I believe in what they are doing

This blog has brought me opportunities I never imagined, yet these opportunities seem to fit into the big picture of where God is leading me. I have developed relationships that seem to expand the reach God has given me, as well. One of the types of relationships that has occurred is with some different software companies. I have wondered how to handle this kind of thing and it hasn’t gotten easier. Some of these companies have been generous to me, beyond what I ever imagined, but there is mutual benefit here. I’ve realized that I need to fully disclose a couple of these relationships so that you understand where I’m coming from.

The first company that has partnered with me is KidzPro. I have written about their software and I will continue to do so, because I believe in what they are doing. They are offering churches, both large and small, security for kids. Plus, it allows churches to track attendance closer, track trending statistics, visitors and much more. I have talked with Scott quite a bit and I know his heart for the church and the intentions of KidzPro. I am also actively working with several churches, providing demos of the software and helping to get them set up with KidzPro.

Here’s the disclosure: if you mention that you heard about KidzPro on this blog or from me directly, I earn a portion of the sale. Would I write about them if they weren’t paying me? Probably. Would I write about them as much if they weren’t paying me? Probably not, but that’s not because of the money but more because of the relationship I have developed with them. Scott Jester and I e-mail back and forth frequently, as I have questions or as he has information to pass on to me. I believe in what they are doing and that’s why I write about them.

The second company that has partnered with me is Logos Bible Software. As a result of a series of recent posts I wrote on free Bible software and resources, Daniel Foster stepped up, gave me a very detailed demo of the software. He also offered me a portion of the sale whenever anyone goes through the Church Tech Matters landing page and purchases Logos software. He also sent me the Leader’s Library so that I can get familiar with the software and be able to help promote it. The Church Tech Matters landing page offers you a 25% discount, which is a great deal and any purchases made through that page give me credit toward additional books for my software. I haven’t said much about Logos yet but I will be writing about the software more in the near future, not because I have to but, again, because I believe in what they are doing. I see value in it for you and want you to understand what Logos has to offer.

There you go, my full disclosure. I appreciate these relationships and want to make my motivation clear. Although I appreciate the benefits I will potentially receive, that’s not why I agreed to partner with them, I did it because I believe in what they are doing.

The final question, which I have pondered for quite some time is this: Have I sold out? What do you think? My perspective is that I have not sold out, but rather these relationships are enabling me to offer more to churches and church leaders. Everything I write is independent and based on what I feel adds value to this community.