My father and I used to debate: the bible or the iPad. Which is better for bible studying, taking notes and collaborating with members? Every Sunday he carried a giant bible and two notebooks to service. I carried an iPad (the kids have their iPhones and iPods). These days I see more and more people in chairs, pews and pulpits on their iPhones, iPods and iPads looking up scriptures. Or are they just texting and checking email during the sermon? Remember: playing Angry Birds during communion will not get you into heaven.
After extensive research (i.e. – lots of Google searches), I have developed a list of the best apps for churches. These are the best iPad apps for pastors, their staff, ministries and church members – basically everyone. Most of the apps are FREE, but some will cost money. Just remember to give more to the church than you are to the app developers.
You Version (Free) -If you have a bible app, you probably have this one. Bible study plans, dozens of bible versions, languages, videos and collaboration tools for your ministries and study groups. You can also upload notes during service so everyone shares in the message.
Our Daily Bread (Free) – This is a great daily devotional. This app provides daily messages written by some of the best Christian authors around. Look back historically for your favorite day and scripture.
Twitter (Free) – I know what you’re thinking: This is NOT a church / Bible app. However, if your pastor is preaching the word of God, share the message with 300 million Twitter users. Use your church hashtag and pastor’s handle in tweets. You can also use it to look for tweets by people close to the church who are requesting prayer.
Dropbox (Free) – Another business app being applied to the church. Store your spreadsheets, word processing documents and presentations in various folders. Use it to set up shared folders for the staff and various ministries. Great solution for churches and people “on the go” who still want to store and share information.
Evernote (Free) – Whether you’re running your church like a business or sharing documents among the ministries, this app is for your church. Store notes and documents (in any format), videos or audio. When you want to retrieve it, links take you directly to the site. Finally, you can share it with your friends, family, bible study partners and pastor / priest.
Glo Bible (Free) -The layout is one of the most functional I have seen. In addition to the bible, atlas and map functionality are built in with past and current information. There is also a media section with artwork, virtual tours and videos. Books of the bible are grouped by person and event with descriptions.
Bible Study with Accordance (Free) – When the bible alone won’t do and you REALLY need to study, this does it. It even allows you to compare two translations side by side. Read the bible and study along with a commentary or your own study notes. Take your study to another level.
Facebook (Free) – Over 1 billion souls to be served and reached. Your church can post baptismal videos and pictures from community activism (e.g. – Habitat for Humanity, roadside clean ups, prison ministry, food pantry, etc.). Don’t forget to show the “fun” things too.
PhatPad ($4.99) – People always want / need to take notes during service. Some people write; other people prefer to type their notes. This app allows you to transcribe your handwriting into text. Draw, write and type your ideas then instantly share via email, DropBox or wifi synch.
Pandora (Free) – Great for listening to Christian radio. Pick out your favorite artist and make a station. Plug your iPad into the speaker system at your church for even bigger sound. Paid versions are available for ad free listening.
The question is not the bible or the iPad; it’s the bible AND the iPad. Just make sure you are reading and studying God’s word. Use all of the tools He gives you to make that happen.
Scientifically Speaking, of course.
