RussellHltn wrote:What complicates that view is the details of the assignments can vary depending on the local unit and the skill the different people bring to the calling. To cite one example I know of, in some wards the Bishop runs off the reports he needs. In others it's the Executive Secretary, Ward Clerk or even Membership Clerk. It's a local decision.
Allowing anyone to do it can lead to problems. So right off you may need a admin level thing that decides who is allowed to do what. Because what works for your ward may not work for the ward that shares your building, much less one in another country.
Yes it will very much be a crucial part of the system to have an admin leveling functionality.
At first I had only thought about letting things like this ("print reports", do lesson schedules etc) cascade up the organisation ladder when not all callings are filled but then a friend pointed out the same as what you have just said so admin system can show who is allowed to do it and then it can specificed who in this local unit has actually been assigned to do it.
Kaz wrote: This scenario most likely does not occur often because the church usually uses paper to distribute information, but if the church were to transition to the internet, then that scenario would most likely occur more regularly. I think you guys should focus on the users. It seems to make sense to do that because if there weren't any users, then I think you would be doing something else. Other than that, I like the concept of being able to view my church records on the internet. The system would need to be very secure though.
Kaz, you have a very valid point and one which must not be taken lightly. Whenever we create something like this we must always think about the people who do not have internet access and then make provision to ensure they are still updated about events and changes to events. BUT it is something which is very possible to built-in. I once had a very basic task system I kept on my webspace when I was BP. Some of the leaders liked technology so they wanted to update their progress on the task I had assigned them and it really helped me (and our exec sec) not having to chase them up. They actually got better of repoting back (and I can imagine BradO's HT/VT app might have same effect). But there was also some who it didnt appeal to so I just amended it to have a criteria of those who were not doing this and then I have created a report with their items listed plus their phone number and then I (or the exec sec) only had to phone them before meetings etc and the meeting itself ran much more effectively.
One of the keys to a successful leadership meeting is in the work and follow-up before and after the meeting.
I saw some suggestions regarding email alerts to let us know of changes to events if the weather changed. I thought about that and instantly smiled as I am sure such a time when the weather will cause us to cancel or change an event will first occur the night before or the morning of the same day and so close to the event I think email alert is pretty useless (unless it goes via SMS) as by far most people are not glued to their email 24/7. It just shows things like this needs to be thought through, not abandoned, just thought through. At all times we must ask ourselves if creating it will enhance the work of the Lord.
