Church Information Technology

Tony Dye’s Blog (http://tonydye.typepad.com/main/2008/11/best-practices-handbook-for-church-it.html) had an interesting article concerning the thought of writing a book on church information technology (IT) on 27 Nov. The idea of a book on church IT is interesting and very much needed as my literature research in this area found that there is very little published work in this area. When I state, “published work”, I am referring to peer-reviewed research. I am currently conducting research on church IT management and how variables of business processes and strategic planning relate to church IT management. I hope to conduct a survey within the next 2-3 months on this topic. Church IT has to be about supporting the ministry of the church in bringing people to Christ or furthering people's faith journey. If it does not support that, then we need too really understand what we are trying to accomplish.

Thoughts on the Financial Markets

The financial markets are hurting now due to the greed on part of Congress who failed to act on this several years ago, the executive branch of government who has failed to rein in the improper activities of the financial business sector, and the incompetent leadership at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Lets not forget the mortgage companies, brokers, and brokerages whose stupidity allowed for the approving of mortgage amounts beyond what people could afford. With today’s economy being a global activity, market activity in the U.S. affects the whole world. Of course, there are also the cartels who are manipulating the markets for more profits... looks like lots of greedy and shortsighted people trying to get their way.

With the world economy in such turmoil and so much uncertainty, I wanted to share a few thoughts on how I am preparing to weather this economic storm from a personal and IT management prospective.

1. Budget and tracking all of our expenses, this enables me to know what and where we are spending our money. Knowledge is power and power enables discipline!
2. We have an objective of having six months worth of living expenses saved in liquid assets/accounts such as money market accounts. There are some financial advisers now recommending 12 months due to the increase in unemployment. For those who don't have six months of living expenses set aside, consider the following steps.
- Stop all unnecessary spending such as coffee at Starbucks, soda's from vending machines, reduce eating out, stop or reduce smoking, stop or reduce drinking alcoholic beverages out, and cancel or reduce services not being used such as cable/satellite TV/movie channels
- Reduce your shopping trips and makes lists of what you specifically need prior to entering a store, avoid impulse shopping
- Limit your shopping online and watch out for the sales and bargain advertising that temps you to make impulse purchases
- Avoid or delay getting more animals/pets
- Have a garage sale or list extra stuff for sale on http://www.craigslist.org If you haven't used things for over a year, sale it, even if it's at a dirt cheap price as it's better to sell cheap rather than letting the stuff sit on a shelf not earning any money!
- Pay your bills on time and pay down loans ASAP in priority order of the interest rates
- Buy used items at Goodwill or other thrift shops, look for sales or coupons before buying essential items
- Reduce the number of items you buy for Christmas, have friends over instead of giving gifts, do a work project for parents and other relatives who need help in maintaining their homes, look for other alternatives instead of gifts. Do not be afraid to say that you are attempting to build up your rainy day fund!
- Focus on building friendships rather than giving material items
- Learn to be content with what you already have

1 Timothy 6:6-9 (New Living Translation)

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.


3. For the computer and networking geeks, look at delaying purchases, making do with what you have, or look at the used IT equipment market. Ask for additional discounts and remember if your buying it for your church or ministry, get the sales taxes waived!

Consider seeking out financial counseling from your credit union, financial planner, or other financial organization who has your interest in mind. One I use is Thrivent Financial for Lutherans: http://www.thrivent.com/

Reference: How to Prosper in a Declining Economy by Crown Financial Ministries, http://www.crown.org

Additional references:
http://www.smartmoney.com/
http://money.cnn.com/
http://www.dolans.com/
http://www.thrivent.com/

Easy Worship 2007

We use Easy Worship for our audio/video presentations for church services, I am thinking of updating to the latest 2007 version, has anyone used it yet?

28 Nov 2008: I upgraded a few computers to Easy Worship 2007, the upgrade was flawless and the new application looks good.

Wireless & Memory Upgrade Makes a Difference!

I spent the afternoon trimming trees trying to have an unobstructed view for my wireless bridge between buildings. I got enough cleared out so that the Cisco Aironet radios will associate now, I need to chainsaw some more branches to ensure it stays clear when the leaves come back on the tress.

I also added a 1GB memory module to a four-year-old HP Pavilion laptop e/w AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz CPU, what a difference, XP-Pro runs supper fast now! For $31 from Buy.com I was able to get PNY 1GB PC2700 333MHz 200-pin SO-DIMM DDR Notebook Memory.

FCC ADOPTS RULES FOR UNLICENSED USE OF TELEVISION WHITE SPACES

The FCC Whitespace Device Ruling that will allow the use of whitespace that exists in the broadcast television spectrum on a secondary basis at locations where that spectrum is open has passed. The devices must include a geolocation capability, which includes spectrum-sensing technology.

“Wireless microphones will be protected in a variety of ways. The locations where
wireless microphones are used, such as sporting venues and event and production facilities, can be registered in the data base and will be protected in the same way as other services. The Commission also has required that devices include the ability to listen to the airwaves to sense wireless microphones as an additional measure of protection for these devices”. (FCC Press Release, 4 November 2008, ¶ 2)

This has been a concern to many churches that use wireless microphones and other audio devices that utilize the same frequency spectrum. Keep tuned into this to determine when the database comes on line to register your facility as a whitespace user.

Reference: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-286566A1.pdf

One Month to Live

I just finished up with our small group who has been studying the book One Month to Live: Thirty days to a no-regrets life by Kerry and Chris Shook. This book really brought meaning to what's important in my life. To do busy work without knowing my priorities has caused me to lose focus on what's important in life. Relationships and serving with a purpose are the key elements in serving God. The web site for this book is: http://onemonthtolive.com/

I also heard our high school band this morning at church, they sounded great and it was inspirational to see so many of our high school students participate and get into some really great spiritual Christian music. Of course, technology plays a role here, without the amplifiers, sound board, projectors, and sound systems, it would not have been possible. This event reminded me why we serve; our technology talents and skills support this kind of worship experience.

My First Blogging Message

Welcome to the IT Disciple Blogger. This blog is dedicated to serving God through the use of information technology (IT).

My belief is that the church needs to use technology in addition to traditional communications strategies to reach its potential audience today. The use of Web sites, Podcasting, streaming video, blogging, and other means to reach both believers and nonbelievers alike is critical in order to bring people to Christ or to help them move forward in their spiritual journey.

My intention is to post ideas, experiences, and references on the use of technology in serving God. I hope to reach technologist in churches across the world and encourage them.

Technology is an awesome gift! Using it to serve the Lord is even more powerful.

Ephesians 5:20 (New International Version)

20 Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.