Customer Reviews

40 Days and 40 Bytes: Making Computers Work for Your Congregation

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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!

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.

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.

This book should be on every church's library and required reading for every secretary and layperson. It let's us know that we don't to be afraid of computers in the church.

40 Days & 40 Bytes is an excellent resource for congregations who may be in the beginning stages of electronic fortification or who may be looking to streamline their electronic efficiency. While not focused heavily on websites and e-evangelism, the book offers a thorough review of all considerations when buying CMS (congregational management software), computers, and setting up a network. It offers several helpful appendices that serve as checklists, including: "Congregational Culture Questions" and a "Technology Assessment Form."

The book is set up in such a way that you can skip irrelevant sections (some chapters are devoted to the general basics, like defining a CPU, for example). Infused with good humor and an ecumenical spirit, 40 Days & 40 Bytes is one of the best resources I have seen for the non-techie layperson interested in helping move their congregation into the 21st century.