As I pursue the mission and multiplication of the church I like to pass along the websites, tools and resources that help me do what I do more effectively. Of course, these are just tools that enhance effectiveness. Nothing is more effective than the means Jesus has already given us for making disciples.
Ministry Tools
Accordance Bible Software – I’ve found Accordance to be an incredible resource for studying the Word. “Accordance Bible Software is designed to remove every obstacle to effective Bible study. Its fast, efficient, and flexible interface stays out of your way so you can focus your attention on your passage of study. Its powerful search capabilities enable you to find the answer to any question. And its comprehensive library of texts and study aids offers everything you need.”
Prepare-Enrich – The goal of the Prepare-Enrich Online Marriage Assessment is to “help build strong marriages and healthy relationships”. This online assessment tool is taken by engaged couples to “prepare” for marriage or by new married couples to “enrich” their marriage. I use this tool to help identify growth areas for nearly or newly wed couples during our counseling sessions.
YouVersion – I love using YouVersion’s Bible, especially on the iPhone. It has become my goto Bible. My Bible reading plan automatically gives me the reading for the day. If I’m in the car I can listen to the text. They are constantly adding new translations and languages but all of my favorites are already added. I usually carry my HCSB with me but if I’m ever somewhere without it, I still have access to my YouVersion of the Bible.
Productivity Devices
MacBook Pro – I have been using a MacBook Pro since 2006 and have been extremely satisfied. This is the ultimate productivity tool. Why? It has a fast startup, it never crashes, I’ve never had trouble with viruses, it has long battery life, it is lightweight, it has top of the line software for presentations, multi-media, and word-processing, and Apple does the best job of anyone at customer service and tech support.
iPhone – I only got into the smart phone market in 2010 so I can’t make comparisons of who has the best smartphone out there. I have the iPhone 4 and can’t believe how productive I can be with the iPhone. On the other hand, it can also be a distraction, which is why I turn off most of the push notifications and have very few games or videos. I don’t use it much for entertainment, I primarily use it for communication (phone, SMS, email, Social Media), productivity (Evernote, ToDo List, GPS, Calendar, Banking, Finance, Calculator, Alarm), and reading (Bible, Kindle, iBooks, RSS, News, Weather).
Productivity Applications
Nozbe – Nozbe is a to-do list application that I use all the time. Not only can I group tasks in various projects but I can set up alerts and even add a “context” so that if I find myself in that context I can get that task done while I’m there. It has an iPhone app, a desktop app, and an online version and all of them sync together so you always have your to-do list accessible.
Evernote – I use Evernote online and on my iPhone to capture articles, resources, quotes, ideas, and pictures as I run across them. Since everything I capture is searchable, I have quick access to all of my notes. I also have folders for quotes, illustrations, and stats for sermon prep, notes from various meetings, as well as a folder for Scripture verses I am memorizing.
Google – There’s no way I can even begin to explain how useful Google has been to me. I use gmail for emails and contact management. I use Google calendar, Chrome, Maps, Reader, Picnik, Voice, YouTube, and Docs on a regular basis and often find time to explore many of their other tools online or on my phone.
MailChimp – I find MailChimp to be an easy to use email newsletter service. Some of the best features are easy newsletter templates, sign-up forms, and campaign analytics.
Mint – Mint is an online finance program. I have all of my financial accounts linked and am able to keep an accurate budget with this program. The iPhone app gives me a quick look at my spending against budget as well as sending me helpful alerts that I have set up. Since it is a free application from Turbo Tax, everything in Mint easily transfers to Turbo Tax when it’s time to file my taxes.
WordPress – WordPress isn’t just a blogging platform. It is also a content management system (CMS). I’ve used it to build entire websites. This blog is built on the simple wordpress.com platform but I’ve used wordpress.org for several sites. WordPress is arguably the best platform out there and they are constantly improving their service. Even their iPhone app includes the ability to write and publish posts and pages, respond to comments, and view site stats.
What are your favorite resources for ministry, productivity or life? I’ll be updating this page as I run across other resources. Let me know what you think of these resources!