Category Archives: Tech-Talk

iPad for Ministry?

Today, I have a different purpose for writing. Instead of sharing what is on my mind or pouring out some heartfelt thoughts, I’m asking a question.  While many people have already jumped on the bandwagon, purchasing an iPad, I stayed back.  For the most part, I was not sure I could justify a large purchase like that.  However, after hearing some stories from others in ministry, I am wondering if you have any ideas.  Essentially, my question is this — What are some ways you think the iPad could be used in youth ministry?  Do not feel as if you are convincing me to get one. I just want to know some of your thoughts.  Also, this is not a place to state how it should not or could not be used.  I’m looking forward to hearing some of your ideas!

My Flipnote Studio

flipnote-studio

No, I would not consider myself an artist, but this new [free] app for the Nintendo DSi is pretty cool.  I’m more excited to see what others will create and post.  If you want to check out my page, click here.  My first flipnote video (and only, as of this posting) is called Goal!  It’s a stick man kicking a soccer ball (go figure, right?).  I’m not sure how many flipnotes I’ll be creating, but I’ll be sure to post them here when I do.  I might also post a favorite or two every once in a while.

I love Technology

Two nights ago, I was able to “participate” in my cousin’s 4th birthday party via webcam.  It’s crazy how far we have come in my 26 years of technology experience.  I can’t even imagine what will happen in the next 26 years.  Sure, at times, it was more like Yvette and I were “flies on the wall” so to speak, but it was still a lot better than not being there at all.  I know many people think technology is evil, but when it comes to thing like this, I thank God for allowing me to live in the 21st Century.

Twitter?

I’ve got a quick question.  Who of you out there use Twitter?  I keep hearing about it more and more.  I decided to make an account.  So far, I’m not sure I will use it much.  However, to view my page, click here.  If I do decide to use it, I’ll add the feed to this website.  You can also subscribe to it and view/update via cell phone.

YM Resource – Facebook for Pastors

I found this the other day.  Admitting I haven’t read the entire thing yet, it does seem pretty good so far.  I’ve been using Facebook in ministry ever since I’ve moved to New Hampshire.  This e-book, however, has some great ideas that I’d not thought of yet.  Thanks to Chris Forbes for writing this and sharing it for free!  Check it out by clicking the link below.

Click here for a free download of “Facebook for Pastors” from MinistryMarketingCoach.com.

A Speed Racer Night

I just bought the Speedracer movie tonight, which came with a Mach 5 Hotwheels.  I really enjoyed the movie when I saw it in the iMax, so naturally, I was thrilled when it came out on DVD.  By coincidence, I was also able to find the Speedracer video game (for Wii) at the local Movie Scene.  Overall, it was a great evening.  I enjoyed both the game and watching the movie once again.  The only bad thing was that it just wasn’t the same watching it on a 27″ standard definition TV…but I guess I’ll get over it.  :-)  If you’re a fan of Speedracer or a fan of a good racing game, I’d recommend both!  The movie is quite colorful, and full of action, along with some great family times.  It’s definitely a great movie for both kids and adults!  It’s even got a bit of romance for you girls out there.  The game is straight-up racing fun with cool “car-fu” attacks.  It uses the Wii Remote sideways (or attached to the Wii Wheel).

Murderer Gets a Wii

As most of you know, I am a big video game fan.  I have been ever since the first Nintendo Entertainment System came out and I received one for Christmas when I was 4 or 5 years old.  In fact, I am also a blogger on a Nintendo news site called, WiiNintendo.net.  As I often do, I look around to find news about Nintendo products, games, and the company in general.  However, when I came across this bit of info, I decided this had to be shared not only on WiiNintendo, but on my personal blog as well.  In my opinion, I think this is disgusting!

It seems as if a murderer in the UK requires a Nintendo Wii or he will kill himself.  According to the article in ThePeople.co.uk, this man, who is serving a life-long sentence for murdering two girls, has given the prison an ultimatum.  Either he gets a Wii to replace his “outdated” GameCube, or he will kill himself.  The article goes on to say that the guards must play with him and call him by his first name.  The inmate is also allowed to wear designer clothes, has a CD player in his cell, and gets three meals brought to him everyday.

For the entire article, click here.

I’m sorry, but this is just ridiculous and sick!  But I’d love to know your thoughts.

Christians and Guitar Hero Type Games

I was just given a link by a friend here at the church.  It was an article recently written about a new Guitar Hero type game called Guitar Praise.  It’s basically a Guitar Hero replica but with Christian Rock (similar to the Dance Dance Revolution games that have been given a Christian makeover).

At first glance, I think this is cool.  However, the more I think about it, and converse with my friend via e-mail, my mindset shifts.  Instead of separating the church from culture, I believe we need to do as Jesus did.  We need to jump right in with culture at some points.  Granted, this shouldn’t happen with everything, but I believe with some, it could have great potential.  I could definitely see bands like Relient K, POD, Thousand Foot Krutch, Underoath, Skillet, Pillar, and Tourniquet fitting right in with the secular stuff in the game.  In fact, two bands have already gotten at least one song on the list for Guitar Hero and Rock Band.  Both Flyleaf and The Myriad have songs available for download on XBox 360 and PS3.  I am not sure why more Christian artists don’t jump in there too.  Heck, if the music is good, people will buy it!  I believe that would be better than making an entirely different game that probably won’t sell as well.

It seems, we as Christians, are often trying to fight culture and make our own things.  This is not a bad idea, but it’s never going to make the same impact as someone actually stepping into the mainstream culture.  Granted, this Guitar Praise game could have the goal of proving something safe for people to play, without having to worry about bad lyrics, etc.  However, I think they could take it a step further and start offering more Christian music in the existing games.  That way, maybe people will hear the lyrics and hear about God.  Hey, stranger things have happened.  We serve a God who loves to work unexpectedly.  Anyhow, I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts!

[You can read Fox News' story on Guitar Praise by clicking here.]

YM Resource – Online Networking

So, I am pretty sure most of you know this already, but I have found a huge benefit in online networking.  Here in New England, the culture is very on-the-go all the time.  They have sports events almost every night of the week.  They travel a lot in the summers.  They work.  Some of them live 45 minutes or more from each other.  The list goes on and on.  I would love to meet more with them, but sometimes it gets tough, especially in the beginning stages of ministry.  I have appreciated the connections with the students I can make through Facebook and iChat/AIM.  Very often, we have what the high school students affectionately call “Facebook Youth Group” through forums.  We chat about plans, events, the Bible, etc.  So, my advice for you is to get connected with your students online.  Of course, you have to be careful about what you look at, as with everything online (especially with MySpace), but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.  They are on it ALL THE TIME, so a way to get “in their world” is to sign up and log on.

A great (and FREE) e-book I found is “Facebook for Pastors” by Chris Forbes.  Click here to download it from ChurchMarketingCoach.com.

A list of popular online social networks that I use:

Do you have any others that work well for you?  Feel free to talk about them when you leave a comment below.

I’m an official blogger! (4-30-08)

So, most of you are thinking, “yeah, you’ve been blogging for quite some time.”  That’s not what I mean.  I’m talking about official status.  I am one of the newest bloggers for WiiNintendo.net.  It’s a Nintendo gaming blog that keeps people up-to-date on the newest Nintendo news (i.e. games, accessories, reviews, etc.).  It is in my daily routine of blogs I read anyway, and now I get to write for them.  Unfortunately, this is not a paid position. I know this is not the usual stuff I write about in my personal blog, but I’m pretty excited about it.  As many of you know, I am very into video games, specifically Nintendo, and this is a cool way to help people out by writing about upcoming games, reviewing products, etc.  I’m also hoping I can use this to plant little seeds for Christ.  I’m not sure how just yet, but I’m always looking for ideas.  Also, if you come across something cool dealing with Nintendo, let me know and I’ll put it up on the site.  Check out the blog at WiiNintendo.net.