Marva Dawn once said that technology has a vocation, i.e. a calling. We can use or abuse that calling. The internet, for example, has a humanizing purpose – and when I am Skyping with my family far away, I realize it. Likewise, today’s iPhone and Android apps are game-changers for many of us.
3 have helped me fulfill my own calling as a worship leader, and they may help you as well. Here are my suggested “Game-Changer” apps for worship leaders for 2015.
Voxer
Voxer is a “walkie-talkie” app that allows you to leave messages for others – communicating asynchronously (meaning you don’t have to be “on” at the same time as the other person).
You can set up group Voxers, having voice conversations back and forth, which I’ve done for our local worship leaders, etc.
I.e. You can send a message, or respond, when you are in the headspace and have time.
Personally, I hate phones, and the way my brain works (I’m only productive in high-focus, non-distracted environments) asynchronous communications work infinitely better for me (audio messages, email, etc.). Voxer has provided a much-needed communication solution for me.
I listen to Voxers in the car, while doing dishes, etc. I suggest keeping them between 1-2 min. max as a norm, but allowing for 10-15 minute ones for heart to hearts (it works better than a meeting in many cases).
Omnifocus
Omnifocus is task-management software that works on your phone.
I’m highly right-brained leader, and my task list is ever falling out of mind. Few things have worked for me over the years.
However, I engaged the GTD (Getting Things Done) System a few years ago, and it’s principles worked for me (though I’ve fallen off the wagon 10s of times).
The Omnifocus App works on GTD principles, and I’m actually getting things done. The app only works in tandem with the Omnifocus desktop software, as I recall, so that is an expense.
For me, it’s been worth it. I feel somewhat organized, and I don’t forget tasks anymore.
There is also a workaround for you to upload each new task via Siri on iPhone, so I never miss a trick.
Evernote
Evernote is called a “modern workspace.” For me, it’s a place where I can create a Note, then add text, audio, images, or anything to it.
I under-use Evernote (Michael Hyatt has the scoop on making it your go-to for many things), but it works magic for me when I’m preparing a sermon (I either audio-type ideas as they come to me during the week in a Note, or there is an Audio function and I record short ideas).
When it comes time to “create that message,” or “design that booklet,” I just go to the Note on my iPhone and take it all in. Then, I get to work with it all fresh in my mind.
Conclusion
If technology does have a vocation, as Dawn suggests, I hope some of these apps can serve you in your high calling 2015.
Cheers to a new year of devotion to Jesus, faithfulness in the little things, and intentional Kingdom living.
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Question: Has one of these apps proven effective for you, or do you have other suggested apps that have ‘eased’ your life?
Resource: The links above are the resource for this post. Again, Michael Hyatt’s blog has many posts on practical applications of apps (nicely done) that I’ve found helpful.
Bio: Dan Wilt, M.Min. is the creator of the Essentials In Worship Video Training Course for worship leaders and teams, and is the Founder of WorshipTraining.com, a media-training network of over 31K worship leaders and musicians. He serves as a worship leader in Franklin, TN, and has taught in Worship & Arts programs for schools like St. Stephen’s University and Indiana Wesleyan. Dan is a songwriter, hymn writer, and author, and has served as a conference speaker globally. Dan works with his church family at Vineyard USA and Vineyard Worship in various support roles, and he, his wife Anita, and 3 young adult children live in Thompson’s Station, TN. His ancient-future worship leadership blog offers weekly tools and team encouragements at DanWilt.com.