brianmattson-blog

[brianmattson-blog]

Being a Child of God

Here’s a little video devotional. I hope it encourages someone today.

[brianmattson-blog]

Church Marketing and Ministry Management Resources

With the advent of digital technology churches have access to all sorts of ministry tools that will help manage and market the ministry. I used to think that the church should simply rely on word-of-mouth advertising to get the word out about the church. Unfortunately, congregation member do not often talk about their church (especially in a good way). However, people often are willing to talk about their church online through various social media platforms. Below are some links to resources that I have either used personally or look like they might have helpful tools to both manage and market the ministry in a digital environment.

Aplos: My churches uses this software to manage all of its accounting, budgetary, and donation needs. The platform is very easy to use and those who do not have accounting degrees can easily figure out how to keep track of funds on this platform.

ACS Technologies: I have not used this system but looking at its website it appears to be an all-around solid church management tool. It allows for mobile technologies to help keep people connected, etc. 

Church Marketing Sucks: This is one of my favorite church marketing websites. It contains numerous articles dealing with church marketing and communication. It also features a Podcast. The link that I have provided goes to their book list as it lists a number of helpful books on the topic of church marketing.

RemindCare App: This mobile application intrigued me. As a pastor, I do a lot of things and have lots of different roles in the church. Sometimes it seems overwhelming to keep track of everything. This particular app lets pastors keep track of their meetings and keep a log of topics. You can set reminders to follow-up on a conversation with people. Further, you can enter important dates to the people in the congregation such as their birthdays and anniversaries. You can send them a “Happy Birthday” message. 

Church Tech Today: This site is quickly becoming a very helpful resources to me. This keeps me up-to-date on some of the newest technologies that help me do ministry in a better way. I like taking a look at the “Reviews” section as it provides helpful and practical reviews on a number of church related software programs. 

CCLI Song Select: This music management tool can be a great asset in the management of any church’s music ministry. We’ve used this for a couple of years and our music guy speaks very highly of it.

[brianmattson-blog]

Digital Youth Ministry Strategies

Today’s youth face a plethora of issues that may seem foreign to those who are even one generation before them. It is deeply important that the church equip and train youth leaders to deal with the challenges facing today’s youth. Certainly, the challenges include issues of science and society but also disappointment with God and understanding the faith. Other issues abound. Below are a few videos that I found informative and insightful that will help youth leaders and church understand how to effectively reach a new generation for Jesus Christ.

In the following video, Dr. Steve Argue (a former prof of mine) addresses the ‘why’ of youth ministry. Why do churches do youth ministry in the first place? In this video, Dr. Argue presents a number of questions that churches need to be asking.

In another video, Dr. Argue provides six attributes of a church that help youth thrive in the church. 

Many of today’s students face a polemical problem between what is taught in church and what is taught in school. Students desire real and helpful answers that will reconcile the Bible and science. The church simply needs to give the youth much more than just “well, the Bible says so.” Dr. John Lennox is one of the best Christian apologists today. In the following video, he speaks to youth and youth workers  on the idea of “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?” Today’s teens are creating their own identities online as a search for figuring out who they are. Watch this accessible talk by Dr. John Lennox as he provides a helpful template for apologetics.

Indeed, more could be posted and written about reaching the next generation for Jesus Christ. Certainly, one could use the digital technology to transmit to the youth the truths communicated in these videos. 

[brianmattson-blog]

Social Media and Spirituality

Some of you may have noticed an increase in my social media usage lately. I am exploring ways to utilize social media as a platform as a spiritual environment. This includes building a network of prayer partners. I hope that you will join me on this journey. I’ll understand if you want to keep things more private. You can still participate just simply direct message me.

[brianmattson-blog]

Evangelism Outreach to Immigrants

As a pastor, I am concerned about reaching out to the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I currently serve in Kentwood, MI. In a two-mile radius surrounding my church there are 52 different languages spoken! Amazing! Our church does not have to go half way around the world but can literally cross the street and meet people of a different culture. So far, the way that we have sought to reach out to some of the cultures in our neighborhood is partner with some of the Christian leaders in those ethnic groups and help them start churches. We allow those ethnic groups to utilize our church building and provide some resources to help them reach more of their immigrant counterparts. Because of the language difference, we can’t engage them directly on social media. However, here are some resources that we have used in order to help us understand these cultures better. Currently, we are working with a group from Nepal. 

Here are some resources for understanding Nepali culture and working with the Nepali groups in a gospel oriented fashion.

General Information about Nepal

The CIA world fact book: provides an overview of Nepal and the culture found within the country of Nepal. This resources proves helpful in understanding the history and backgrounds of this people. 

Interserve: Provides articles concerning Christian activities within the country of Nepal. Many of the Christian Nepali people that I’ve met are deeply concerned with what is going on in their homeland. Knowing these things allows one to connect with the Nepali Christians by showing concern for their country.

The Jesus Film Project: This is the famous Jesus Film video that has been utilized in a number of different languages to reach people with the gospel. This link also gives other video resources in the Nepali language.

Global Recordings Network: Provides a number of articles and audio recordings that have been translated into the Nepali language. 

Here are some helpful articles that provide helpful tips for American churches who want to engage immigrants/refugees in the United States.

Institute for Local Government: This pdf written specifically for the local government contains material that can easily translate into the local church. 

The Gospel Coalition: This website has been the go-to source for local church ministries on a number of topics. This article provides helpful tips for a local church as it seeks to engage immigrants/refugees.

[brianmattson-blog]

Local Church Resources

Here are some resources that I’ve either found helpful or interesting in regard to New Media and the Church, Social Media and the Church, and Technology and the Church.

Networked Theology: Negotiating Faith in a Digital World

Connected Toward Communion: The Church and Social Communication in the Digital Age

CyberTheology: Thinking Christianity in the Era of the Internet

Critical Thinking and the Bible in the Age of New Media

Digital Religion, Social Media and Culture

Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in New Media Worlds

From Jesus to the Internet: A History of Christianity and Media

The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication

Transforming Parish Communications: Growing the Church through New Media