Smart Phones

Part of the passion with HcSquared is to provide ministries with tools and resources that would allow them to use technology effectively in ministry. So this is the first of hopefully many posts about different technology’s that could be helpful in ministry. Please join in on the discussion and let us know what you think.

One of the new up and coming, although I realize it’s been around for a while, is the use of smart phones in ministry. As technology is changing the ability to communicate with people in the church is getting easier. The phones are allowing the use of the internet, texting, and apps while still giving the ability to phone someone up. These apps are allowing use with facebook, linkedin, twitter, and more. If you are a tech savy Pastor and are already using facebook or one of the other social website you will find many of the mobile phone platforms as an easy way to keep up with what is happening.

Keeping up with schedules is a big thing in ministry and smart phones can help integrate your online calendar with your phone so that you never miss an appointment. Google makes it easy and free to setup a calendar on your website (We discuss that topic in another post) and then share it out to other people as well as use it on your phone. Editing is very easy to use and with most there won’t be any problems with using the interface on most phones.

Keeping contacts together is essential if you are going to stay in contact. This is especially true if your ministry is in the hundreds or thousands. Smart phones allow you to integrate those contacts from other locations (especially the Palm Pre and Pixi) and keep them all together. If someones information is on facebook and you are their friend than it’s available for you on your phone. Most smart phones make it easy to add new contact information.

Tasks are another helpful item when it comes to phones. You might rely heavily on your outlook todo list or maybe you use sticky notes. Smart phones allow you to use your phone as your to-do list. You will no longer have to carry around that day planner, even though you might joke it never crashes on you, and best yet in today’s world most people never leave home without their phone.

Apps are another great feature to most smart phones. New apps are being written everyday. Thousands of apps are available for purchase and many are even free. These apps do some really helpful things which can be a big blessing in the ministry. Apps like the Bible, local news, weather, radio, alarm clocks, and games (just putting that there for those who like a good break item when the studying isn’t going so well).

Most phones today also come with camera’s and video camera’s. This is helpful to use on those teen outings or at the special event at church. The quality is only getting better with those as well.

Overall, smart phones are a “smart” way to stay connected and even be more productive. Their might be a learning curve for those who have not used that type of phone before, but it won’t take long and you will be up and running. The major phones out there that are competing right now for king of the hill are the iphone, android, blackberry, and palm pre/pixi. There are variations on these phones but those seem to be the major players at this time.

Watch for subsequent posts or reviews on the specific kinds of phones and how they might be more or less useful to you in ministry.