On the way to a meeting last week, I realised that I didn’t actually know where the meeting was taking place and didn’t have the phone number for the person I was meeting. So what did I do? I launched the email application on my iPhone, opened the confirmation email, and found the directions.
Similarly, I recently met up with some friends to discuss sermons we were preparing together. I realised I had forgotten my Bible, so I opened a Bible app on my iPhone and was able to read the passage and even search for similar passages and do a bit of cross-referencing.
Reading this, you may be thinking that the iPhone is useful only if you are continually forgetful and don’t plan ahead. If you are like me, then this is true! However, the usefulness of the iPhone extends even into the realms of Christian ministry with the help of the increasing number of apps available.
‘Apps’ (short for applications) are now one of the central features of the iPhone. For the uninitiated, apps could best be described as software you can download to your phone. Many are free or cost as little as $.99 – worlds away from the cost of traditional software. At the app store you can download apps that help you search for recipes, track how far you run, share photos with friends, monitor your Twitter account, find an ATM, play games – the list is nearly endless (Apple is advertising that they have “25,000 apps and counting”). Here’s a little video by Apple selling the benefits of the apps.
As fun as it is to return to my youth and play Sim City on my iPhone, I’ve also discovered the usefulness of apps for ministry. Putting together a definitive list of the best iPhone apps is fraught with danger. It’s like creating a list of the best cars – as soon as it’s published many of the cars on the list will be out-done by another car. However, here are six apps that I continue to find useful for my ministry.
Things – $9.99
How do you keep track of what you need to do when? Do you keep track?! I discovered “Things” last year and haven’t looked back. Put simply, “Things” is a ‘to do’ list. You can create different lists (‘projects’) and check them off once completed. You can create a list of what needs to be done today out of the existing list of things to do. Originally “Things” was just available as software for the computer – now it’s available as an iPhone app so I can take my ‘to do’ list with me everywhere, update it on the run, and sync it to my computer when I return to my computer. It’s particularly useful for ministry because ministry is such a mobile vocation – a lot of time is spent away from the desk. How many times have you said “I’ll pray for you” and then forgotten to do it? None of us wants to do this and “Things” is a great app for staying on track and remembering all that we need to do.
Evernote – FREE
I think every pastor needs “Evernote.” “Evernote” had a beginning similar to “Things” – it started out as computer software and a web application and then launched an iPhone app last year. “Capture. Sync. Find.” is the purpose and appeal of “Evernote,” enabling you to capture information you discover on the internet (or elsewhere), file it, and (most importantly) easily find it again when you need it. The app for iPhone has some great tools. For example, you can create a text note (write it down), a snapshot note (take a photo), or a voice note (speak into your phone). You can also view all of the notes you created on your computer and sync between your computer and iPhone. One of the best uses for “Evernote” (and there are many) is collecting and filing sermon illustrations. Every pastor needs a good system for this and “Evernote” does the job admirably.
Air Sharing – $4.99
“Air Sharing” is another handy app for the pastor on the move. It enables you to copy files from your computer to your iPhone (including PDFs, Word documents and more). This means that when you’re sitting on the train you can catch up on your reading without the need to carry around a bundle of printed papers (not to mention doing your bit to help the environment).
Bible – FREE
When I found myself without a Bible at my meeting last week, the “Bible” app came to the rescue. Developed by the folks behind YouVersion (LifeChurch.tv) [link: http://www.youversion.com/], “Bible” allows you to search and read the Bible in multiple languages and translations, add bookmarks (to return to the same place later), get a list of passages to read each day, and even read contributions other readers have made about things they have read. It’s a great app for keeping the Bible close-by when you’re on the move.
BibleReader – FREE
“BibleReader” is another great Bible app that is very similar to “Bible” – i.e. you can search and read the Bible (although many of the translations cost money). The power of “BibleReader” lies in the many commentaries and Bible study tools that are available to download and access on your phone. There’s also a large collection of ebooks available from well-known and respected authors such as John Piper, Charles Spurgeon, and John Bunyan. Again, a number of these resources cost money, but it may well be worth your while if you spend time away from your computer and want to use that time to study.
Gratitude Journal – $.99
Being in ministry can sometimes lead to times of discouragement. However, we are called to give thanks in all circumstances! “Gratitude” is a simple app that helps me to do just that. Each day I can write down dot points of things that I am grateful (thankful) for. I can then look back over time in the journal format to remind myself (particularly in times of discouragement) of God’s goodness to me. I’ve found “Gratitude” to be a great way to promote thankfulness in my life.
Steven Kryger is passionate about communicating well, and even more passionate about communicating Jesus. Previously, Steven worked as a marketing manager where he specialised in using the internet and other ‘new media’ to develop customer relationships and improve corporate identity and productivity. Today he is undertaking a ministry traineeship at a church in Sydney, Australia. He now enjoys using (and sharing) new techniques, tools and insights for communicating Jesus both within the church and on his website – Communicate Jesus. Steven is also the technology blogger for sydneyanglicans.net.