A Guide for Churches & Ministries

A Wonderful Bible Study Tools: Check it Out!

2009-06-17T09:57:00.011+01:00

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Learn to Play the Keyboard

2009-06-14T00:41:00.003+01:00

I have started keyboard practice and I must say; I am an extreme beginner. It is a wonderful feeling though even when the most basic of note is learnt. I have invested atleast one hour a day and I intend to continue. I have gathered some wonderful tools and so if you want to join with me, it will be much easier for you to find great resources to get you started.

Click HERE for Online Piano Lessons - learn to play piano by ear!: These guys produced a really great tool known as a ear training software. A Must have for me plus many other items

Next is Hear and Play with many resources as well

Also I have been trying Youtube to get free clips of basic lessons and this is great as you can see the notes and get used to them...

Where to Find Christian News.

2009-06-01T11:10:00.002+01:00

Keeping informed of Christian news can be a challenge when you do not know where to look.Try the following sources for Christian news:
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, launched in 2001, seeks to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs. More Info

http://www.christianheadlines.com/

http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/

Other links welcome

Featured Bible Studies Website

2009-05-25T18:52:00.002+01:00

Containing 685 entries cross-referenced and cross-linked to other resources on SearchGodsWord.org, this concordance can be classified as a required reference book for any good study library.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge has provided a cross-reference resource for Bible students worldwide for generations. This highly respected and nearly exhaustive compilation was developed by R.A. Torrey from references in Thomas Scott's Commentary and the Comprehensive Bible. With nearly 500,000 cross-references it is the most thorough source available. http://www.searchgodsword.org/

The Bible Gateway is a tool for reading and researching scripture online -- all in the language or translation of your choice! It provides advanced searching capabilities, which allow readers to find and compare particular passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.

You can view a complete list of available Bible versions and translations. To access some of the Bible Gateway's other features (a Verse of the Day widget, Bible commentaries, audio Bibles, and more), use the navigation menu on the left.http://www.biblegateway.com/

Our aim is to offer the freshest and most compelling biblically-based content to Christians who take seriously their relationship with Christ. Crosswalk.com is built around four primary content areas � Faith, Family, Fun and Community. Each category is further subdivided into areas of significance to many Christians, including Bible Study, Devotionals, Marriage, Parenting, Music, etc. http://www.crosswalk.com/

Tools for Ministry and How they Can help Pastors and Leaders

2009-05-25T18:48:00.002+01:00

The Easy Way to Plan a Church Conference

2009-05-03T18:36:00.000+01:00

Community churches should strive to develop the whole person. This can be
done by conducting informative church conferences. Through the years there
has been a tradition to set aside one service on a Sunday to celebrate and
honor men, women, and/or youth.

Due to the desire to offer members more strategies for personal growth, and to
show them how to deal effectively with others, on a personal and professional
level, many churches are changing that one-day service to an all day Saturday
or a weekend event.

These events usually begin on Friday night. On Saturday there are classes
and/or workshops on various topics that affect the everyday lives of participants
and their families.

The Easy Way to Plan a Church Conference is a blueprint to planning a
successful church conference. I feel blessed to have written an e-book that
allows me to help others while receiving so much inner satisfaction. For More Click Here!

Ministers Guide To Wedding Ceremonies

2009-05-03T13:55:00.001+01:00

If you'd like to be in control of your wedding ceremony by choosing among several beautiful vows, symbols, and readings, if you want to feel confident when you stand front and center before your friends and family and say some of the most important words you will ever say, and if you would like to reduce your stress level leading up to your wedding rehearsal and your wedding day because you have designed and printed out exactly what you will say and do, then this might be the most important article you'll ever read.

The WEDDING VOW KIT is Extremely Easy and Convenient to Use. It is Well Organized and Easy to Follow and you can Download it right to your computer IN MINUTES. Expensive wedding books are big, bulky, cannot be downloaded to your computer and usually only devote 3 or 4 pages to designing your ceremony and your vows. The WEDDING VOW KIT devotes 28 pages to your wedding vows and gives you dozens of beautiful elements to choose from at a fraction of the cost.

Now, I know you're probably skeptical. That's normal and healthy. Let me give you three good reasons you we can back up what we claim:
Three Reasons You Can Trust The WEDDING VOW KIT...Click Here!

By Dr. Carr (Dallas Theological Seminary)

"Essential reading for every worship leader who wants to experience the presence of God in their worship service"

2009-05-03T13:41:00.002+01:00

Building a House of Worship is written for anyone who is involved in a music ministry that leads people using music in the worship of God.

It uses an amazing story from the Old Testament and brings to light a time tested concept. In this story you will learn what God earnestly desires for His people. It centers around the example of an amazing building project. You will learn about a special individual who directs Israel through the monumental task of building an amazing special project for God. Finally it culminates in perhaps one of the most beautiful examples of the power of God. A time when everyone involved is directed toward the same goal.
Here are just some of the amazing methods ,tools, tips & techniques this book will teach you

* Create a solid plan for your music ministry.

* Arrange songs in ways that will improve the "flow" in your service.

* Use special techniques to alleviate the "Chinese Water Torture.

* Develop your personal attitude toward worship.

* Build on a solid foundation that will make your ministry more effective.

* Implement different activities in your worship service for a more fuller experience.

* Improve your skill level so that you are better in your ministry.

* Use various tools to help teach your congregation new songs.

* Balance your natural ability with your spiritual gifts.

* Uncover God’s special plan and purpose specifically for you.

Building a House of Worship contains an incredible amount of information to help you improve you music ministry. The following is the actual Table of Contents. Take a look at it and see what is covered in this book.

By examining four major components in a building project, this book will show you practical ways from the Bible how to improve your ministry. Click Here!

Drive Traffic to Your Website

2009-04-20T02:19:00.002+01:00

Placing your link on the following websites will drive more traffic to your church.

Websites that are good for advertising your business on:

www.gumtree.co.uk

www.guava.co.uk

www.b2bindex.co.uk

www.theseed.co.uk

www.mylocalservices.co.uk

www.jigsaw.co.uk

www.amcat.co.uk

www.freeindex.co.uk

Tips in Advertising your Business and Ranking up in Search Engines:

Keep a Blog about your services:

http://www.blogger.com/home

Write Article and Post them online

Link to other websites

Other Means of Marketing

Local Newspaper

Community centres/churches

Business Events etc.

Get a Church Website? or Not?

2009-04-16T21:25:00.003+01:00

A church website is a valuable means of communication for any ministry. It enables you to be seen before your are actually seen. A website can communicate on your behalf and unlike your church; you are not restricted to any geographical location. Anyone with an Internet connection can find you and learn more about you and even be blessed from your ministry.

It may not matter the size of your ministry; in fact it would be great if you are only small as it means that you can continue to reach out even when you are at home. However, many mistakes that churches and ministries have is that they pay for a wonderful website to be made and they have got a website that they believe will do them a world of good and end all their labours. However, this is not the case as you forgot to ask or the web designer forgot to mention the "O" word.

It does not end to put your web address on your flyers, letterheads, banners and call it a day. You have got to get your site (remember the O word): Optimisation. You need to optimise your website. See your website as a needle in a haystack or even worst- a grain of sand in the sea. You have to compete to get your website ranking in the first couple of pages on search engines. This is called optimisation. This will be covered in another blog; along with other methods of marketing.

So, What are the things that you can put on your website?
-Ministry Details
-About Pastors
-Mission Statement/Statement of Faith
-Contact Details
-Media (Music, sermons etc.)
-Donation button and the possibilities goes on.

For Church Website Solution from £9.99 Monthly. Click Here

How to get a Dedicated Telephone Line for Church

2009-04-12T08:22:00.011+01:00

With the current technology; you can get a dedicated telephone line for your ministry without having to contact BT or another telephone provider or without it costing you a fortune. This is particularly useful for those who do not have a dedicated church office and would like to maintain that professional edge.

It can be somewhat confusing for the caller, if you make real professional fliers that have your outreach information and when someone called you for prayer your little sons answered the phone and shout from the other end of the room to tell you that there is someone on the phone. If you can; try to separate it where you have got a separate number and so when that number rings; you can be certain that you can answer in your ministry name.

The same goes for businesses as well. I use to run a business and at the time I directed the calls to my mobile phone and so when potential clients would call they would end up being really confused as to why the name of the company was not identified. Its no different with ministries.... We have to start delivering at that level even when we are small.

To get a dedicated telephone line; you need to download a free software on your computer

What you need Intially:
Computer
Internet Connection
Download Free Skype Software:With Skype you can make free calls over the Internet. Skype – and its free worldwide to other skyepe users

After you have downloaded the software, you then need to purchase an Online number and so if you are in London; you can choose 0207 or 0208 and you can choose an area code for where you are. This number will be attached to your skype account.

You then need a headset: Headsets and other hardware are sold by Skype also.

The only disadvantage is that you will have to be at the computer to with an active internet to get the calls using your headset although you can get a skype phone that allow you to pick up your calls when off line. There is also the other option of forwarding your calls from your skype account to your mobile if you are out and about.

Printing for Ministry Made Easy

2009-04-11T22:48:00.004+01:00

Printing for your ministry can be extremely expensive. Unfortunately, most of the fliers or material that we print may end up in the bin and increase our carbon footprint. With the current increase in technology; churches are moving away from printing and more and more people are relying on social networks and search engines to keep them informed.

Even with this downside in printing, it is unavoidable for evangelism, to keep church members informed and the list goes on. Printing can be extremely expensive though; and cost 100s of pounds not to mention design fees and other additional cost. High prices are normally experienced on the high street as shops have a large overhead and they must pay their bills.

The good news is that most printing providers are now found online and cheaper high quality printing can be accessed if you are comfortable in conducting online business. Here are some providers of printing materials that you may like to get acquainted with.

Vistaprint is great if you would like to enjoy great deals and would like to do it yourself: Vistaprint here

Lets' Reach Out is great for ministries who is looking for a company to take care of their printing and marketing needs. They offer ministries/churches/charities etc. to open an account and credit is also available. They do designing and everything is done and products are heavily discounted. LRO here

Church Ministry Training In UK

2009-04-11T02:04:00.001+01:00

Does your church put its sermons online? Do you produce a church podcast? Or would you like to find out more about the potential of a church podcast to:
* Widen your reach
* Communicate effectively with emerging generations
* Increase your credibility

'Beyond Online Sermons' is a one-day podcast training event hosted by Facing the Challenge and Evangelical Alliance:

Friday 2nd October 11.00-17.00
Evangelical Alliance, 186 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4BT
http://www.facingthechallenge.org/training.php

Tips for Street Evangelism

2009-04-10T21:51:00.010+01:00

This summer is a great time for churches to evangelise. Our ministry will be going out there as well and here are some of the ideas that we will put into action.

Personalised T-shirts
This will give your team that uniform look that says you mean business. Your shirts should include your website address if you have got one, remember your logo, a telephone number but more importantly the name of your church must be visible.

Flyers
Stock up on your flyers and remember, be creative in your design and simple in your message.

It would be great if you could include your radio station or prayer line (see blog on how to set these up.)
Ministry Printing Solution and Ideas

Bonus Blog- 4 Steps for Learning to Play the Piano

2009-04-10T18:59:00.011+01:00

1. Determining the melody - Melodies determine what chords
will be played. If you can use your ear to figure out what
notes are being played in the melody, you are 1/4 on your
way to learning a song!
More resources on learning how to determine melodies

2.Harmonizing
the melody - Once you have figured out the melody (using
some of my techniques on the resource page), it is time to
harmonize it. This is simply choosing various chords to
accompany the melody. There are several techniques and
tricks to doing this.
More resources on learning how to harmonize melodies

3. Altering
Chords - This is the best part! Now that you have
strategically figured out the melody to a song and have
harmonized it, altering your chords to produce certain
sounds is the next step. If you were playing gospel music,
you would alter your chords differently than if you were
playing classical or country music.
More resources on altering chords

4. Listening

- After you have determined the melody, harmonized the
melody, and altered some of your chords, there are various
techniques you can use to make sure that your song sounds
right.
More resources on listening techniques

I personally recommend "The
Secrets to Playing Piano By Ear" 300-pg Course and through
my relationship with Jermaine (the author of this course),
I've been able to get him to throw in a few bonus items (3
additional piano software programs). He has taught literally
thousands of musicians how to play the piano by ear. If you
understood just half of what he discussed above, you'll
definitely benefit from his 300-pg course.
Click here to learn the secrets to playing absolutely any
song on the piano in virtually minutes! I highly
recommend it.

Franking your Postage

2009-04-10T17:27:00.006+01:00

If you send out letters for your regular events; you may be interested in Franking. It has got it advantages that cannot be ignored: it enhances professionalism, saves money on postage, prevent queuing at the post office and you can top up credit on the telephone. It also gives you the flexibility of adding your logo whereby your marketing increases.

I found the use of the Pitney Bowes machine quite useful as they offered a 30 day trial period and gave free credit to try out. It is nice and easy as you will just need to swipe the letter and for time it is certainly a better option to post off church/ministry letters. I quite like them as they only have a small form that you complete to begin the trial process and I did not have to pay anything up front.

Its easy to set-up and the support is also quite good. You can find them at the following link if you would like to try out franking for your postage and packaging. Pitney Bowes

Setting Up a Prayerline

2009-04-10T14:28:00.011+01:00

The prayer line at out Church has been a real success. For our pastor; it gives her a sense of purpose even at her home. The fact is that if you have got a prayerline that you can attend to; you will touch peoples life in a mighty and awesome way. For us; its just amazing of all the people who needs prayer.

What would you need?

0800 numbers or you may decide to use an o207/ or 8 numbers. Whatever you use ensure that you do no use your home number, normal mobile number as it is better to dedicate a line for that purpose.
To market your prayerline in your community on flyers, business cards, stickers etc. You will find that most people are more receptive of a "prayerline" advert than a "come to church" advert. Ideally, you would love them to come to your church; but even if they don't..Remember its a Kingdom affair! Think Kingdom..
You may need a web page with the details of your prayer ministry if you are advertising it online by major search engines.
You may need a computer to receive calls via skype; otherwise you will need a dedicated line in your home or mobile phone
Last, but certainly not the least, a dedicated person who will be there when you say they will on your tools for marketing.

What do you Need to Do?

You will need to purchase an o800 or 0207/8 number that will enable you to receive your calls.
Open a skype account (free): This will enable you to channel all the calls through to you. The 0800 number is great if you would like to offer free calls to callers.
If you would like the 0207/8 number; you can purchase this through skype: Enter here to get your unique SkypeIn number
Freephone numbers can be obtained from Telecoms World for less that £5 a month and they will also give you the option to forward your calls to other numbers.

Marketing in Ministry

2009-04-10T13:52:00.004+01:00

Marketing in ministry may be similar to evangelism; but it is not quite evangelism. marketing includes ministry identity, getting the name of your ministry out in the open and advertising who you are and what you about. Evanglism may be different in that your whole aim is to share the gospel of Christ that would lead to the saving of the soul. I will introduce Marketing under headings that are appropriate to this article.

Ministry Logo and Design
A logo gives an image to your church. With an effective logo; the name of your ministry does not have to be present for others to know its you. Some great tips for your logo is to ensure that:

It is unique,
It is on all your publications and have the right colour scheme.

Many companies will offer you the ability to design your own logo from scratch and if you are not an expert and would like control over the way your logo looks; this may be for you:

Link for logo design

Flyers, Business Cards, Letterheads
Ensure that you have these as standard documents, printing is not as expensive as it use to be and so you can afford quality items at low prices. Many leaders are temped to manipulate their letterheads each time that they print; but this is a mistake as it shows unprofessionalism and is very expensive to print. The advice is that you have standard letterheads for all letters. Infact there is a company that offers exclusive printing packages to ministries; once you open an account; they will work with you to produce a package that is suitable for your ministry . Find them at: http://letsreachout.com/

Website
Many ministries are beggining to design their own website; but while a website remain an invaluable tool to have it is normally not utilised properly. To be honest building a website is the easier part of having one and you will appreciate this with the current influx of website degn wizard packages that we now have. Before I talk more about a website; I would just like to say that if you are not prepared to market your website; do not and I repeat do not make one. It will just sit there dormant and no one will ever see it. There are just millions of websites like your to complete with.

A website conveys the message of the vision of your ministry. It speaks when you are quite or when you are limited to speak. It can help others to decide of they would like to come to your church or not. It allow others to contact you and when used properly; the possibilities are endless. Really!!

Again if you video or tape your sermons; you can post them on your website. It can be your church when your actual church doors are closed. If you have decided to have a radio station it would be recommended that you post a link from your website to your radio station. Again there are many website wizards and dedicated providers that can provide you with inexpensive packages to start your website .

Provider
http://www.letsreachout.com/websitedesign.htm

Internet Radio Station for your Church

2009-04-10T11:38:00.008+01:00

An internet radio station is invaluable for your church. Everyone is on the internet these days and so it may even be more successful than if you owned a conventional radio station. On such a radio station; you can upload your personal collection of gospel or inspirational music that will not only bless others in this country but beyond. I remember when I set up our very own; we had people from well over 20 countries tuning in and we felt really bless when we saw the statistics. More so though; is the effect that you can have on a local level and if you already tape your sermons, teachings or services- you can upload these as well. If not, think about obtaining a device called a Tascam Pro Digital Recorder to do so. It is a small device much like a normal recorder but much more sophiticated as it allows you to add music, modify your clip, send it to your computer and so on.

Back to the local level; your flyers can include link to your radio station, you can advertise on major search engines, attach a link to your email account but you can read about marketing later on in this blog. Music has got the power to reach some when other methods fall short; if your sermons are on the radio station-even better for persons that are not ready to come to church and this is certainly a grand start for evangelism.

Starting an internet radio station is not as expensive as you may think and you have total control over the shedule of your broadcast; so think about how a radio station can benefit your ministry and start one today. OK, I know that you may be worrying about the technical aspects of things especially if you are a small ministry with a lack of a wide skill mix....Do not worry; I found that it was really easy to get round as the set-up process went in stages.

This is also ideal for artiste, groups and as choirs etc as you can always add and remove what you want when you want.

Start Radio Station : Here Live365