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High-Tech Chat

High-Tech Chat is a feature that explores technologies and how they can be applied to ministry. We highlight the subject basics and provide links to learn more about hardware, software, and general tips of the trade.

These articles will appear online and in the Missouri Conference Review. If you have an idea to pitch or your own story to submit e-mail Fred Koenig.

Web ministry

• Churches can embrace Web as a ministry Review article by Erin Horner
  Learn why the internet is a necessary tool for ministry, and how it is becoming an important part of the church.
   

• Web Resource list | web page
  Are you looking for free or small cost resources for your church web ministry? We have put together a web resource list with categories including such topics as social networks, video, podcasting, feed readers, website design, copyright policies, web hosting and more!

  The resources are divided by subject type and there is a short description of each one. Please e-mail Erin Horner to suggest an addition to the list.

• Web Ministry from United Methodist Communications
  There is a large compliation of resources about website building, digital media, social media, and e-communications including are tools, articles, links, and free online courses. They cover all the bases of web ministry from the beginning to beyond.

Websites

• Every Missouri Conference church is on the Web Review article by Erin Horner
  This is an overview of how to use and what is on the local church pages on the conference website.
   
• Local church dashboard instructions
  Find help with local church pages on the conference website

Photography/Digital Cameras

• Photo Permission form
  This photo permission form has been modified by Prairie Chapel UMC from Maricopa Community Colleges in Tempe, AZ. It is a Word document, so you can personalize it for your church or ministry.
   
• Flash drop off leaves you in the dark Review article by Fred Koenig 
  Take better photos and learn how to use your camera flash most effectively.
   
• Adjustments can resolve low resolution problems Review article by Fred Koenig
  Fine tune your digital camera photo skills with these pointers.
   
• Photo Primer by Mike DuBose of United Methodist Communications 
   Information for users of the United Methodist News Service (UMNS) photos regarding file formats, pixels, and more.
   
• Digital Photography Review
   A web site for news, reviews and information, you can also search cameras by features and compare them side by side

Social Media

• Online Communication Policy by United Methodist Communications
  With the increased usages of social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and text messaging learn how to protect you and your church while using these tools.
   
• What is this Twitter thing? Review article by Jennifer Reeves
  Learn all about Twitter, what it is, and how to use it from a conference communications commission member.
   
• Twitter for Churches by Churck Marketing Sucks
   Read how this new tool can be useful for your local church congregation and members.
   
• Twitter in Plain English
  Below is a video explaining Twitter from the Common Craft Show. They create short, simple and focused videos on making complex ideas easy to understand.