Churches
You have to think bigger! Kingdom ImpacT! through combined stewardship.
If you are interested in knowing what Free Life Ministries can do for your church, you’ll want to view our Church Technology Resources page. It provides an in-depth description of what is available.
The simple fact is that many churches simply don’t know where to turn to for help. They often lack accounting programs, desktop publishing programs or even recently updated word processors. Many unintentionally violate licensing agreements by installing unauthorized copies of software from their home computers. These "borrowed" copies are, in simple terms, illegal. Some churches and non-profits do not have the equipment necessary to support their day to day operations. Many church offices do not even have a computer and printer. Most of the work performed is done on someone’s computer at home.
Open Source Software does not cost the church money, and its licensing allows multiple copies to be installed with no fear of penalty or copyright infringement. There is a great variety of office productivity and financial programs, electronic Bible applications (which allow for easy searching and copy/paste for bulletins, etc.) and also several custom programs that benefit churches, in particular, such as lyric projection programs and church management software. Please consult our list of Open Source Alternatives for descriptions and advantages of programs and know that in many cases, Free Life Ministries will even donate the basic hardware the church lacks when it is available.
We are currently talking to the NorthStar Church Network on helping their churches.
Dedicated to helping churches by providing them with invaluable technology awareness, resources and advice that helps them to meet their vision in the 21st Century. Here’s a list of what we can provide you.
Productivity Applications including the OpenChurchCD, which contains several applications that allow for multiple installations with no licensing restrictions. It includes an Office Suite, Desktop Publishing, Graphics Manipulation, Email, Web Browser, Anti-Virus, Bible Tools, Lyric projection, Audio/Video Editing & Recording, and Church Management Software.
Computer Classes & Certification for staff and members interested in how to be more productive in the church environment. This includes a free copy of the software used in the class, and several samples and templates that can be put to use immediately for bulletins, newsletters and other needs.
Ministry Opportunity on how to start a “Technology Ministry” at your church that will help you make an impact on your community by providing them with basic and advance computer skills, including free classes and computer lab basics & installation. This can also help church schools and academies that are looking for a way to teach technology to their students.
Networking Basics to include purchasing, configuring and maintaining networking hardware (routers, etc.), software (anti-virus, spam), content filtering and firewalls. Local network attached backup and off-site remote back, as well as configuring network printers and shared folders for more efficient collaboration on projects.
Website Consultation that helps churches figure out where to get hosting from, what options are available in software, and how to get basic websites starting, including Content Management Systems that allow for multiple user input (articles, stories, etc.), easy Podcasting, RSS feeds, and calendaring.
Library Resources that help maintain electronic records with search capabilities and electronic checkout. If cooperation exists, it is also possible to search other church libraries to allow for more efficient use of resources.
Hardware Purchasing Advice that will help churches avoid the “whatever is on sale” mistakes that often lead to future problems and sometimes fail to properly match a solution with the need. Arrangements are also made with vendors who can be recommended as those eager to work with churches in fulfilling their vision.
Worship Service Technologies from simple advice and ideas to comprehensive packages that help churches get “up to speed” on using technology as a tool in their services. Software is available at no cost that will handle lyric projection, service recording, conversion & Podcasting. “Worship Tech Box” includes a computer, projector, screen and layout design. The lyric software imports CCLI and can allow for integration of “accompaniment” music to help smaller congregations with small budgets effective provide services that are on par with larger churches in the technology area.