40 Days and 40 Bytes: Making Computers Work for Your Congregation [Paperback]

Aaron Spiegel (Author), Nancy Armstrong (Author), Brent Bill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2004

"Today we are awash in computerized Bible games, pastoral care software, and church management systems with members’ personal information and giving records," observe authors Spiegel, Armstrong, and Bill, but "too often we blindly accept and use technology without asking the big questions. Questions like, is it appropriate to our mission and ministry?" 40 Days and 40 Bytes will help your congregation explore technology so you can decide, from a ministry and culture standpoint, what you need to do. The goal: godly service—not technological glitz.

The authors are uniquely qualified to help you think about the role of technology in your congregation. All three are staff members with the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, which launched the innovative Computers and Ministry Grants Initiative in 1998 to help congregations address the challenges they face when using computer technology in their ministries. In this book, they share what they have learned in their work with 102 congregations.

There’s no question your congregation is going to use computer technology. The only question is, "How?" 40 Days and 40 Bytes will help you design technology that fits your ministry and mission.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aaron Spiegel, Nancy Armstrong, and Brent Bill are members of the staff at the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, a gift to the greater Indianapolis area from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help strengthen congregations in the metropolitan area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 145 pages
• Publisher: Alban Institute (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566992982
• ISBN-13: 978-1566992985
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #445,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An easy to read overview and review for everyone, March 23, 2005

By 

Daren Tomey (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 40 Days and 40 Bytes: Making Computers Work for Your Congregation (Paperback)

Upon first receiving this book, I was skeptical that it would be another over the top book written about networks, servers, and hardware that did not make a connection to the intended audience. BOY WAS I WRONG! Aaron and team have done a tremendous job of breaking a difficult language down to simplicity! I work with thousands of churches in my ministry and I highly recommend this book to each of them. It does not matter if you are a novice or savvy user of technology, everyone will benefit from 40 Days and 40 Bytes. I would wish you enjoyment in your reading, but that is a given!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ for every congregation, March 23, 2005

By 

Rev. Pat (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 40 Days and 40 Bytes: Making Computers Work for Your Congregation (Paperback)

What a delightful book! "40 days and 40 bytes" was a reading assignment in a course I was taking. I was not looking forward to reading about networks, software, hardware, and gigabytes. But this book is written so clearly and with such humor that I read it in one sitting - and completely enjoyed it.

40 days and 40 bytes very logically goes through the steps necessary to design and implement a plan to introduce, or update the technology needs of a congregation. It is the perfect book for the novice and expert alike. The book covers the very basics including techno vocabulary without `talking down.' At the same time, it addresses the concerns of those with expertise in the technology field. The resources from books, companies, software, and internet sources are extremely helpful.

The information from the Center of Congregations based on real experience, and trial and error is invaluable. The book goes from the beginning planning stages, through implementation, training, support, and starting again. It gives valuable information on where churches need to put their money to insure that the technology put in place continues to function smoothly. In addition, the recommendation for continuing support and updating of equipment shifts the mindset of congregations from looking at computers and technology as large one time expenses. The fact that this information comes from a group that works with congregations and actually knows how they function validates their recommendations. The emphasis on beginning first with a team to discern the unique needs of the congregation makes so much sense. I personally identified at least 4 pitfalls that my congregation has already fallen into, which might have been avoided if we had read this book. I'm hopeful it will give the congregation a whole new way to approach the technological needs of the church.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best book on technology and congregations, November 17, 2004

By 

tshap (from Dayton, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 40 Days and 40 Bytes: Making Computers Work for Your Congregation (Paperback)

This is the best book available on technology and congregations. The authors write in a practical, whimsical manner and the result is all kinds of useful information about computers and ministry. This book would be great for a technology team in a congregation. Or better yet, a governing board might use the book to enhance strategic mission by becoming more savvy about technology. The book includes chapters about worship and education software, congregational management software, and helps related to creating a technology plan. More and more congregations use technology as an instrument for important work. Read this book and learn how technology can strengthen the congregation you serve.