iPhones have revolutionalize how we interact with others, do business, and entertain ourselves. For youth workers, these smart phones and tablets offer so many possibilities to enhance your youth group or even save your butt in a pinch. We came up with a list of our top five apps to use for youth group that have helped the most this past year in ministry. These are not the only apps that we use, but definitely five that you need to be using yesterday.
- Dropbox (FREE)
This web app has so many uses, it should not be something that you are just now hearing about. The Dropbox team have done an amazing job of getting this program ported to desktop, mobile, and web platforms for you to use nearly anywhere you have an Internet signal. Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. So if you write out your sermons every week, simply put them in your Dropbox folder every time and if you forget to print it off one week, you will be saved by your iPad or iPhone. A simple must. - Slideshow Remote for PowerPoint ($4.99)
This app is for the PowerPoint or KeyNote user who does not have a volunteer available to hit next on each slide. Instead of leaving the guess work to someone who has not worked with you before, this app allows you to control everything from your phone when you have WiFi present. Even if you have the perfect volunteer to help you out, this app can get you out of a jam when they call in last minute because they are late or sick. - Rory’s Story Cubes ($1.99)
Ever been stuck with only a couple of students at small group and not want to give the lesson? Looking for a new game for youth group that is simple to explain and teens love it? Rory’s Story Cubes app is based off the great family-night game and perfect for you to hook up to a project in front of a large crowd or pass around a small group of teenagers to keep the fun going. Completely worth the price. - Whoopie Cushion 2.0 (FREE)
Everyone loves a good farting app and teens will crack up with this. Incorporate it into a skit, use it to play tricks on your volunteers, or just keep hitting it during your sermon for a cheap laugh or two. Download it now! - Free Game Show Soundboard (FREE)
If you do games and cannot justify the $25 Digital Stache Gameshow Score Keep, this is a fun alternative to couple with your whiteboard. Make up front games a little flashier and much more entertaining for the teens. Comes with beeps, buzzes, boos, crickets, and crowds cheering.
What other apps would you have in your top 5 for youth group?
Youth Culture Report says
The app that I like helps youth worker’s understand youth culture and teen trends and best of all it is updated daily and it is free. The app is from the youth culture report. http://theyouthculturereport.com/ Mike Liebler
seventy8Productions says
Thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely check it out.
Ken McIntyre says
The GameShow Soundboard is hilarious! Great find! In my top 5 would have to be Evernote, Remote, Bible, Dropbox and Clips.
seventy8Productions says
I have yet to play around with the Clips app because we do not use projectors at youth group, only DVD players. As for the Bible app, do you simply read Scripture from it up front or just on your own personal time?