How Pastors Can Benefit from an iPad, Part 1
I’m a pastor and I bought an iPad 10 days ago (16 Gig wi-fi version, the cheapest).
If you are a pastor, could an iPad help you become more effective? Maybe. Maybe not.
Although I’m only a little over a week into owning mine, this phrase captures my experience,”It has exceeded all my expectations.”
What prompted me to purchase one?
First, it might help to know the technology I currently use. I am a shameless Mac fanatic and have bought probably 15 macs since the first one came out. I am the proud owner of one of the first 50,000 Macs ever sold. I still own it. My current Mac is a MacBook Pro (10.5.8) and I also own an iPhone 3g.
The most used software programs I’ve put in my Mac dock bar are:
- Microsoft Office (I primarily use Word and Entourage)
- Safari browser
- Accordance Bible software
- Libronix Logos Bible software (I purchased this after I had used Accordance for several years)
- Appleworks (I still use the word processor sometimes)
Other software I often use includes: Tweetdeck, Contribute (to edit my website), iTunes (of course), Skype, and Filemagnet (iPhone document sofware). Since I bought my iPad I’ve added Evernote and Dropbox.
When Apple began to hint about a slate type computer, my imagination went wild hoping I could replace my notebook. When the iPad appeared, I tried to justify a purchase that could replace my notebook. But, I couldn’t. I realized I would still need my notebook to manage my bible software.
So, what pushed me over the ledge? My wife said I could buy one. Really. She had to agree before I’d plunk down 500 bucks. In trade, I bought her a new car. Got to keep the marriage intact, you know. 
A sidenote: my iphone 3g is ……s…….l……..o………w…….. Drives me crazy and I wanted to use something FASTER. Wow, has the iPad met that expectation.
Here’s how the iPad has benefited me thus far.
- Lightning fast speed. In every respect, including internet access, the iPad is faster than my MacBook Pro. I’ve pondered having the, “Honey I really need a new MacBook Pro,” talk with my wife, but I need to save that conversation for the new iPhone that comes out in June that I really want.
- It’s much quicker to type emails than typing them on my iPhone.
- I can create documents in the Pages word processing app with a small bluetooth keyboard almost as fast as I can when I use Word on my MacBook Pro. It works quite well, although it’s a stripped down word processor. Watch for developers to design some really good ones. I use Dropbox to keep my documents synced between my Mac and my iPad.
- I’ve used Pages as a replacement for paper notes when I teach. I’ve only done this twice, so the full verdict is not yet out. However, it’s so easy to make quick changes and it’s really cool to flick your finger to move the page. This may prove to be the biggest benefit to pastors who use notes when they preach.
- The big full screen is a HUGE improvement over the tiny iPhone screen. I love BibleReader from Olive Tree. It makes bible reading and devotional study very pleasant. Althought Logos is available for the iPad, it’s only available via Wi-Fi. When the apps I use on my iPhone are available for the iPad, it will be hard to use the iPhone except in a pinch.
- Battery life. I’ve found it lasts 8-10 hours.
- Weight, light. I took it along with my bluetooth keyboard on my mission trip to Nicaragua last week and it was so easy to carry around and use compared to my laptop.
- When I use my iPad, I feel very, very hip. As a 55-year-old, I need everything I can to be cool. Right now, I am the coolest person on our church staff, until the other guys get their iPads.
The downsides.
- I’m still lugging my laptop around in my backpack (as well as the bluetooth keyboard). I still haven’t determined my rhythm when I need my MacBook Pro and when I need my iPad.
- No flash.
- True multi-tasking is not yet available, but should be with the 4.0 firmware update in June.
- Although I can post text to my blogs with the iPad, I can’t use pictures. Not sure why.
So, that’s it for now. In a month or so I’ll write a part 2 and tell you what I think.
If you are a pastor and use the iPad, how has it helped you?
Related posts:
- A Great Journaling App for ipad/iphone
- iPad Preaching with a Virtual Whiteboard
- Interactive Preaching with the IPad
- How an iPad Improved my Preaching
- How an iPad Improved my Devotional Life
I led a Bible study using my iPad (wi-fi 64gb) the other night. So easy to use compared to my paper notes. I am looking for just the right holder before I use it to preach with, although I may give it a spin this weekend, holder or not.
I love the portability of it. It replaces my laptop for about 70% of what I do. When (or if) Word comes out on it (and it is rumored to be coming) it will really help. Right now, I type my sermons in Word then port it over to Google Docs or Pages through iTunes. I just downloaded Dropbox so I may start using it.
I am a tech geek, so I wanted one to play with, now I am finding real uses for it that justifies it to my wife!
For Pastors or anyone with an ipad who would like to take or have others take a virtual audio oath on a bible can get the new app here.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/take-an-oath/id435874618?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2
Cool, Jerry. I bought the cheap case by Apple and right now I put it on the lecturn. works ok for me right now
Dear Charles, The coolest pastor on town (that’s cool). I’m a young pastor on the south of Brasil (Porto Alegre) and i’m going to visit some friends in Miami and was wandering about buying or not a IPAD. You just made my mind. Thank you. By the way, How far are you from Miami, FL? God bless you, Filipe
Just a quick update. I preached using my iPad Sunday. It was so easy to move through my notes. I ended up taking it out of the case. It was easier to hold that way. Good stuff!
Great post.
Keep up the Great work.
Only 8 more days until the iPad gets released in Australia ( not that Im counting )
Love it! My wife let me get one as an anniversary present from her
I’ve had it now about two weeks. I have been using it for study and basically most of everything else. Few limitations but wish the Logos app allowed copy and paste. This is a must. Hope to see it added real soon. I have been using Olivetree and Mantis but I don’t want to make anymore investments in books outside of Logos, so really hoping the get on board. I used my iPad preaching yesterday. It was great. I am hooked!
Thought I would share this as well: http://rpsmith.saveafailingmarriage.info/marriage-self-help-7-tips-that-could-save-your-marriage — A few good bits that could save a failing marriage
I have preached every sermon from it since I purchased it three months ago. I write most sermons in Circus Ponies’ Notebook on my Mac using a handwriting font, save as a .pdf and open in Goodreader on the iPad. On one occasion, while preaching away, I finished the sermon on the iPad in Pages and preached straight from it. Love it.
I agree with Steve about wanting Logos to allow cut & paste in the iPad app but it may be a licensing issue.
I’ve had an iPad for 5 or 6 months. I loaded OliveTree bible on it. I have all of the major translations, and a few other tools. I absolutely love the iPad and OliveTree. It is now all I carry to church. I can switch translations on the fly, split screen 2 versions or the ESV study bible, highlight verses, add notes, and the history function is gold. Jump around all you want and just arrow back.
Yes, I occasionally tweet during church. Forgive me!
Genial!
Cuando vi a Stone, mover y utilizar su Ipad en Colombia, me enamore de la IPAD y llegando a Mexico lo primero que hice es comprarla la de 64 Gb, es impresionante como puede facilitar el dovocional con Dios y en la es¿ enseñanza y predicación, Es muy divertido y me da mucha risa utilizarla.
Bien,por los tips, y espero la parte 2.
Saludos desde México!
Vicente C
I’ve had my iPad (32 GB Wi-Fi Only) since July, and my first sermon was at a wedding. I was the coolest pastor ever….I used to stick my notes inside my bible and now I LOVE to be paperless. I still use my macbook pro, but I also downgraded my phone. Now I don’t use my smartphone except for phone calls and texting, and readking some emails.
What I do for my sermons, I prepare them in Pages and then I convert them to PDF files, and when I preach I open the files in iBooks. This makes is extremely easy to move the pages left to right instead of up and down.
How do you get your sermon notes into iBooks after you convert them to PDF. I have been using Docstogo. Thanks for the info
I use microsoft word to create the doc and then save the doc as a pdf file. I email the file to myself and open the doc using iBooks. The advantage of left/right movement mimics using paper without the paper. 6 months no issues.
The perfect pulpit for your iPad:
(From PastorGear.com)
http://pastorgear.com/2010/08/coolest-pulpit-ever/
I’m curious about your opinions on Accordance and Logos. I will soon be purchasing a laptop to use for my Bible lesson preparation and I have been going back and forth between purchasing Accordance and Logos, as I currently use e-Sword. What are your pros and cons? Your feedback would be very helpful to me.
Thanks,
Anthony
Anthony, I use them both-in sent u an email with my thots
What app would u recommend to preach off of
I preach right from evernote. I type the document on my microsoft word and drop it into evernote. The only thing is, you have to save it in evernote at 18 point font, or the notes will be too tiny to read! I agree – the ipad has revolutionized ministry!
Awesome words to encourage me to go out and buy one. I have some concerns about the flow while using the Ipad. I wanted to know if I have my lesson typed out can I tap on a bible verse thats typed and Ipad bring that scripture right up?
I am glad you posted this article; as a seminary student I am trying to justify how this can be put to use.
I pastor a church in Augusta Georgia and have been using my Ipad for teaching, sermon preparation and delivery for about two months. I use promster to preach from since it allows me to rehearse the message time and if i need to i can speed up the scrolling information or slow it down. I am going to try air sketch next….
In reference to “the perfect pulpit”, I submit:
http://www.criskenna.com/xclip.html
With the gooseneck attachment, you can adjuct your iPad to any viewing angle.
Sorry . . . that should be “adjust.”
I just started using one also. I save my word as a PDF and email it to myself. when I am ready, I just open it up from my ipad… open in ibooks,it will safe on the shelf just like a book… and then I use it as I preach. I save it as a PDF because I would rather turn the pages when I preach then scroll up and down (word style). Have the Bible open with easy to find highlights makes it a wonderful tool for Sunday.
My experience with preaching from the iPad:
I just preached from my iPad this past Sunday and it was no issue or problem for me. Someone did ask was I trying to be cool and let everyone know that I was the first to have one but I just laughed it off and proceeded. I also use my iPad to take notes and quickly get to the Bible verse of the day. The iPad is a tool that only enhances my ministry and study of the Word. I also use it to record audio and video in church. The calendar and email and all the other attributes of the iPad only simplifies my life. I still know how to pick up a hard cover bible and enjoy it also. One more thing, if you see someone preaching using this tool do not be quick to criticize them but listen to the message and see what it is that God is trying to tell you. To all-Be blessed and step out of the boat just like Peter , if you fall Jesus is there to pick you up!
Brother Nixon
My chief concern about using an iPad while preaching or conducting worship isn’t what people think about *me* personally. It doesn’t matter to me if others think that I’m trying to “look cool” etc. But I believe I need to do as much as I can to remove distractions while presenting God’s word.
I’m sure there are (or will be) times and places where no one would think twice about a pastor using an iPad to preach. But in my congregation – and at this time, I’m fairly sure it would be more of a distraction to some listeners than it would be a useful tool to me. It’s true that they should listen to the message no matter what, but that doesn’t mean I should ignore their weakness in focusing.
I’m not criticizing any pastor that preaches with an iPad. I see how it could be practical and useful. It’s just that I don’t think my congregation is ready for it and it’s not my job on Sunday morning to teach people the joys of new technology.
Here’s what I wrote about it elsewhere:
http://ipadinministry.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/preaching-from-an-ipad/
Guy excellent point about respecting a churches culture