If you are an iPhone/iPod Touch owner, you know the value of having your device stocked full of apps. I like to regularly browse the App Store and see what new apps are popular and see how they could benefit my life. Occasionally some apps become popular that have a great use for my children’s ministry. Here are a few I have found useful:
1. Facebook
If you are into social networking, this is a no brainer. The Facebook app is great to update your status and share photos with friends. You can add a great KIDMIN use to the Facebook app by creating a group for your children’s workers/parents and posting useful updates/photos/videos to the group via your mobile device.
2. Twitter
Twitter is where the term “KIDMIN” was born. Twitter not only can be great for KIDMIN to tweet to your church family, but by searching #KIDMIN in Twitter, you can find an enormous amount of children’s ministry information in seconds.
3. HootSuite
HootSuite is a very useful app if you use more than one social media program. From one HootSuite account you can update your Facebook profile, Facebook page, Twitter feed, and several other popular social media sites in just one post. One of the best features of HootSuite is that it gives you the ability to schedule future posts.
4. MailChimp
There are several online companies who specialize in mass email communication. Out of every one I have seen, I prefer MailChimp.com. MailChimp gives you the ability to create lists, design custom email templates, and send 12,000 emails a month for FREE! The MailChimp app is a great way to add someone to any of your MailChimp email lists on the go. Have a new family walk into your children’s ministry for the first time? Welcome them and add their email address in your MailChimp app so you can stay in touch! The app automatically syncs with your MailChimp account!
5. Vlingo
KIDMINs are always busy and it would be a dream come true to have their own personal assistant. While there is no app that will deliver an intern at your door, Vlingo is maybe the next best thing. Vlingo is the app for KIDMINs who don’t have Siri on their iDevice and wish they did. Vlingo does almost everything Siri does, and it’s FREE! Speak a name and a text message and Vlingo will type it for you! Search for the closest pizza place when you have a room full of hungry kids! You can even get directions to the nearest hospital after one of those camp “mishaps.”
There are many great uses for apps that can enhance your ministry. Keep searching the app stores and think outside of the box when it comes to app usage. Do you have a great app that helps you in your ministry? Share it in the comments!
