In the world of church ministry, budgets are always tight and money is short.  In church planting, this is even more so.  If you find yourself in a setting like this, then this post is for you!  Below I’ve listed a number of resources that can be utilized by a church at a very reduced price, or even free in some cases:

• Google Apps – Google Apps are a FREE resource that provides the following for any non-profit organization:
  • Email Accounts: Unlimited email accounts, 7.42 GB of storage per account, email accounts still function with your domain extension (i.e. nickp@mcmnetwork.org, not nickp@gmail.com)
  • Calendars:  These can be easily shared within your domain or with other Google Apps users)
  • Google Docs: A great tool that allows you to collaborate with other coworkers with online programs that include word processing, presentations and spreadsheets.
  • Google Sites: You can create free basic websites as well.
  • Google Chat: Allows you the ability to chat quickly with anyone else on your domain without having to send a whole email.
  • There are a number of other features, but I’ll stop there.  The best part, though, is it’s all free!
• MailChimp – This is a good email marketing program.  It is free for organizations that have below 500 subscribers and send under 3,000 emails a month (if your church sends more then this, you’re killing your people with too many emails!).
• Floodgate Productions – This company has great pricing on ministry videos and worship track backs.  They also give away free videos on a regular basis and actually have a whole page of free video resources.  Their quality is usually pretty high and they seem to have a real heart for ministry!
• MNW Consulting – This is a HUGE resource for churches, especially church plants or smaller churches.  It is free computer IT help!  This site features forums, topical posts, wiki pages and the ability to contact corporately-trained IT support…all for FREE!

Tomorrow I’ll post a list of free sermon resources.

What other free tech/media resources do you know of?