It never ceases to amaze me the way technology has been adapted in everyday life, from everyday people. Every age group engages in the wonder of instant connectivity. I often ask myself as I see people walking around carelessly, almost aimlessly, “What are they actually accomplishing?” I thought it a big deal when I purchased my first pager. Well, like it or not, it's here to stay. With over 10 billion—yes, 10 billion apps sold—life seems to flow with connectivity like never before. There's an app for every need today, and then some. How can they help you in your ministry? That's why this month we'll look at HOW iReview: “It's all about the Apps.”
The market for smart phones and their accompanying apps is extremely broad. From iPhones and Androids to tablets and iPads, there are many choices. For that fact, we won't labor on specific apps. Instead, we should look at how they can help us in our daily routines. To help define when you need “app-assistance,” you'll need to stop and think about where you are failing. Start with contacts, email and scheduling. Define your need before you head off into app-land, for there you can get off track quite easily and may never return. Download free apps; see how they can streamline your workflow. You'll be surprised how many free apps work well. I have tried many free and paid apps to ensure my workflow functions as needed. The growing trend in task-based apps is monthly fees for an accompanying web-based conduit. I am not opposed to these if they make your process more stable.
In app-lication
Remember that when selecting apps, less is more. Fight the temptation to get an all-inclusive monster app that does everything. They always seem to be more intrusive than helpful. Instead, only look to help your workflow without all the bells and whistles. Allow yourself plenty of time to research. Before allowing an app to reside on my screen real estate, I audition it in real-world situations; there is no substitute for real-world situations. Bring it to staff meetings, rehearsals, etc. Enter in test data, see how it performs and conforms to your work style. How you handle it quickly in situations is a gauge of how successful it will work for you. Get to know it. A lot of apps offer a free version and an additional paid version. This is a great way of seeing how this will fit into your workflow. Ask people you know, get testimonials from friends. Ask to see it. In every case, resist the temptation to use apps that advertise themselves as an all-inclusive solution. I use many apps in the course of ministry, not just one. The categories are endless ... dB meters, spectrum analyzers, notes, texting, weather, calendars, music, delivery tracking, travel, bibles, web cams, maps and, don't forget, games.
Apps are here to stay. There's even laws written on where and when you can use them. But don't get lost in the apps. Instead, let them be an effective tool for your ministry. Before adding an app, ask yourself, “Will this help me in my daily ministry?” Be diligent and on task, don't be swayed. When used properly, they are effective tools in getting your work done. Use them to build into your ministry, not take away. As always, it's God we seek to glorify, apps are just an aid for doing so. God bless.
