New Tools for a New Century: First Steps in Equipping Your Church for the Digital Revolution

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I have just finished reading John P. Jewell's most recent book "New Tools For A New Century" and I must say it is terrific. He is director of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary where he deals in the latest technology and seeks ways to make it helpful for pastors and churches.

I have been a pastor for 41 years and in the last 15 years we tried to make use of available technologies for ministry at Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, Ct. We had services on radio and television, had our own Web page many years ago, a media center and so forth.I didn't find it easy to get my church to buy into all this new technology. But Dr. Jewell has done four powerful and necessary things in this book: 1st, he makes a persuasive case that it is ESSENTIAL for ALL churches to make use of email, the internet, LCD projectors and laptops, etc. in their whole ministry: in worship, Christian Education, Youth ministry, evangelism and so forth. 2nd, he describes the basics of each technology in a simple, clear fashion so even I could understand it. 3rd, he describes with persuasive illustrations ways in which these technologies can be used to improve the effectiveness of each program of the church. 4th, and finally, he describes how to deal with the human, personal, and political blocks to getting your congregation to give it a fair shake.

I don't know of another book like it and wish I had read it 15 years ago. But I am glad I have read it now and will send it along to a few special pastors I love. I recommend you do the same.

Rating:
Summary: New Tools For A New Century
Review: John P. Jewell's book "New Tools For A New Century" is an exciting and very readable book, which should be on every "must" reading list for pastor's, church staff members, and lay leaders, who are looking for guidelines to move their church into the world of digital technology. Not only has John Jewell captured the step by step process of making that move, but he has done it in a most readable and understandable way. This book is a valuable resource for both the absolute beginner as well as those who are experienced in technology.

This is one of those not to be put down books until you have finished it. Interrupted I couldn't wait to get back and finish reading "New Tools...". Church leaders, "New Tools For A New Century", provides the help needed to bring you up to date with all the new technology with as little pain as possible. Absolutly a "must" have book for your library to read and study over and over again. As Dorothy says in "The Wizard of Oz" to her little dog Toto: "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

This book is a user friendly guide as you seek to discover your way around the how too of today's new technology that is available to move ministry into "a New Century!"