favefive | Youth Ministry Tech Stuff

Brandon EarlyMore Posts #FAVEFIVE…Andy Johnson

5 tech resources from youth workers like us.

Andy Johnson leads the 5th and 6th grade ministry at Valley Church in West Des Moines, Iowa. Here are Andy’s #FAVEFIVE.

1. Website: CGtextures.com
This is a free stock photo site and it’s my go-to when I’m looking for a high-res image to use in teaching or promotional material.

2. Software: Photoshop
I use this ALL THE TIME for ministry. Sure there’s a learning curve, but that’s what YouTube tutorials are for. Whether it’s creating an event flyer, poster, Bible reading bookmarks, or just funny photo manipulation, Photoshop is probably my most used software.

3. Gadget: iPhone 5
What else can I say? In ministry I use this primariliy for social media, taking video and pics of student activities and uploading them to a Facebook group where parents can stay up-to-date with what we’re doing in pretty much real time.

4. Youtube
I use Youtube in ministry mostly for training volunteer leaders. Along with others on my ministry team, I create short training videos and send links to my leaders every week. The videos compile a series called “Training Without The Meeting,” essentially allowing leaders to be trained at their leisure. I can track analytics through YouTube, which allows me to see exactly how many views a video gets on any given day.

5. PowerPoint
Yes, I said it. When operating on a budget and in multiple venues, it’s hard to beat PowerPoint. Compatibility between Windows and Mac is also a huge win for me, since I am constantly moving from one to another. With the help of programs like Photoshop and websites like CGtextures.com and dafont.com, it’s not difficult to make a professional, aesthetically appealing PowerPoint presentation.

andy

Andy is a tech and music junkie, follow him on twitter @andywilliamj.

Add Comment February 27, 2013

Brandon EarlyMore Posts #FAVEFIVE…

5 tech resources from youth workers like us.

Scott Tinman is a youth pastor at First Free Church of Moline and has has been in the trenches for 19 years. Here are his #FAVEFIVE

1. Website – www.simplyyouthministrytools.com
I am always looking for ways to save time yet communicate and administrate our Student Ministry well. SYM TOOLS has made things much easier for me. There is a FREE Contact Tool that is basically your rolodex (for those of your that are younger ask your parents what this is) or online database. So everything is accessible on “the cloud”. I have also used the Communicate Tool as a way to utilize group texting for updates and we even have a group that gets a Bible Verse texted each day. Events is a new tool that allows you to track attendance, promote events with online registration and follow-up with students. Team Tool is a great way to recruit, train and develop your volunteers. I have used all of these tools and they have been made my administration simpler!

2. App – Evernote
without a doubt has been the best app for me. Basically think of it as your online notebook and they are always coming out with new ways to improve this app. You can use it on your computer, mobile phone and tablet. Make as many different notebooks as you want and organize them with tags. You can even take a picture with your mobile phone for those great pictures you want to use in your next message. I use this more than Microsoft Word or for you Mac users even Pages.

3. Gadget – Got to go with my iPad
I have an iPad 2 and with the newer ones that come out this would be a good one to get for price right now. Want to be lighter in your bag and not drag your laptop around get a cover/keyboard from Zagg and you practically have a Macbook Air. From basic computer uses to using it to teach/preach from at Youth Group and even reading some e-books this is a great gadget to have in your bag.

4. YouTube Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybDKfGEw4aU SNL Tech Talk Skit
Came across this video from @gregstier a few weeks ago and for an SNL Skit this is pretty clean. I am a MAC user and love my Apple products…I have drank the Kool-aide! But this skit pokes fun at the new iPhone 5 and gets at the issue of complaining…a great one to use in your ministry!

5. Other – Cases
I am a Case Junkie…love to have different cases for my stuff. I currently have 3 different cases for my iPhone & iPad and a bunch of different bags to carry my laptop, ipad and accessories in so here are my favs…

iPad -
Keyboard/Case – ZaggFolio
Book Book – a great disguise for your iPad in church
Targus – Basic Leather Case

iPhone -
Book Book – Fun to have but not always practical
Charging Case (case with battery) – Found one on Woot Search
Basic Protective Case – Black Bought a basic black incase cover

Bags-
Ogio Backpacks – Got one free from Dare2Share
Timbuk2 Messenger Bag

scott Scott Tinman has been married to Terri and has 3 boys ages 14, 11 & 6. Born and raised in the Chicago area and loves the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls. Also likes technology and knows enough to be dangerous.