Staff Writing

Books and Bytes

jane — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:06:56 GMT

Aaron Spiegel, Nancy Armstrong, and Brent Bill reviewed 20 books on congregations and technology and narrowed their selections down to the four best. In this article, featured in the January 2008 issue of The Clergy Journal, these Center staffers give you information about their top picks.

Being the Exception to the Rule

jane — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:00:07 GMT

Center for Congregations President Tim Shapiro wrote this article about transcending negative trends and the power within organizations and groups to defy expectations and solve seemingly unsolvable challenges. It appears in the Summer 2008 issue of Congregations magazine.

The Congregation as Author

jane — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:46:18 GMT

Tim Shapiro, president of the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, wrote this article on congregations and the importance of sharing stories. The piece is featured in the Winter 2008 issue of Congregations magazine.

Analog Thinking in a Digital World

jane — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:44:09 GMT

Information Technology Director Aaron Spiegel wrote this piece for the Spring 2008 issue of Congregations magazine.

Ten Things You Need to Know about Sacred Space Projects

jane — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:06:04 GMT

Center staffers Brent Bill and Nancy DeMott provide relevant information congregational leaders need to know when beginning sacred space projects. This article appeared in the Fall 2007 issue of Congregations magazine.

Volunteer or Indentured Servant?

Aaron Spiegel — Thu, 17 May 2007 16:02:40 GMT

Synagogues reward successful synagogue volunteers with more opportunities to volunteer. For most volunteers, this cycle lasts a few years until they finally decide, often with personal and private embarrassment, that they can no longer work so hard with so little in return. All they really want is a heartfelt “thank you” and a little recognition for their efforts.

A New Way of Thinking: Innovative Web-Based CMS Focuses on People

jane — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:03:09 GMT

Read about the new trend in congregation management software by Center for Congregations Finance Director Nancy Armstrong. Often promoted as a "people care" system, not just a database, these innovative, web-based programs focus on the individual from first contact with a congregation through their journey to becoming a fully-integrated, spiritually-maturing member.

Is there a Jewish mainline?

Aaron Spiegel — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 14:51:13 GMT

Staff Writing by Center for Congregations Information Technology Director Aaron Spiegel from Synablog November 2, 2006.

Technology Plan for Your Synagogue

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:52:05 GMT

Communicating and Connecting Better with the Help of Technology by Center for Congregations Information Technology Director Aaron Spiegel and STAR Director Hayim Herring.

Spiegel on Scripture Software

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:51:02 GMT

Center for Congregations Information Technology Director Aaron Spiegel explores the strengths and challenges of various Bible software packages.

The Tech Commandments

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:49:59 GMT

Rev magazine carried this article, The "Tech" Commandments: 7 Guidelines for Using Technology in Ministry, in its May/June 2006 issue. Technology is essential for congregations to remain effective faith communities in the 21st century. This article, written by Center staffers Nancy Armstrong, Brent Bill, and Aaron Spiegel, outlines seven practices that congregations of all sizes and denominations should implement to make their technology use successful.

Leaky Gutters and Sacred Spaces

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:48:56 GMT

Leaky Gutters and Sacred Spaces: Practical Tips for Facility Repair appeared in the Spring 2003 issue of Congregations magazine. Written by Center staffers Nancy DeMott and Brent Bill, this article provides guidance on dealing with facilities maintenance.

Homegrown Theology

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:47:14 GMT

The article Homegrown Theology by Center for Congregations President Tim Shapiro appeared in Congregations magazine in winter 2004.

Best Practices for Using Computers in Congregations

brainstorm2 — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:46:27 GMT

Written by Center for Congregations staffers Nancy Armstrong, Brent Bill, and Aaron Spiegel, Best Practices for Using Computers in Congregations appeared in the January 2006 Clergy Journal.