After being a skeptic for a very long time, I finally decided to give Planning Center Online a go.  We were using 37 Signals’ writeboards for service planning, which worked for a time, but the fact that we had to make a new writeboard in a new place every week and keep track of a whole bunch of links just wasn’t working for us.  So, I looked specifically for a free online planning tool that was specifically geared to churches and worship services.

I ended up seeing that Planning Center Online had a light, free, version.  “Cool,” I thought.  “Let’s check this out.”  I was instantly hooked.  Even with the free version there are powerful planning features available.  After using the free version for a couple weeks, I quickly convinced my pastor that we should upgrade one level.  Then, after using the first level for a couple weeks, he suggested that we upgrade to the next level.  It is very much worth it.  Here’s a quick run-down of the great features available:

• All your services, people, songs, and media in one place that is central to everyone.  There are a lot of planning tools that have a database of people and songs that are available on a computer at the church, but with this, everything is available for everyone online which is very handy if you have multiple volunteer leaders.
• CCLI reporting.  Planning Center is able to do your CCLI reporting for you, which is awesome.
• Confirm, decline, and blackout date scheduling.  Everyone involved has the option to black out dates on their calendar, as well as confirm or deny positions scheduled right in their email.
• Facebook Integration.  Planning Center just added this.  For the post-email generation – they don’t even have to leave Facebook if they don’t want to – it integrates perfectly.
• Comments and subscribing to comments.  It is so helpful to have a section for comments and the ability to subscribe to comments so communication is made a bit easier.

I really enjoy this tool and would highly recommend it.  I’m so glad we decided to go for it and am looking forward to how it wil help us even more in the future.

Sometimes I wonder if I really should be blogging at all, considering my lack of doing such a thing over the past few months.  However, I do enjoy and many of you have expressed missing reading it, so I will continue to do so.

Life is good.  We’re experiencing growth as a congregation, I’m definitely seeing growth within the worship ministry at our church (especially much growth within myself – more on that to come), and I actually have some things to write about.  So, without further ado, what the week will look like:

• Thoughts on Planning Center Online.  Yes, I finally decided to give it a go and boy, I wish I would have sooner.
• I have read two fantastic books recently and I’m halfway through a third.  I’d love to share my thoughts on those.
• Christmas and Choir music – what are your thoughts (more detailed questioning coming soon)

Enjoy the week ahead and remember, “Those who look to Him are radiant.”

Are you like me, and belong to a church that is made up of several generations?  Do you find it hard, at times, to chose a balanced song selection that will serve your entire congregation?  There is some great discusion on this topic going on here.  I’ve left a comment, but I’ll share my more in-depth thoughts on the subject later this week.