TechShepherds.com

Info-Techno Sabbath

I admit it.  I am addicted to technology tools that help me get more done in less time.   I do not know how I would make it without my Blackberry.  Being able to be on the go and still get things done in less time is essential to my day.

However, there are days I just need to get away from it all.  Unfortunately, I too often go so long between those "get away" days that I feel overwhelmed by it all.  I recently was given a book by Kevin A. Miller entitled "Surviving the Information Overload: The clear, practical guide to help you stay on top of what you need to know" that has convicted me of my need for an Info-Techno Sabbath. 

Miller suggests that there are five "gifts" that one receives when they begin taking  an Info-Techno Sabbath.

• Pause:   Taking a rest from the rapid pace give time for rest.
• Perspective:  Information comes at us so fast that we do not have time to digest it and get a proper perspective.
• People:  Unplugging from the technology allows for more quality time with family and friends.
• Peace:  Having time to rest allows time to slow down and experience a more peaceful day, which in turn allows you to recharge for the week ahead.
• Prayer:  Taking time for uninterrupted prayer and time with God brings more connection in life that any technological tool made.

I highly recommend this book if you are caught in information overload.  Other topics in the book are:

• Finding Information You Need
• Clearing Information Clutter
• Creating Space to Think

Little Dogs Can Lead Too

I recently had a situation in my career where a new level of management was brought in.  Naturally, that level was above me.  Now, I have been working on an ongoing vision for technology in ministry.   Being human, I was not excited about someone coming in to provide a new vision and direction that may or may not coincide with mine.

It has been an interesting transition, but I would like to share one lesson I have learned:  Leadership does not equal title or position.  In his book Courageous Leadership, Bill Hybels talks about leading in all directions.  I highly recommend reading this book if you have not done so.

We naturally think about leading those around us or those who report to us.  However, one can have a profound impact on those over them.  We have had some projects come up recently where I and a co-worker have been able to make suggestions that were well received by those in leadership.  The best part is they, not I, get to sit through the long meetings, etc., while I get to spend more time with my family than I would have otherwise.  Dog lovers, please pardon the reference to little dogs.  Just remember, that you, too, lead in a 360 radius around you.

Tame those wild cables

Computer cables are like spaghetti.  It never fails...as soon as you use a permanent cable tie, you need to make a change.  This necessitates cutting the cable tie and using a new one once your changes are complete.  I have seen professional Velcro ties specifically for cables, but they tend to be expensive.  Who says they have to have "cable ties" on the package.  Check out Velcro Plant Ties.  They are marketed as plant ties, but they work well on anything.  Just cut off what you need for the project.  At this price, they are the way to go.

Help with your special events

Managing a special event at your church or ministry can be a daunting task, especially if you need to sell assigned seating tickets, handle email marketing, staff a call center, and fulfill orders for products related to the event.

Whether you want to manage all this yourself or outsource all or part of it, there is a great solution from E-vent Software & Services.  Churches large and small have used this solution and their customer feedback is impressive

Portal to Distraction?

I have been a fan of creating a Portal on the church web site so people will make it their home on the web. Brian Bailey has really challenged my thinking on this. I like what he has to say on the subject. I would like to read your thoughts too.

Link: Portal Fever.

Flash Video Streaming

Here are two great links by Terry Storch about the future of video streaming.

Link: Flash Streaming Video.
Link: Flash on your Nokia cell phone.

What may be hindering your project?

Implementing new technology of any type can be a challenge in and of itself.  However, rarely is the technology itself the reason for difficulty in implementing the technology.  I am currently part of a team that is implementing a new church management solution from Fellowship Technologies called Fellowship One. 

To be completely upfront, we have run into some challenges in the implementation.  However, Fellowship One has nothing to do with those challenges.  I give my full endorsement for Fellowshp One and believe that every church seriously take a look at it.

The challenges we have faced have come from people.  This was surprising to me until I read an article in Baseline Magazine called "Projects Don't Fail, People Do."  I recommend you take time to read this one-page article.

I have learned a lot through this project that I hope to share in the coming days.  However, here are some thoughts I have to share to get this started:

Senior Manage/Leadership MUST be behind the project 100%:
This is absolutely crucial.  If senior leadership does not have total buy-in to the project, you will not be able to get it from the rest of the staff or church.

Don't go it alone in the discovery phase:
Having representation from vital ministry areas on the team that evaluates a product/solution will increase excitement among staff and ministries.  The more people excited about it throughout the process, the more tolerant they will be through the transition.

Assemble an on-sight implementation team:
While much of the IT project will need to be handled by people with an IT mind-set, there are usually other non-IT related aspects that can be handled by other staff.  The other part of that is that they will have a better idea of how it should be done in the first place.  The more heads that get together to think through all of the items, the more thorough and smooth the implementation will go.

ROI is bigger than budget expenditures:
Too often churches only look at the expense items that have a hard number and dollar sign associated with them.  The finance committee or staff in charge of the money are rightly concerned with ensuring good use of money.  However, return on investment (ROI) needs to be considered in any IT project.  If the technology solution will not save time and money, then it may not need to be implemented in the first place.  Once it is determined that the solution will make be a valuable tool for the organization, then whatever you do -- do not underfund the project.  This only delays full implementation and ends up costing more in the long run.

Google Maps - WOW

Google announced the beta version of its mapping service today.  If this is the beta release, the non-beta will be out of this world.  This is by far the best online mapping I have experienced.  See it for yourself at http://maps.google.com.

Link: Google finds its map service | CNET News.com.

Do they expect what you don't have?

In the technology and ministry report I have posted about the past few days, Mr. Ellison notes that churches need to take a closer look at their use of technology.

For example, with the majority of Americans using the Internet, it’s amazing that over one out of four medium and large churches don’t have any presence on the Web – particularly with many churches trying to figure out ways of attracting younger people, who are particularly likely to use the Internet to gather information and explore their options.”

Put a different way, is your church stuck in the yellow-pages while the culture is looking for a church in the Interne?
Link: EllisonResearch Home Page.

Sermons are not just for Sunday anymore

Everywhere you turn today you see them.  iPods, Dell Jukeboxes, and MP3 players of all types.  People are listening to music and audio files.   Automobiles are now being fitted with docking stations for MP3 players.  This will allow people to take their music and audio files with them everywhere they go.

The weekly sermons that are delivered in churches each week, too often fall silent at the walls of the church.  Image these great resources being available for people to listen to throughout the week.  The following quote from the Ellison Research findings we have been looking at show that we are missing out on the great discipleship benefits of this cultural phenomenon:

Of the tested uses of technology, the one of least importance to ministers in the near future is having their sermons available on their church’s Web site – only 9% feel this will be extremely important to the work of their church over the next five years.

Not only should we see this as important in the next five years...we should see this as extremely important today.  How is your church using the web to make audio disipleship materials available?