Posts by Jonathan Smith
Protecting IT from Disasters
“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.
Read MoreGetting the Most Out of Your CMS
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?
Read MoreThe Mac’s Amazing Reputation
The Mac has an amazing reputation. I agree with some of it, but most of its reputation is pure myth.
Read More2010’s Hot Technology
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.
Read MoreThe Inseparable Bond of Technology & Mission
In a recent conference about technology in church ministry, Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, CA) said, “Every time there is an advance in technology, The Kingdom advances.” Technology has a huge impact on our mission– not the ‘what’ of our mission, but the ‘how’.
Read MoreIt’s Spring Cleaning Time!
It’s Spring, and to many of us that means “Spring Cleaning”. Computer data is one of those areas that needs constant grooming, and the payoff is big! But to some just thinking of it feels like a chore. In this article I’ll help you organize your data and delete unnecessary files easily.
Read MoreIT Proves King Solomon Was Right!
“Cloud computing” is the latest concept to capture Information Technology (IT)’s minds and imagination. Many are embracing it even though it is still in development; others are looking at it cautiously and with concern. Over the next few years we will all be basing our IT strategies on cloud computing. But what is it, and what does it have to do with Israel’s third king who lived nearly 3000 years ago?
Read MoreShould Your Church Be On Twitter?
Twitter is a text messaging technology that people use to keep up with each other. Someone observed that it’s useless, to which one of the founders replied, “So is ice cream!” But many companies are focusing on it; should your church? If so, how? And what can you hope to accomplish?
Read MoreCloud Computing
Sometimes a buzzword hits the Information Technology industry and really captures people’s attention and imagination. Cloud Computing is one of those buzzwords, so let’s look at Cloud Computing– what it is and whether it’s ready for primetime.
Read MoreTechnoTools for Ministry
Many people make one of two mistakes about church technology needs. They either underestimate the need and look for the cheapest possible solution (which often costs more because they are the wrong solutions), or they overspend on technology and overcomplicate the system. Let’s see if we can help find the right balance.
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