Here is a list of the technology that is currently making my ministry so much easier and enjoyable:
1. 15FIVE
The day we moved as a staff from paper reporting on our top priorities to using the 15FIVE app and desktop application it was like the dawn of a new era. Hands down the easiest to use staff reporting application out there right now.
2. Bose 35 Headphones
These were really pricey, but these noise-cancelling headphones have revolutionized my ability to study remotely in Starbucks, etc. Since I believe one of the keys to getting better as a preacher is to consistently watch great preaching, and since the headphones sync via Bluetooth, this has opened a whole new world for me.
3. Captio
For those times when you just want to email yourself something. Captio is an app that allows you to input your email address. From then on emailing yourself is just one click of a button.
4. Square
We downsized this past summer and literally sold 2/3 of everything we owned. I signed up to get the Square credit card reader from their website and two days later had the ability to accept cards instead of just cash (which exponentially increased our revenues). I’d have this because some of you also sell books and resources.
5. Spotify
I was late to the party on this. Getting rid of iTunes and going exclusively with Spotify has been a game changer. Listening to the Discover Weekly function has helped me find a steady supply of new music for our services.
6. Grammarly
Why Senior Pastors still don’t use and require their staff members to use Grammarly is beyond me. Grammarly is web-based grammar-correcting software that is spectacular. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING gets emailed, placed on the website, or printed in a brochure until it’s been run through Grammarly.
7. BBC, CNN, Fox, and Bleacher Report News Apps
Each morning I quickly scan these four news apps to stay abreast of what is happening in our world from various perspectives.
8. MileIQ
Gone are the days of manually recording mileage for tax purposes. MileIQ auto-records my mileage via my iPhone and I simply go in monthly and make sure it is annotated appropriately.
9. YouTube “Watch Later” Button
Since I use an iPad Mini to watch videos (usually Netflix) on the elliptical four times a week, I’ve found it incredibly helpful to find something on YouTube and mark it as “Watch Later.” When I jump on the elliptical I click LIBRARY>WATCH LATER and then it will populate all the videos I’ve saved.
I’ve saved videos of some of my favorite scholars and authors – people like Ben Witherington, Ryan Holiday, Gary Vaynerchuck, and Craig Keener – and have them ready to recall on my phone, laptop, or iPad so I never waste dead time.
10. Apple iPhone, MacBook Pro, iMac, and iPad Mini
I can’t tell you how many Senior Pastors I started coaching who (at the beginning at least) were using neanderthal PC technology. So I feel the need to make a plug for the rest of you still living in the darkness. Come into the light my friends.
11. Moleskine Classic Notebook, Large, Ruled, Black, Hard Cover, 5″ x 8-1/4″
One of the ways I keep technology working for me is to make sure I unplug and go old school pen and paper when I’m trying to flesh out ideas. I use this exact Moleskin Notebook to clarify my thinking, record good ideas, diagram problems, etc.
12. Pen Holder For Moleskin Notebooks (Leuchtturm 1917 Pen Loop Black Pack of 3)
One of the annoying things about Moleskin notebooks is they don’t have pen holders. Problem solved.
Here are some other must-have items…
13. Instant Pot DUO80 8 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
This pressure cooker has enabled me to make great food fast. Found this through my amazing assistant via BELAY. Love this thing.
14. ALASKA BEAR Natural silk sleep mask & blindfold
The single greatest sleep mask in the history of human civilization.
15. Sleep Yoga Side Sleeper Arm Rest Posture Pillow
For side sleepers like me this has been a game changer.
16. MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
For those whose laptop screens look like biology experiments.
17. Oral-B Vitality Floss Action Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Your dentist will thank me. Best toothbrush with a rotating head at the cheapest price.
18. Thermos 24 Ounce Tritan Hydration Bottle with Meter, Teal
I have 3 sitting in my kitchen constantly filled and ready to go. 6 bottles a day = a gallon of water consumed.
19. Brita 10 Cup Everyday Water Pitcher
I fill up my water bottles with my Brita filter. Easy to use and great tasting.
20. USB Microphone, Fifine Plug & Play Home Studio USB Condenser Microphone
The best desktop microphone I’ve found for the price. Indispensable for those who Skype, Facetime or conference call on a regular basis.
If you have any suggestions you’d like to share hit me up on Twitter at @_Brian_Jones
