I manage multiple WordPress sites, so I’m always looking for a way to help me keep them updated and running smoothly.  WordPress Multisite is one option, but it’s hard to setup and all of my sites are running very different themes and plugins, so it would be hard to make work correctly.  I’ve tried ManageWP, and it is awesome, but it also has a monthly fee. So when I read about the free WP Remote on ChurchMag, I decided to try it out.

After using it for a few days, this is something that will definitely save me time and energy. From one screen, I can see the update status of all my sites. Green means everything is up-to-date, and yellow means I have plugins or themes to update.

There is one more big feature that makes this service go over the top. From the WP Remote dashboard, you can make backups of all of your sites. For now, they are encrypting and storing your backups for free. I didn’t have any problems backing up all of my sites, although I’ve read that others are having a little trouble with larger sites. They are looking at adding automatic daily backups in the future. This one feature alone makes this service awesome.

If you are managing multiple WordPress sites, then check out the WP Remote service.

Video has been an integral part of our church services for the last six years. We  project song lyrics, testimonies, photos, video clips, and even occasionally live video. We started using Easyworship running on a used PC we bought for $300 five years ago. We finally are upgrading our computer and software to allow us to do even more with our video system. Unfortunately, Easyworship seems to have stalled in development, with the planned 2010 update still not on the market. So we have chosen to go with ProPresenter 5 running on a 27″ iMac computer. ProPresenter has really become the market leader balancing both ease of use with tons of power.

I’m really looking forward to using prop layers for logos and other overlays on the screen. We will also have the ability to have different information displayed on the rear wall for our praise team. We can even display a countdown timer for a certain long-winded preacher  It also features a great text reflow feature as well as integration with Planning Center Online. They even offer iPad apps to control your presentations. Check out their website for a complete list of the new features in version 5. I’ve also attached a playlist of their great video tutorials. If you want to learn more about it, then check out the following videos.

We should have the new system up and running in a few weeks. I’ll let you know more about it as we get it installed and working.

When it comes to backing up data, I want to make sure I have a plan. So when I got my new Macbook Air, I decided to add a new backup device at home. After evaluating several options, I decided to go with a Western Digital My Book Live 2 terabyte network drive. The great thing about a network drive is accessibility. I can access files on it from any computer in the house. Western Digital also has Android and iOS apps to allow you to download files or view pictures on your mobile devices.

The only negative about this unit is that it only has a single drive. The dual drive systems offer better protection against hard drive failure, but come at a much greater cost. Now if I can just figure out how to organize all my digital photos from the last ten years. That’s my next big challenge to tackle.

It hooks up with an ethernet cable to your router, and it works great with both macs and pcs. I have my time machine backup on it for my new macbook. I added a network switch with my home entertainment system and placed it there so that it is easy to access. Here are a couple of videos that show how it works and what it can do. You can pick one up on Amazon. Here’s a link to it on my Amazon estore.

Here’s a great use of the internet. Most churches spend a lot of time trying to organize meals for people who are sick or in need. But it’s always confusing knowing who is bringing what, and when they are bringing it. Recently we used Take Them a Meal to help organize meals for a family at our church for over a week.

Simply create an online signup form on the site, then send it out for people to view and signup. It’s easy to use and it works great. It’s crowd-sourcing on a whole new level. There is also a companion site for organizing potluck dinners – check it out at perfectpotluck.com.

For those times in life when filling their table will warm their hearts.
Simplifying meal coordination so friends, family, neighbors and co-workers can show they care.
Create a customized online sign up sheet to include phone numbers, driving directions, food allergies and more that makes it easy for friends and family to take meals to those in need.

My Apple Macbook Pro is almost 5 years old and is starting to show some early signs of motherboard problems, so I decided to make the plunge and replace it. This time, I decided to go with a refurbished 13″ Macbook Air. It’s cheaper, lighter, faster, and just plain awesome. I went with the i7 model with 4Gigs of RAM and the 256Gig Solid State Drive. There are a lot of rumors about new larger Macbook airs that will be released soon, but it’s hard to beat the deal I got on this refurbished one. I’m really looking forward to having a computer this fast and lightweight. I’ll post a longer review after I get it and start using it.

If you have ever setup a new computer for your church, home, or business, then you know how time consuming it is to download and install all the typical programs that you need. I like installing iTunes, Chrome, Dropbox and lots of other freeware utilities and apps that will make my life easier. One of the students at our church turned me on to the website Ninite.com. Ninite is a service that allows you to visit one website and select all the programs you want to install. After you hit the Get Installer button, an install script is downloaded that does all the work for you. Below is a screenshot of just a few of the apps offered. Believe me, this is a great time saver. You’ll thank me later.

Over the years I have noticed that many churches and smaller organizations want to embrace and use technology, but they simply don’t know where to start. One of my passions is helping those people by sharing what I have learned along the way. I have been meeting with local churches for several years now, helping them with audio/video questions and with developing a web strategy. I have been designing and hosting websites for people who need help, and it is just a small way I can help.

As a pastor, I do have limited time to work on side projects. But this is a way I can be more Kingdom focused, by helping other churches understand and implement new technology. I have a second website dedicated to sharing more about my design and consulting work, so if you want to find out more, please visit FEDesign.net for more information. I offer competitive pricing and support for WordPress Hosting, and I also offer a custom CMS platform that is incredibly easy to use and update for churches. Visit the website for a view of my portfolio.

I’ve been watching the new android phones and waiting for the next round of great phones. I was fine with my old HTC Desire(similar to the Google Nexus One) and I wasn’t in any hurry to change things up. Unfortunately, the USB port on my Desire died yesterday so I decided to go ahead and make the plunge. I checked with Verizon, but their data plans are just too expensive compared to what I have on US Cellular, so I ended up with a new Motorola Electrify.

I’m impressed so far, and I’m not easily impressed. This thing is a beast. It’s a dual-core processor, 4.3″ screen, with 16Gig of Internal memory. It has both a front facing and a rear facing camera with HD Video. It even has a hdmi connection so you can hook it up directly to a tv or projector and a SIM card slot for use out of the country. I spent a good part of the evening setting up all my apps and transferring everything over from my old phone. I don’t even think I need to root this phone since it has everything built in.

Technology can be both good and bad, and new phones are no exception. It’s hard not being over-connected and distracted, but there are several great apps that really help me in my ministry. I’m using all the Google apps, and here are some of my other favorites

• Evernote (for Note Taking)
• ADWLauncher EX (for the User Interface)
• Logos Bible Software (for Bible Study)
• YouVersion Bible (for Bible Reading)
• Wunderlist (for my To-do List)
• Amazon Kindle (for all my reading)
• Dropbox (for sharing files)
• WordPress (for updating my blog)

I did a quick search on YouTube and found the following review of the phone. Motorola phones get great reception and this phone has a much better battery life than before. It’s not 4G, but it will probably be a while before US Cellular gets 4G in our area.