Articles

Recessions are uncomfortably challenging in many ways. However, they also help us improve our organizational health and mission focus. We find ourselves having to analyze and justify our expense choices, and when doing so the term outsource becomes a major part of our analysis. While we see it as a cost-cutting opportunity, it is really much more than that. It improves organizational health tremendously.

The company that created the software that makes it possible to have virtual computers running on servers, VMware, sponsors an annual conference called VMworld that draws thousands of geeks from across the globe. This year it was in San Francisco, and more than 17,000 attended! What were the takeaways that are-- or will-- impact churches and ministries? Here are a few of my thoughts.

"Only the flexible survive." It's a phrase we've heard-- and possibly said-- many times. Life is unpredictable, and challenges do come our way, so how should uncertainty affect the way we approach information technology (IT) in our churches and ministries? We are dependent on our computers today in ways we might never have imagined. We rely on them to store contact information, process financial transactions, communicate-- many of the nuts and bolts that enable and hold ministry together. Therefore we should do all that is reasonable and cost-effective to protect our organizations from being shut down by a disastrous event. Planning now gives the flexibility needed for ministry survival. And in the ever-changing legal and financial regulatory landscapes, IT disaster recovery plans are even more necessary.

I get to visit with churches and ministries around the country throughout the year. Whether I'm serving in a consulting role or speaking, I've noticed that most are either somewhat dissatisfied with their church management software system, or dislike it so much they are looking for a replacement product. Why is the dissatisfaction level so high? And is there a way to improve it?

The Mac has an amazing reputation.  I agree with some of it, but most of its reputation is pure myth.

A few times each year Steve Hewitt, Christian Computing Magazine's Editor in Chief and I have the privilege of speaking at conferences about what's happening in technology. We talk about the trends and products we think are hot and those that are not hot. Here's a recap of what I shared at a recent conference.