We’ll be having computer labs (called “1-2-1 at Lake Hart”) during the lunch hour on the first Tuesday of each month at headquarters.  A dozen staff have volunteered to be available to answer questions on topics ranging from Macs, social networks, mobile devices, eMail, blogging, TntMPD, MailChimp, and more.  Twenty-eight staff came to our “trial run” lab in February.  I asked them what they thought of the lab:

“This was very helpful!!!  I like the informal setting where we can ask questions.  It is very difficult to grasp the tools we have available.  What is very basic for one of your experts, is very complicated for some people.  We need more bridge builders like you!!!  Sign me up to come again.”  ~ Tim C.

“I am interested in coming again. I actually really liked the free open ended way the lab was handled… I really wasn’t sure what I was going to ask [Mike] but as I sat there and fiddled with my MAC I really had a lot of questions. Thank you. I’ll be there next month.” ~ Lori D.

“Thanks agai...

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I love shortcuts, systems and time-savers of all kinds. I enjoy finding ways to increase fruitfulness and efficiency – so that I can have more time for family, friends, and ministry.  I am not especially technologically savvy, but I enjoy learning new things and using tech tools that are basically user friendly.

One of my favorite finds has been DROPBOX.  DROPBOX allows you to share photos, documents, and large files between your tech devices. (DROPBOX works with Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry.)  Your DROPBOX folders are automatically and securely updated with the information on your computers and phones, etc. without having to email between devices.  Your DROPBOX files are always available offline and also protected online so that they will be there even if something happens to your phone or computer.  A simple tutorial video tour makes DROPBOX super easy to use.

Not only can you share between devices, but you can share files with other people.  A simple invitati...

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Here’s a great ministry idea to easily mix a video with just your iPhone (or comparable device).

A mobile device with a front and back camera.  A mirror and your holder.  The oak “mixer” stand is a bit pricey, especially if you think you could make your own holder for the camera and mirror.  (It looks like the mirror is at a 45 degree angle behind the camera.)

People enjoy searching for and sharing videos. No surprise, then, that YouTube is the internet’s second-largest search engine. These homemade, three-minute, no-frills videos are popular and your digital camera gives you an easy and affordable way to produce these kinds of videos.  You may already be using videos  effectively to communicate on Facebook, blogs, and more. Using a homemade “mixer” like this also means you don’t have to learn how to use software to mix your video.  That might be a big plus for you.

What if you used this “mixer” to:

1.  have a conversation with a disciple to share with...

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Over two years ago in September, 2009, I published my first post on eQuipping for eMinistry. This blog is meant to help you with what you’re already doing and/or to equip you to try something new.  I thought you might be interested in where I’m going with it.

e4e has over 750 followers and subscribers from every continent, averaging about 400 views on the site every week.

Topics have included (click on the links for some examples):

• MPD: practical tips and tools
• Communicating well
• Blogging and websites
• Social Media
• Mobile phones
• Tech Tips
• Travel Tips
• Step-by-step tutorials
• and more

Leaha will continue to submit her thoughtful and open-hearted posts six times a year.  Karen will add to our how-to’s content.  I hope to continue posting twice per week and am open to contributions.  I’m especially hoping to add more topics on:

• Photo tips
• Your true stories about using technology for ministry
• Practical Win-Build-Send help

Besides the content on the blog, Karen and I are working ...

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The Ministry Partner Giving Analysis Report

Are you preparing MPD goals for the coming year?  One thing you should do is print your MPGA report before February 7th, even if you won’t look it over right away.  You can see this report any time in the Staff Services area on the Staff Web for a detailed look at your ministry partners (with your actual reimbursement expenses to help you in your planning for next year and also lots of helpful graphs about distribution, frequencies, and more).

I can think of two times when you might want to download a hard copy:

1. any time before taking an extended MPD trip (see below about MPD trips) or
2. after the January 10th paycheck and before February 7th, when the report reflects a complete year.

The MPGA report is a moving window into your current MPD information on our servers for any twelve-month period.  Therefore, between the January 10th and February 10th paychecks is the perfect time to get a copy of your MPGA report.  During this time period...

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