wall, promo your stuff, or mention you or what you do… thank them!  Don’t take it for granted because when people see that it is meaningful for you, it will be even more meaningful for them and they are likely to repeat the behavior.  People want to see that you care and a simple thank you can take you far.

5 - Keep It Simple – You don’t need to be a tech wizard or to buy fancy software to successfully engage others using social media.  Some handle millions of followers on twitter simply with the web interface and others communicate with thousands on facebook using only their cell phone.  If you are just getting started I’d recommend picking only one platform and doing it well before branching out onto others.  For churches, facebook is a great place to start.

If you need help with getting your church started click here to contact me.