Wednesday Wrap-up

My first Wednesday Wrap-up is going to be devoted to sharing some really cool sites that I have found to be very helpful in my own ministry. Most of these are well known, but maybe you have not yet found them. I want to share a variety of ministry tools as well. These are not listed in any order of preference or usefulness. 

Leadership/Pastor Tools

There are thousands of great websites, apps, books, and more. Below is just a small sample.

• Bible Gateway - search the Bible in almost any translation or language (also an app for mobile devices)
• Hebrew 4 Christians - for those who did not study biblical languages in seminary
• Pastors.com - Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox with articles by many contributing leaders
• Thomrainer.com - president and CEO of LifeWay, he shares some wonderful insights for churches, pastors, and volunteers (read 11 Things I Learned From Pastors' Wives).
• Edstetzer.com - President of LifeWay Research, he shares great insights based on studies and findings in existing churches and church plants with links to many of these (read Study: Churchgoers Believe in Sharing Faith, Most Never Do)
• Church Leaders - wonderful articles to help you become a better leader as well as thought provoking subjects to help stretch your ministry vision (read Sexy Christianity by Kyle Donn).
• Pro Preacher - their claim is that they are "helping you preach like a pro" but they have some great inspirational and encouraging articles (read The Cry of a Young Preacher by Brandon).
• Transformational Church
• Purpose Driven Church - every church needs to experience the 40 Days of Purpose study by Rick Warren. The information comes from his own studies of the growth model of Dr. Creswell at FBC Dallas and all are biblically based.
• Unfashionable - Tchividjian challenges us to make a difference in the world as Christians by boldly living a life that is different from the world's.
• Visioneering - this book by Andy Stanley is a must for any leader who wants to bring a group of people along on the journey that God has set before them.
• Experiencing God - this study by Henry Blackaby is my all-time favorite for Christians at all levels. Knowing and doing the will of God should be a passion in all Christians.

Worship Tools

• Praise Charts - great site to get charts, scores, and even Finale files for almost every song your church will want to sing. Limited keys unless you purchase the Finale file.
• Music Notes - place to get individuals parts for a song without purchasing the entire orchestration or Finale file.
• Lifeway Worship - perfect site for churches that need a blend of music to fit along with their Baptist Hymnal and the newest contemporary charts. Most songs are available in the best keys for singing with your congregation.
• Planning Center Online - A must for any worship ministry. Design services, assign volunteers, upload charts and project directly to your music stand, and many more great tools for a monthly subscription.
• Vocal Coaching - blog post to help your singers understand the importance of continuing to grow musically
• Unified Worship - end the Worship Wars among your congregation by realizing that God is able to unify your congregation.
• Renewing Worship - the music and worship site for the Baptist Convention of North Carolina. It includes many excellent articles and tools for worship ministries (read this 10 part series on Worship Wars).

Hope that you find some of these helpful. Feel free to share some of your favorites below.