My name is Tina Bridgewater. I started this site because I have a growing burden for pastors, churches, missionaries and ministries that need to use technology but are on their own in figuring it all out. My goal is not simply to provide “tech support” for your computers, though there will be posts on those issues. Instead, my goal is to help you know what is out there in the world of the web, the tools that are available, and how to use them for your purposes. I can also offer my services on a personal level if desired.
You may not have the time, or feel you have the knowledge, to keep up with everything that is out there, but you can’t afford to pay someone either. Still, technology is a part of life and ministry and I know you have to use it. The goal of WebOverload is help filter the world web-technology for the needs of smaller organizations or missionaries and provide a central place to find information and tools, or to simply ask questions. I want to help you answer questions such as:
- What is [fill in the blank]?
- Should I be using it?
- If so, how can I most effectively use it?
- And more…
MY OBJECTIVES
I genuinely believe there is a need for support for those either on the field or in smaller churches/organizations. Not all organizations can afford to assist their people on the field with websites or technology tools and instruction. Even if they can, some still desire or need additional assistance. Likewise, not all churches can afford IT Staff or even outside consulting. Some may have members who can help but not all. My desire is to assist as many as the Lord brings my way, trusting Him to meet my needs as I go along. My hope is that this site is a start and becomes a useful resource via not only the posts I write, but also any interaction I can offer via email or comments.
WHY I DO THIS
I recently explained to a friend that many, many people take risks every day for causes they feel are important. They step out, offering their services not knowing from where the money will come because they feel it’s that important. For example, it happens all the time with software. It’s called shareware and the creators develop it and offer it free of charge to fill a gap that exists. It’s a gap the person feels is so important to fill for everyone that they continue the risk of offering the product free (donation basis usually) even when the endeavor becomes full-time. And it happens quickly.
If they can do that for software, how MUCH MORE am I compelled to step out for something as exponentially more important as the Gospel?
Thus, if I can help … if I can assist with allowing you to focus on that to which you were called and to not being distracted from the work of the ministry by technology, I must. And that’s why I’m here.
HOW I GOT HERE
I have 10+ years in the world of IT and have spent the last few years simply supporting non-profits and churches, doing everything from promo materials and planning to web sites to computer maintenance. I also have several years of full-time ministry experience so I have lived in both worlds.
I graduated from a Bible College in the Midwest with a degree in Education. Expecting to head to the overseas mission field, I did my student teaching at Black Forest Academy, Germany, but was led back to the States and eventually into an Information Management position at a pharmaceutical company. During my time there, I earned an MA in Information Management.
Soon after graduating, I moved to South Carolina to earn a degree in Intercultural Studies from Columbia International University – again, expecting to head to the overseas mission field. Thus, far the Lord has not directed me there full-time. He has, however, allowed me to work full-time ministry Stateside (typically going back and forth between it and corporate) and to assist in a variety of ministry opportunities.
