Technology for Pastors

If you own or manage 1 or more PCs then it’s inevitable (if you’re using Windows XP/Vista/7) that you’ll need to do a reinstall one day.  Ninite is your perfect reinstalling solution.

Simply download the exe file (Ninite doesn’t even install itself), pick the software you want downloaded (heaps to choose from including Google Chrome, Skype, iTunes, MS Office (trial), Picasa and AVG (freeware anti-virus)) and click Go.  Walk away and each application you selected will download and install with default settings and NO junk like browser toolbars etc.  Could save a LOT of time especially if you work with multiple PCs.

2. Google Forms/Surveys

Free and easily customisable forms to survey groups, teams or even the whole church are easily created with Google Docs now.  Simply hit the Create New button and select Form.  Design your form (stacks of easy to use options like multiple choice, checkboxes, text fields, scales etc) and when people enter data you’ll receive the results in spreadsheet form through Google Docs. LOVE IT.  Saves time and money going into something like SurveyMonkey which I hear is pretty good but not free for organisations.

3. Google Sites/Wiki

Need to create an easy online location for policies, training manuals and other documents, info for your leadership teams?  Google Sites is the perfect idea.  You can have it public (like my church site C3NewLifewiki) or you can have it only available to select people you share it with (same as a Google Doc).  I’ve even got a family one that I use to share with extended family ideas for kids (and me!) for Christmas, plans for renovations in our new house and other things I want to keep that is handy to store online.  Check it out here.