30 Free Internet Tools Every Pastor Must Have

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Pastors are insatiable collectors. Some collect books. Some prize ancient artifacts. Whatever the flavor of your particular taste, I know you're a collector just like me. Face it, we'll land on any excuse to add to the collection.

I collect free software and Internet services.

Over the years I've collected a treasure trove of free resources that increase my ministry productivity - when I'm not browsing for more goodies. I cherish the opportunity to welcome others to my hobby to letting the sample what's out there.

Maybe you'll be bit by the collector's bug after you sample these 30 free Internet resources. Some will offer the opportunity to opt for a paid version but, with two exceptions, they are all free for every day use.

Research tools to study religious demography in America

These sites offer a raft demographic and cultural data. These sites are particularly helpful for pastors who need to re-connect a congregation with its setting.

Association of Religious Data Archives (thearda.com)Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org)Adherents (adherents.com)The Barna Group (barna.com)U.S. Religious Statistics (usreligionstatistics.info)Public Religion Research Institute (publicreligion.org)

Two additional sites that provide useful demographic information but they require a little more digging:

U.S. Census Bureau (census.gov)The Alban Institute (alban.org)

Finally, there is one free software tool that's invaluable for research. When you sign up for a free Evernote account ( http://www.evernote.com ) you'll also receive a browser extension that will let you clip text, pictures and even whole web pages. It's an amazing program and best of all - it's free.

Sites that train pastors to lead churches through significant change.

Don't let the fact that these ministries specialize in training interim pastors throw you off course. The skills that enable interim pastors to bring about significant change in congregations can also be used by pastors who plan to hang around in their church for years to come!

(There are many denominational ministries that aren't linked here)

Interim Pastor Ministries (interimpastors.org)Interim Ministry Network (inmedu.org)ReTurn ( http://www.crmleaders.org/teams/return )Center for Congregational Health (healthychurch.org)Intentional Interim Ministry (intentionalinterimministry.org)

Web pages with helpful utilities

These sites have tools to download and "how to" content. Realistic things every interim pastor needs.

Transition Ministries Group (transitionministriesgroup.com)Transition Leadership Network (outreach.ca)Percept (perceptgroup.com)Transformation Ministries Resource Page (transmin.org)Church Health Resources (baptiststart.com/churchgrowth.html)Congregational Resource Guide (congregationalresources.org)Life and Leadership (lifeandleadership.com)Clergy Leadership Institute (clergyleadership.com)

Tools for social media marketing

This is a bit of a hobby horse. I am convinced that any church without an effective, easily managed social media marketing program is seriously handicapped.

I'm also big on social media marketing because one of my goals is to create a virtual community of ministry colleagues who add value to one another's lives. The Internet, Web 2.0 and social media tools allow us to create friendships, to coach one another and give help to our colleagues around the world.

On top of that, it is remarkably easy to build a virtual platform in your community that allows your church to speak to those who might have never considered visiting were it not for your social media profile.

I have nine tools in my social media marketing tool kit box. I've tried dozens of them but these are suited to my style and odd work habits. If you decide to go down that pathway, these will be useful tools.

HootsuiteFacebookTwitterWordPressMars Edit [$39.95 after a 30 day trial]Markdown Pro [$9.95]BufferLinkedIn

There are many more free Internet tools that will help pastors be more productive. They will extend your research, your knowledge of the community and even help you reach people you're currently missing.

I bet I've missed plenty of other free tools.

If you have a favorite or know one I've missed, let me know. I'll add it to the list.

I'm in the business of serving the local church. I provide free resources, offer training and coaching, and I love to network with brothers and sisters in ministry. You can find me at the Transition Ministries Group. Stop by and visit; I'd love to chat.

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