The United Methodist Church Launches Free Mobile Apps

by Diane Degnan* and Vance Morton**

Mobile device users can easily access information about The United Methodist Church on the go with a new free United Methodist application. Developed by United Methodist Communications and Music City Networks, the app is now available for free download for iPad and iPhone via the normal iMethods of iGetting iThings. It should be available for Android smartphone users by the end of next week. Check back to ctcumc.org for when it goes live.

The Central Texas Conference is also in the process of developing a mobile site version of its conference website. So watch for more on that in the coming weeks.

The application released by UMComms enables mobile access to daily devotions, news, videos, photos, social media sites and a searchable index of United Methodist churches by geographic area. The “Ask InfoServ” feature connects users who have questions about the church or requests for resources with church staff who can help.

“We created the app so that we could deliver information about the denomination to people in a way that’s fast, simple and easy to use,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications, the global communications agency of The United Methodist Church. “The features available now are just a start. Our goal is to roll out new offerings over the coming months.”

Hollon said that in early 2012, another new mobile application will be launched that will make it easier for users to connect with the United Methodist General Conference, the meeting of the denomination’s top policy-making body which occurs once every four years. The 2012 meeting will take place April 24-May 4 in Tampa, Fla. The application will allow delegates and other interested parties to track proposed legislation, as well as to conveniently keep up with scheduled events and access information about the meeting locale.

 

*Diane is on staff with United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN  ddegnan@umcom.org

**Vance is the director of communications for the Central Texas Conference. vance@ctcumc.org

News