I usually stick to relevant theology or Sermon videos for this blog. However after Apple’s introduction of the iPad yesterday I believe I have come up with some real life ministry applications. A lot of this depends on what is produced for the iPad, but in the end I believe it could be a helpful ministry tool.
For years the church has started to implement new technology to better reach people for the kingdom of God. After the iPad was introduced yesterday my brain started to wrap itself around how this tool good be used to further the kingdom.
I will admit that my first impression was annoyance of name, steep (albeit reasonable for Apple) price tag and perhaps too little storage at 16gb. However a spark flipped on in my head as I made my Thursday hour and a half commute to Liberty. The iPad in the right setting could be very useful.
First I am ADD, yes I admit to it and yes I take medication for it. But I like shiny things. The iPad would allow a person to organize many things into one place. I have heard the argument that many pastors have cell phones, laptops, and kindles or nooks. The iPad can not replace the phone but it does provide a mobile option to take the place of carrying the laptop and kindle to every event. Also with the iWork package, is it possible that the iPad could save paper. I know that not everyone preaches like I do, I utilize one singular page of notes that I place on the pulpit and use as my road map. The iPad could save paper, although i don’t know if truly would save enough. I also utilize Logos, an extensive Bible software package, which currently offers an application for the iPhone. This application if developed for the iPad would allow for quick searches for answers for questions, that would usually take a long time of flipping through Bible and concordance to find. This would also provide a portable note taking event for conferences, once again a computer or netbook could be used, but they do get heavy and are inconvenient to use in all settings.
The iPad could also become an evangelistic tool. I have many videos on my laptop of an evangelistic nature, however that does not mean that I have my laptop with me at all times. I can move them to my phone but it is hard to show a video on a 2.5 in screen. My theories are not ideal, and they are just mine. However, as I move forward on a church plant this might be helpful technology to keep me connected.

Intro to Gospel of John from Kevin Gift on Vimeo.

Sunday will begin a new series on the Gospel of John. The focus of this series will be on John 20:31, “But these written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.”
The Gospel of John stands in distinction amongst the other Gospels. As Matthew, Mark and Luke are linked together as the “Synoptic Gospels.” John stands alone in its still, yet the message remains the same that Jesus is the Son of God and provides salvation to all. The greatest testimony to its uniqueness may be found in the Authors own words: “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25).
Once again these sermons will be available online for those outside of our church community can watch and learn more about what it means to follow Jesus.

Be Holy from Kevin Gift on Vimeo.

Different video of S.M. Lockridge’s “That’s My King” message, but similar to the one used as an introduction to the conclusion of the series on the Apostles Creed.  Enjoy!

Creed Conclusion from Kevin Gift on Vimeo.

Wise Men Still Seek Him from Kevin Gift on Vimeo.