Technology Resources
This page contains categorized links to technology resources, chosen for their potential usefulness for the churches of the Desert Southwest Conference and their members. Feel free to send additional suggestions to David Topping.
UMC Technology Resources
- UM TechShop (sponsored by United Methodist Communications)
(discounted software for church offices and other ministries) - UMConnect: Email Discussion for Web Servants
(sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries) - UMITA (United Methodist Information Technology Assoc.)
(church tech helpers are welcome to join) - Web Ministry page at UMCom
- Web Ministry 101
(free online course from UMCom) - Technology Resources - North Georgia Conference
(including church management sofware information) - Computer Resources for Churches on Tight Budgets
(from the Rocky Mountain Conference) - Church Software Survey
(from the New England Conference)
Software/Hardware Sources
- Consistent Computer Bargains (alternate link)
- Christian Freeware and Free Church Software
- OpenOffice.org
(a free alternative to MS Office) - Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats
(enables users of MS Office 2003 and XP to work with documents from Office 2007)
Website Hosting Providers
- Free Web Space for United Methodist Churches
(from the General Board of Global Ministries) - E-zekiel Hosting (alternate UMC-specific link)
(includes templates and content management system) - Web-Empowered Church hosting from VineHosting
(includes templates and content management system)
Church Technology Conferences and Workshops
- Weaving a Web of Connections - Using Internet Technology for Effective Ministry
(regional training events from UMCom) - ministryTECH Church IT and AV Conference
(April 3-4, 2008, Oklahoma City) - Church IT Roundtable
(Sat., April 5, 2008 in Oklahoma City)
Other Resources
- Ministry Business Services, Inc.
(computer network consulting) - Christian Computing Magazine
- Church and Donor Management Software Overview (PDF)
(annual feature from Christian Computing Magazine) - Tech Blog from the North Indiana Conference
- Ministry IT Blog
- Church Technology Review
- Church Website Help
- Great Church Websites
- Internet Evangelism Day
(including many website tips) - Center for Church Communication
- Church Marketing Sucks
(our apologies if that's offensive, but it's their name) - Free for Churches
(Note: The links on this page to either products or services are not endorsements, but rather are provided to help you choose among some options we're currently aware of.)