ByCloud computing is one aspect of technology that’s fast advancing. It’s a technology that allows individuals and organisations to store their files and all kinds of digital content online instead of buying in-house physical servers and data centres. To me, it’s great news because I don’t have to worry about carrying physical documents everywhere I go or acquiring some files I need even when I change my devices.
As a technical writer, web content developer, minister of the gospel of Jesus and an on-developing software engineer, I work with many technological tools and sheets of paper to keep track of my tasks. But since the time I did personal research on how cloud computing systems work, the number of sheets of paper I used to work with has reduced drastically. I used to write sermons in a book. Now, I type them using Google Docs and organise them well in my Google Drive.
Having known how this has been helpful to me, I don’t want to be selfish about my knowledge. So today, I would like to walk you through how to manage your pastoral resources using cloud computing systems. And while this article may look more directed towards ministers, you can apply it in any area of your life.
1. Make a list of the things you produce while working
Every minister or pastor works with tools. Some prepare sermons on paper, while others use Microsoft Word. But to me, I make short notes on paper and transfer them to a unique Google docs file with the sermon title as its filename.
Maybe, yours isn’t really about documents but presentations. Whatever the case may be, make a list of the things you do as a minister, both online and offline. Getting the list down will help you to analyse them to see which ones you can use computers or bots to replace.
2. Research to see which ones can be replaced with IT tools
Secondly, after making your task list, note the ones you can use IT tools to do and those you can’t. For example, you can replace preparing sermons on paper with Google Docs, but you can’t entirely replace physical church meetings with online live streams.
While researching, you may come across several cloud computing systems you can use. Some are Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Web Services and Dropbox (and sometimes, Telegram). I like using Google Drive because I’ve synchronised it across all my devices. But we’re humans. Your choice may be different from mine. So choose which ones you like.
3. Upload and organise your files on the preferred cloud
You probably have several files stored on your computer that haven’t been moved yet to your preferred cloud. That means you can lose them when your device gets spoilt or something happens in your office. Hence, before digitising your work schedule, try to upload and organise (in well-labelled folders) your files in your preferred cloud.
Furthermore, create new folders for every category of files you or your team will be producing soon, such as sermon graphics, ebooks, videos and more. So that when the time for manifestation is up, you’ll be able to organise them well.
Please note that for future purposes, you’d have to start budgeting to pay these cloud organisations to keep your files safe the moment your storage exceeds the free limited storage capacity.
4. Learn how to digitise your workflow moving forward
You must learn how to use digital tools to replace your manual work. For instance, instead of continuing to use papers to write sermons, transition to using Google Docs to type them once and for all. That could be hard training for many people, probably because they are used to doing one thing for so long.
Well, I would say that you must be willing to embrace change if you want anything you’re doing to become better. That’s fruitfulness.
If you feel confused about this whole thing, I encourage you to search for relevant videos online to learn more or contact me here. Thank you.
