Although the following may not be their original intention, here are some cool Web 2.0 apps that could have interesting ministry implications.
NowThen - Capture ministry as it happens. Imagine plotting a life of ministry and documenting the fruit for others to see via your mobile phone. Try it on your next mission trip. (http://nowthen.com/home)
Texticate - Stay in touch with small groups, ministry teams, and other church members via text messages.
(http://www.texticate.com/)
Podlinez - Provide a phone number (i.e. church hotline) members could call to hear weekly updates about your church and what it's offering this week. Basically, it's phone-enabled podcasts. (http://www.podlinez.com/)
Jott - Shepherding-type pastors will dig this. Get voice-to-text annotation of Visitation or ministry follow-ups online after speaking the notation into your mobile phone. Good for the absentminded professor, too. (e.g. "Note to self...") (http://www.jott.com/)
Skypecasts - Host conference calls to discuss topics of a spiritual nature or conduct remote/multi-site small groups or discipleship sessions. (https://skypecasts.skype.com/)
Dodgeball - Proximity messaging to members and friends. Could have a ministry application. For example, "I'm helping someone move into their new house. Is anyone close by and available to help?"
(http://www.dodgeball.com/)
LoopNote - Send multi-channel messages to ministry teams, small groups, church members, elders, etc. (http://loopnote.com/)
Socialight - Geotagging of information that is tied to real-world things. For example, if I am visiting Boston for the weekend, I may want to know which churches are nearby that people enjoyed/noted. You could also use it for ministry, like "this church member's place needs help with yardwork" or "this person has difficulties getting out to grociery shop, so if you are in the neighborhood, drop off some food." Or, you can take pictures of homes in your neighborhood that you are praying for on your nightly prayer walk. Then, when others walk the neighborhood, they can know who you are trying to reach. These are some scenarios I quickly made up, and I am sure you can all contribute some good ideas of how to use this technology. The point is, it can be used for more than good meal suggestions. Watch the video explanation. (http://socialight.com/) Yelp - On a similar note, Yelp let's you post online reviews of real-world places. Then, people can lookup information for a specific geographic area to find out what is recommended. Again, take the church scenario. Let's say I am in San Jose for the weekend, what churches does San Jose have to offer me? # 10 WestGate sounds fun. (http://www.yelp.com/) Joopz - Go online to send text/SMS messages to people. Stuff like, "Don't forget, you have snacks for tonight's meeting" or "The AWANA awards will be given out this Sunday after church. Wear your uniform becuase we will be recognized during the service." (http://www.joopz.com/) More Text messaging options for small groups, prayer request distribution, and/or ministry teams.
Hope this helps get the wheels spinning! Share this post with someone. What have you found out there? Do you use any of these services at your church? Drop some comments and ideas for others to try out in their ministry! The more the better.
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