Ministry tech tools: Convert any format to any format

by Chris Young | Sep 5, 2013 | Free Resources, Resources, Technology, Video

There is a new FREE web resource that will allow you to convert any format to any format. This a going to be a great ministry tech tool.

We use the Gospel Project for Kids on Sunday mornings. And we L-O-V-E it. One problem. We project our kids worship service using Proclaim, which is another great program. The issue we have is that Proclaim does not project pdf files, and the Gospel Project for Kids does not send jpg image files (only pdf). While I have been told from the Gospel Project editorial leadership that they will soon begin sending jpg images, it doesn’t help me a lot right now.

I have been using Zamzar to convert my files, but I have to go to email to get them and there is also a file limitation. A little more hassle than I want.

In comes CloudConvert. It converts over 140 different formats. Document, audio, video, presentation, ebook, and image format are completely covered. It is quick. It is easy. It is FREE.

You can download straight from the page, have a link sent to you, or even have the converted document sent directly to your Dropbox. Lots of helpful options!

Add CloudConvert to your list of free go-to tech resources for your ministry.

Free Presentation Videos and Images for Children’s Ministry

by Chris Young | Jun 5, 2013 | Communication, Free Resources, Resources, Video

Now that you’ve got your free presentation software for Children’s Worship, you will need great, professional looking graphics and videos to display during your program. I’ve included links to a few FREE resources for your children’s ministry.

1. Graceway Media– Check out these great countdown clocks, video, and still images. Very professional. Very free. Sign up for a free account to begin downloading immediately.

2. FreePik – Great Photos and Photoshop files that you can use for backgrounds for your presentation material.

3. Muddy River Media – Video loops, countdown clocks, still images.

4. Church Media Design – Backgrounds, theme packs.

5. Creation Swap – Motions, slides, photos. Lot of great stuff. One of my favorites.

Do you have some favorites that aren’t listed here?

Free Presentation Software for Children’s Ministry

by Chris Young | Jun 4, 2013 | Free Resources, Music, Resources, Video

A great way to enhance your children’s worship or children’s church is by using a projector and presentation software. You can show lyrics to praise and worship songs. You can show promo videos for upcoming children’s ministry events. You can present hilarious videos that will give your kids belly aches from laughing so hard. Lots of options are on the table when you can get a projector, a computer, and a good presentation software.

Votive Praise has a listing of 12 FREE presentation software programs that are sure to help your budget. Check out the article for a full description of the programs, or you can just click on the links below to go to the programs.

1. Exposong

2. EasySlides

3. Datasoul

4. Sing and Read 2

5. Songview

6. Quelea

7. Zionworx

8. OpenSong

9. Openlp

10. Powersong

11. SNAP Projection

12. Asaph

*Children’s Ministry Network does not endorse any of the above programs.

Has anyone tried to use any of these programs? If so, let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Free Childrens Ministry Resource- Communication Template

by Chris Young | May 20, 2013 | Communication, Free Resources

Here is your next free childrens ministry resource to help you minister to children and families for effectively and efficiently.

Communication Template

Communication is key. Families want to be informed and you want to give every chance you can for a child to be involved with your ministry.

This children’s ministry communication template can be updated weekly and altered in any way you desire. It is a Microsoft Publisher file. You may choose to only use one side of the hand out. We have moved to that most of the time because if it is on both sides, then when they put it on the fridge you can only see one. If you do use both sides, put the most important information on front.

We do not print in color just to save money. A black and white sheet costs us 1 cent. A color sheet costs 7 cents. It doesn’t seem like it adds up, but it does. Instead we print black and white onto colored paper. It adds a little something to the image.

Comment below letting us know if this helps and how you are using it.

Kidmin People- Maria Brannen

by Chris Young | May 17, 2013 | Kidmin People, Training

Kidmin People is an interview with various people in Children’s Ministry.

This week’s Kidmin People is a spotlight on one of our Georgia Baptist Missionaries, Maria Brannen. She is here in Georgia help you to equip our churches with resources to disciple our kids. Many of you met Maria at our Children’s Ministry Networking event this past March in Warner Robins. Feel free to connect with her again soon.

Maria Brannen

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have had the privilege of serving as a GBC State Missionary for 15 years. Before serving at GBC, I served on church staffs in Georgia and Texas for a total of over 25 years of ministry. I am currently also serving as interim Children’s Minister at my church. I have been married to my wonderful husband and ministry support partner Roger Brannen for 23 years. We have 2 boys Tyler (17 ½) and Kyle (12 ½). We are a homeschooling family and live in Bethlehem, Ga. My interests are photography, reading, scrapbooking, and card making. I grew up in Gray, Georgia. I graduated from Georgia College and Southwestern Seminary.

2) Why might a children’s ministry leader contact you?

Ministry areas that I can assist churches with are: Preschool and Children’s Discipleship (resources and strategies), Children and Salvation (The journey of introducing a Child to Christ); New Christian resources/helps for Children; Family Discipleship; Bible Drill; TeamKID; Student Speakers Competition

3) What resources and assistance could you offer for churches in regards to children’s ministry?

With the above areas – we can offer resources, consultations, conferences (we are available to provide training for churches and associations), State-wide Bible Drill Retreat.

Here are a few ways Children’s Ministers can connect with us:

Facebook – Discipleship-Spiritual Renewal Ministries

Blog – Discipleader.wordpress.com

Pinterest – Bible Drill – Georgia Baptist Convention

Web – dm.gabaptist.org