(By Jim Harper)

"If you stay current with the latest technology your ministry will stay on the cutting edge of what I am doing in the earth."
Word from the Lord

Electronic mail is: "A mode of communication that uses computer technology as the vehicle for sending and receiving messages."

It is now the twenty-first century. If you don't have e-mail it is time to get on-line. If you are on-line it is a good thing for someone in your ministry to keep up with the latest developments in this form of communication. You may want to collect the e-mail addresses of your congregation and begin to communicate with them more often and in a systematic way.

Benefits of using E-mail:

• Very low cost of communication. Cheaper than sending letters in regular mail.
  
• Can have communication in any part of the world.
  
• Can be carried with you as you travel via computer or other devices.
  
• It is fast and easy communication of information, pictures, documents and etc.
  
• Can communicate easily to staff and others involved in your ministry.
  
• Eliminates phone tag.
  
• Enables you to send or receive messages any time of the day or night.
  
• Documents your communications.

E-Mail Ethics and Tips:

• Don't send general e-mail to people who don't want them.
  
• If you are receiving general e-mails that you don't want just send a short message back asking that your name be removed from their list.
  
• Keep your inbox clean and updated.
  
• Create folders to organize and manage your messages.
  
• Purchase an anti-virus program and run it on a regular basis.
  
• Don't open attached files that you don't know who they are from.
  
• Don't read other people's personal e-mails.
  
• If you send important information and you want to know if they have received it then attach a "request for receipt."
  
• Read your e-mail regularly. For example, every morning and evening. Don't let your e-mail control your time.
  
• Do not assume that your messages are private. Do not write anything that may be personal or incriminating unless your messages are guaranteed to be secure.
  
• Make the subject line clear and brief. When the recipient of your message reads the subject, they should get a good idea about the content of the message.
  
• When signing out of a message, include a full closing statement. Don't leave people wondering who you are and how to contact you! Closing statements can include your full name, organizational affiliation, full mailing address, e-mail address, telephone and fax.
  
• When replying to a message, be sure that you are replying to an individual and not a group of people. This can be embarrassing.

E-mail is a tool that can't be overlooked. You may want to have a brainstorming session with your staff on how to use this tool more effectively. What other tools such as e-mail can you add to your ministry tool-kit? It is time to catch up, the twenty-first century is flying by.

". . . and knowledge shall be increased." Dan 12:4

By:
Jim Harper
Missionary/Itinerate Minister
Founder of "Radical Church Growth"

Email:
jhm-acc@cfaith.com

Web site:
www.jimharper.org

U.S. Address:
Jim Harper Ministries
303 East 2nd Street #1032
Skiatook, OK 74070
U.S. phone: (619) 757 9453

We pray that these "Ministry Management Tips" have been a blessing to you and will help you grow your church or ministry. You may forward these to anyone who may benefit from them.

Your feedback and comments are welcomed. We are looking forward to hearing from you!