missio

Here’s an oft-discussed conversation topic: how do we redeem tech for the Gospel? We see sites popping up like BibleGateway, eBible, and various christian blogs.  We see macs being used in worship, and we see HD cameras using for Nooma and the like. But what about us in the trenches? Those who aren’t starting from scratch (though I thankfully will be soon) and teaching from a pulpit (though I will be soon) need something to work from. What about the teachers and small group leaders? This week I’ll be teaching on cultural exegesis and redemption, and I’m going to be playing music and movies for the students. How? I’m using a Powerpoint show exported to JPGs and uploaded to my iPod, where I will feed those into a TV via a RCA cable.

Clean? Nope. Slick? Nope. Efficient? Probably could be better. But does it work? Absolutely.

Finally! A high-quality contact manager for the web that doesn’t suck. It’s put out by the same people that brough us Campfire, Backpack, and Basecamp: 37Signals, and it’s called Highrise. It’s the same overall format as the other program, so it’s somewhat familiar out the gate. And it handles tasks seamlessly with contacts as well.

What can we use it for? Of course there are the usual contact uses: database of other pastors, database of congregants, etc; but with Highrise, you can keep track of phone calls, visitations, etc. I can see it in any ministerial context, really, such as coaching or even youth ministry. 

It’s really a great tool, and I’m excited and relieved at the same time. You can find it here: highrisehq.com

With all the lists going around, I figured I’d do one that actually mattered; one we could learn from, instead of just a list of beauty contest winners.  So without further ado, a list of 20 Christian blogs (not necessarily church-planting related) you should be reading.

1. Evotional by Mark Batterson. This one is a no-brainer. Mark basically put Christian blogging on the map, and he’s the first Christian blog I started reading on a regular basis. He posts regularly with high-quality content. Plus, he’s in DC.
2. Tony Morgan Live by Tony Morgan. This is another no-brainer. Tony was also one of the original Christian bloggers; it was “simply strategic” for him to do so. Har har.
3. Monday Morning Insight. I must confess: I’m not a subscriber. Lots of great content, good layout, plenty of people tuning in. I’m just not one of ‘em. But I know it’s a good blog.
4. Perry Noble dot com by Perry Noble. Great content. Could be updated a little more regular, but great content. I’m just as passionate as he is about some things, so I connect with him well.
5. Challies dot com by Tim Challie. You want to talk about content? This guy has it. Almost too much. The only thing that brings him down in my eyes? Not enough short content. I don’t feel like reading a book every post. But it takes something special to write like that on a daily basis.
6. dinorizzo.com by Dino Rizzo. Great stuff from the Ragin’ Cajun. Terrific layout, nice content, and lots of pretty pictures to look at.
7. Mad Babble from a Church Planter by Gary Lamb. This one’s fiery too. He’s got great content, a decent layout (it’s very readable), and he’s a great guy leading a great church in GA. Why isn’t he 5 or 6? He’s a GA Bulldogs fan. Go Gamecocks.
8. Earl Creps by Earl Creps. Awesome blog, just recently came across it. Awesome content, with a beautiful layout. I’d much rather see more of the posts on the front page, though.
9. History in the Making by Ben Arment. Nice content, not just church stuff, either. His church is going through a major transition right now, and it’s been awesome to follow him along in that.
10. Velocity by Dave Ferguson. The President of the National New Church Conference is using blogs to his advantage in some creative ways, reminiscient of Mark Batterson with Evotional. Good stuff out of Chi-Town.
11. The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch. The famous missiological writer has a missional blog too. Good content, pretty design.
12. Church Communications Pro. This guy is all over the place when it comes to tech and church. He covers it all; from music to podcasts and sites to blogs. Good content, decent layout, good blog.
13. Tadd Grandstaff by Tadd Grandstaff. This church planters’ blog is great. Tadd’s at a point right now where it’s like following along in his story from the very beginning, instead of picking up a year in. He’s a good writer, his layout changes constantly to keep things interesting, and he’s big on comments. Good stuff.
14. Goodmanson.Com by Drew Goodmanson. Awesome, awesome content. Combine it with a great layout, and you’ve got a great blog. Definite top 10 if he posted more often.
15. kaleobill.com by Bill Streger. This Texan has a great blog with a good design, but it can be improved upon. Pretty decent content too.
16. Mark Driscoll’s blog by Mark Driscoll. Man, I wished he posted more often. Good content otherwise, but it’s far and few between.
17. LeadingSmart by Tim Stevens. A late arrival onto the scene, he was once Tony Morgan’s partner in crime. Keep a lookout for his blog’s stock to be on the rise.
18. To Encourage and Equip by Tally Wilgis. Decent content, and a good layout make for a solid blog from this church planter.
19. Pastor Steve Weaver’s Blog by Steve Weaver. I wouldn’t expect any of you to read this guy, but his stuff on preaching and the church is awesome. Simply stunning. Bravo, Steve!
20. bobfranquiz.com by Bob Franquiz. Great blog, period. Good content, pretty layout. Good stuff.

Notables That Didn’t Make It:

LifeChurch.tv (Swerve): Too new.

Shawn Lovejoy: Too new.

Scot McKnight: Not a real fan of the content or writing style.

Jonathan Herron: Barely squeezed from the top 20. Barely.

Not Counting As Blog:

Church Relevance, Church Marketing Sucks, Churchonomics, etc.