This blog post is specifically targeted at young leaders in Elim Fellowship, a ministerial group to which I am proud to belong. Let me share a few articles/resources I’ve come across recently that I think could be a big help to you.
Resource #1: Evernote Hello
I like to keep up on how leaders can harness technology for more effective ministry. For those running iOS on an iPhone or iPad, a new app recently came out that definitely has awesome potential for pastors and youth leaders. The app is called Evernote Hello, which works with the widely-used Evernote platform that helps you “remember everything” by logging a digital version of your documents, notes, webpages, etc. in the cloud and syncing it across all your devices.
Evernote Hello serves one purpose: helping you remember people. I don’t know about you, but I’m just awful at remembering names. It’s not that I don’t care, but after introductions and a 30-second conversation about the peanut butter cookies or the Buffalo Bills’ collapse, I already forgot their name.
Enter Evernote Hello. This app makes remembering people easy by creating a rich, browsable history of individuals, encounters, and shared experiences. Watch this video to see what I mean.
I love the way Trevor Buehler demonstrated ministry possibilities for a youth pastor in his article on ChurchMag:
Imagine “Joey” walking into your event for the first time. You make your move and take your best stab at making a good first impression, trying to get to know a bit, without seeking too creepy! You introduce yourself and as he introduces himself, you whip out your iPhone (or iPad) with Evernote Hello open and ask him to tap in his name, snap a quick shot of himself (the app automatically takes a picture with the forward-facing camera when the person raises the phone above their shoulders), and provide any additional details he may have been willing to give you.
Once he saves the info, the app automatically sends him an email with your contact details (if he gave you his email address).
Think about it! You’ve just created a fantastic first impression! You instantly have credibility because you’ve got an iPhone and you let him interact with it (instead of scribbling his details on a green “I’m new here” card you printed out an hour ago). You’ve got a slick phone app for him to use that he’s never heard of before. You’ve created a memorable moment for him.
Suddenly, you’ve got his name and face to match the next time you meet him, and you may just have his contact details to interact with him further after your meeting. Not to mention that Hello just sent your contact details to him as well, starting a “conversation”. Instant connection — one Joey can’t ignore!
Pretty sweet, huh? No word on an Android app yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re working on it since Evernote is historically a strong cross-platform solution.
Download Evernote Hello.
Resource #2: 7 Q’s for a Leaders’ Meeting
I love the new year, and I usually use the year-end to evaluate the past year and plan for the next. This timeframe works well for me since with the holidays, I usually have some extra downtime anyways. I married in May 2011, so I even utilized this time to talk with my wife about our marriage and identify some life goals for 2012.
I think this is EXTREMELY important to do for your ministry as well. If you’re not thinking through what’s working, what fat could be trimmed, or how you can improve your team for the future, then you are missing out on your team’s full potential. I really like Perry Noble’s 7 Questions to Discuss in your Next Leadership Meeting. Check it out!
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