Using Google Spreadsheets, Church 2.0 has started to compile a list of useful sites for Pastors. We have organized the sites into the following categories Study, Theology, Worship, Preaching, & Media. These categories are found at the bottom of the spreadsheet. [View the List]

Throughout this week I'll highlight a few of my favorite sites for each category.

This is a working/evolving document. If you have sites that you suggest we add, post a comment with the link and we'll add it.

Disclaimer: Some of the stuff this guy did is, well, careless at best, and stupid and dangerous at worst. I don't really recommend that you try this at home, or church. At least not quite like he did.

A couple weeks ago just about every major media outlet was reporting on Ryan Fitzgerald who posted his phone number and a video inviting anyone to call and that he would listen. Fitzgerald was inundated with over 5,000 calls in the first weekend alone.

A simple offer to listen. 5,000 responses. Why aren't there 5,000 people beating down the doors of our churches? Aren't we listening?

There are lots of lonely, lost, and hurting people online who will connect with anyone who will listen. It would be so much better if the message they're connecting to is one of hope. Is your church listening? When people are looking for connections will they find your church either physically, virtually, or both, ready to listen?

It takes a unique calling to be that online presence, but if your team has the drive (and enough web know-how and common sense to stay safe), there is a great opportunity to reach a whole new generation.

Option 2: Use Broadtexter - www.broadtexter.com
It's made for bands to keep in touch w/ their fans, but you could use it for other purposes. I haven't used this yet, but from hear it's perfect. Here's the FAQ from their website

• Will Broadtexter work for me? - Broadtexter will work with any phone that can handle text in the US and Canada.
• Is there a fan limit on my Mobile Fan Club? - No. If your Mobile Fan Club becomes incredibly large (like in the thousands), then contact us so we can support your special needs.
• How many fans can I send to at one time? - As many fans as you can get to join! No other service will let you do that!
• Can I regionalize my text messages? - Yes. When you create an alert you specify where you're playing so your alert only goes out to fans in that area.
• How will I send alerts to my Mobile Fan Club? - You will be able to do this from your Broadtexter account online or right from your own phone (how cool is that?!).
• Will my fans see my phone number? - No. Your number and your fans' numbers are always kept private.
• What does it cost? - Broadtexter is a free service. At some point we will offer a set of premium features, but basic usage will remain free.