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High-Tech Chat

High-Tech Chat is a feature that explores technologies and how they can be applied to ministry. We highlight the subject basics and provide links to learn more about hardware, software, and general tips of the trade.

These articles will appear online and in the Missouri Conference Review. If you have an idea to pitch or your own story to submit e-mail Fred Koenig.

 

Web ministry

  • Churches can embrace Web as a ministry Review article by Erin Horner
    Learn why the internet is a necessary tool for ministry, and how it is becoming an important part of the church.

  • Web Resource list | web page
    Are you looking for free or small cost resources for your church web ministry? We have put together a web resource list with categories including such topics as social networks, video, podcasting, feed readers, website design, copyright policies, web hosting and more!

    The resources are divided by subject type and there is a short description of each one. Please e-mail Steve Cusumano to suggest an addition to the list.

  • Web Ministry from United Methodist Communications
    There is a large compliation of resources about website building, digital media, social media, and e-communications including are tools, articles, links, and free online courses. They cover all the bases of web ministry from the beginning to beyond.

Websites

Photography/Digital Cameras

  • Photo Permission form
    This photo permission form has been modified by Prairie Chapel UMC from Maricopa Community Colleges in Tempe, AZ. It is a Word document, so you can personalize it for your church or ministry.
     
  • Flash drop off leaves you in the dark Review article by Fred Koenig 
    Take better photos and learn how to use your camera flash most effectively.
     
  • Adjustments can resolve low resolution problems Review article by Fred Koenig
    Fine tune your digital camera photo skills with these pointers.
     
  • Photo Primer by Mike DuBose of United Methodist Communications 
     Information for users of the United Methodist News Service (UMNS) photos regarding file formats, pixels, and more.
     
  • Digital Photography Review
     A web site for news, reviews and information, you can also search cameras by features and compare them side by side

Social Media

  • Blogging can be an easy way to boost your communications Review article by Steve Cusumano
    Setting up a church blog can be an great way to encourage communication between the church and general public, as well as share information within the church among the clergy, staff and congregation. And the best part is that creating a blog has never been easier.

  • Online Communication Policy by United Methodist Communications
    With the increased usages of social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and text messaging learn how to protect you and your church while using these tools.
     
  • What is this Twitter thing? Review article by Jennifer Reeves
    Learn all about Twitter, what it is, and how to use it from a conference communications commission member.
     
  • Twitter for Churches by Churck Marketing Sucks
     Read how this new tool can be useful for your local church congregation and members.
     
  • Twitter in Plain English
    Below is a video explaining Twitter from the Common Craft Show. They create short, simple and focused videos on making complex ideas easy to understand.