Connect with us

Technology

Screens and Sanctuaries: Faithfully Blending Digital and In-Person Ministry Approaches

Published

on

State of the Church research identifies ways church leaders and attendees think about and prefer to use digital tools in the crest of the AI movement

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gloo and Barna Group have released the latest research for State of the Church, an initiative that includes monthly research and church assessment tools to help leaders see ecosystem trends and better understand the sentiments of their communities.

This month’s research focused on trends in church technology and revealed key insights on how both church leaders and attendees think about and engage digital tools for ministry and personal development. Themes include:

Congregants’ hopes for use of digital tools by church leadersChurchgoers’ desire to hear from pastors on the topic of artificial intelligenceGen Z’s views of digital tools and relationshipsPerceptions of AI’s credibility as a source for spiritual knowledgePastors’ use of tech in ministry development

“The rapid development and expansive availability of digital tools can make it overwhelming for leaders to know which tools they can trust to best support their ministry,” said Brad Hill, chief solutions officer at Gloo. “At Gloo, we are committed to helping leaders, through efforts like State of the Church research and church health tools, so they can make more informed decisions and, ultimately, amplify their missional impact.”

Key highlights:

Forty-three percent of Christians and churchgoers say that they want to hear from their pastor about how to use AI wisely.A majority of U.S. adults, including Christians, say that churches could benefit from doing more with technology, such as using tech for online giving and donations (75%), creating a digital resource hub (74%), and using digital communications strategies (68%).While digital resources are ubiquitous, the majority of pastors lean more on scripture (85%), peer insights (79%), and books / printed resources (79%) versus learning from the internet to help inform their ministry leadership.Being part of a faith community may reinforce the importance of in-person relationships, even for young people. Seven in 10 practicing Christian Gen Z (70%) strongly agree that in-person relationships are more valuable than digital relationships.Christian Gen Z have a conflicted response to AI. Though they are more likely than other generations to be using AI, they are torn on whether AI is useful in building community (17%) or hurting community (15%).

“Many church leaders may not realize how much their people welcome digital tools, especially when used thoughtfully in ministry,” said David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group. “Every ministry will find its own way of blending in-person connection with digital tools, but it’s worth exploring. The right tools can help leaders share timeless truths in powerful ways, meeting people right where they are.”

The State of the Church initiative helps leaders see trends through research, but church leaders around the country are using their Church Health dashboard to get a more personalized view of the health of their people and their organization. Additional research trends are scheduled to be released by Barna and Gloo in February.

The detailed findings of this month’s release are available on Barna Access Plus, Barna’s all-in-one research library. Leaders can learn more about the largest initiative for the Church at stateofthechurch.com.

Gloo is the technology platform connecting the Christian faith ecosystem. Gloo connects ministry leaders to resources, people, insights and funding so their people and communities flourish and their organizations thrive. Gloo enables trusted exchange between organizations and people, so they can collaborate with greater confidence. Gloo serves over 80,000 churches and over 1,000 resource partners. Gloo is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Barna Group is a leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture. Since 1984, Barna has conducted more than two million interviews over the course of thousands of studies and has become a go-to source for insights about religion, leadership, vocation and generations. Barna is an independent, privately-held, nonpartisan organization based in Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/screens-and-sanctuaries-faithfully-blending-digital-and-in-person-ministry-approaches-302350999.html

SOURCE Gloo

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Emeren Group Sells 65 MWp Solar Project Portfolio in Germany to Trina Solar

Published

on

By

NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Emeren Group Ltd (“Emeren” or the “Company”) (www.emeren.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading global solar project developer, owner, and operator, today announced the sale of a 65 MWp solar project portfolio to Trina Solar International System Business Unit (“ISBU”). Trina Solar ISBU (“Trina”) is the downstream project development arm of Trina Solar Co., Ltd. (SHA: 688599), specializing in development, engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), operations and maintenance (O&M), and asset management of solar and battery storage utility-scale projects worldwide.

The portfolio, which strengthens Emeren’s position in Germany’s prominent renewable energy market, comprises three projects: One in Saarland, western Germany; the second an innovative Agri-PV project in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, northern Germany; and finally, another Agri-PV initiative located in Lower Saxony, northern Germany. These projects are expected to close in mid-to-late 2025 and may offer potential for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) integration, further enhancing operational efficiency and long-term value.

Yumin Liu, CEO of Emeren Group, commented, “This sale builds on the success of our previous collaboration with Trina Solar in France several months ago, further advancing our renewable energy footprint in Europe. Germany, as one of the most dynamic markets for solar energy, is a key focus for us. The development and sale of this high-quality portfolio highlight the expertise of our team and our commitment to delivering impactful projects. Partnering with Trina Solar once again enables us to achieve our shared vision of driving innovation and sustainability in some of the world’s most competitive renewable energy markets.”

Leonardo Lotti, Head of EMEA for Trina, added, “This portfolio marks the beginning of Trina Solar ISBU’s activities in the German renewable energy market, anticipated to be a key European market for our downstream PV and BESS project development efforts. We have recently formed a diverse and ambitious team in Germany, which is expected to grow alongside our business. Germany’s ambitious renewable energy goals make it a crucial market for solar energy development, and we are pleased to collaborate with Emeren Group on this portfolio. Their expertise in market execution and commitment to high standards have been crucial in advancing these projects. We are confident in the successful delivery of these projects and look forward to strengthening our partnership with Emeren as we contribute to Europe’s transition to a sustainable energy future.”

About Emeren Group Ltd

Emeren Group Ltd (NYSE: SOL), a renewable energy leader, showcases a comprehensive portfolio of solar projects and Independent Power Producer (IPP) assets, complemented by a significant global Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity. Specializing in the entire solar project lifecycle — from development through construction to financing — we excel by leveraging local talent in each market, ensuring our sustainable energy solutions are at the forefront of efficiency and impact. Our commitment to enhancing solar power and energy storage underlines our dedication to innovation, excellence, and environmental responsibility. For more information, go to www.emeren.com.

About Trina Solar ISBU Europe

Trina Solar ISBU, a business unit of Trina Solar, is an innovative solutions utility-scale global solar power and battery storage solutions developer for international markets. With more than 15 years of professional experience and track records in project development, financing, EPC, and O&M, Trina Solar ISBU is committed to being a global leader in the development and management of smart renewable energy solutions and creating value for local stakeholders and international investors. We are active in more than 20 countries and regions, including but not limited to the USA, UK, Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Japan, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Australia, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Brazil, Poland, Germany, Hungary, Croatia.In Europe, it is currently active in 9 countries and – to date – it has constructed over 2.5GW of grid-connected energy projects.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Emeren Group Ltd – Investor Relations
ir@emeren.com 

The Blueshirt Group
Gary Dvorchak
+1 (323) 240-5796
gary@blueshirtgroup.co 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emeren-group-sells-65-mwp-solar-project-portfolio-in-germany-to-trina-solar-302351012.html

SOURCE Emeren Group Ltd

Continue Reading

Technology

MIT Sloan CIO Symposium Announces 2025 CIO Leadership Award Nominations

Published

on

By

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium seeks nominations for the 18th Annual MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award. The Award honors Chief Information Officers (CIOs) who lead their organizations to deliver exemplary levels of business value through innovative use of IT.

Nominees must hold the title of Chief Information Officer (CIO) or equivalent and must be the highest-level IT leader in the organization. Applicants, including self-nominations, are welcome from for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and will be assessed on a common set of criteria. The Award judges include CIOs, industry thought leaders and MIT Sloan-affiliated professionals.

The Award attracts applicants from a wide diversity of industries and backgrounds. All Award finalists are great leaders of IT, and most have significant roles in leading digital transformation in their enterprises. They are seen by their peers as business executive colleagues, not just technology experts.

Past Award winners and their companies have received significant attention and recognition as a result of the Award. Recent Award winners include:

Chris Bedi, Chief Digital Information Officer, ServiceNow (2024)Tom Peck, EVP, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Sysco (2023)Wafaa Mamilli, EVP and Chief Information and Digital Officer of Zoetis (2022)

Judging Criteria

Key characteristics of MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award winners include:

Exceptional Communicator – Articulates a vision for strategic business value from IT and works across the organization to build partnership around this vision. Focuses communications on value and innovation, not technology. Helps all IT staff to understand the business and speak the language of business leaders.

Recognized IT Leader – Clearly demonstrates value-for-money in the management of core IT services – providing the right services at the right price and the right level of quality. Recognized among peers as an effective leader of the IT unit.

Driver of Business Value – Understands the business and needs of the CEO, CFO, Line-of-Business heads and other senior executives. Ensures clear focus on potential and realized value in all IT initiatives. Incorporates IT into business decision-making by participating in key strategic conversations, suggesting innovative uses of IT, and for managing risk.

Trusted Partner – Exercises authority beyond IT itself. Considered a trusted member of the senior executive team, not just a technology leader. Suggests innovative uses of IT to transform the business – and successfully executes the changes. May receive additional non-IT responsibilities such as Chief Operating Officer or VP of Strategy, or strategic temporary roles such as Head of M&A integration.

These criteria are adapted from the award-winning book The Real Business of IT: How CIOs Create and Communicate Value, which draws extensively upon research conducted at MIT Sloan.

“As we begin 2025, we look forward to hosting the 22nd annual MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, and we are pleased to once again invite nominations for the CIO Leadership Award,” announced Dr. George Westerman, Co-Chair of the Award Program. “As we navigate the AI-driven era—one filled with both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges–we are eager to engage with, and be inspired by, these exceptional leaders. Celebrating their accomplishments and impacts on their organizations is a highlight of the Symposium each year.”

Award finalists will be formally recognized at an exclusive dinner on May 19, 2025, where the winner will be announced. All finalists will also have opportunities to share their insights in panels on the day of the Symposium. 

A panel of CIOs, industry thought leaders and MIT Sloan-affiliated professionals will act as judges. To be considered, applicants should complete part one of the initial application immediately to indicate their interest. Applicants who wish to move forward in the process must finalize part two by the deadline of February 25, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The online application can be found at https://mitcio.info/award. Please contact award@mitcio.com with any questions about the application process.

About the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium

The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is the premier global conference for CIOs and digital business executives to become more effective leaders. CIOs and senior IT executives explore enterprise technology innovations, business practices and receive actionable information that enables them to meet the challenges of today and the future. The Symposium offers a unique learning environment by bringing together the academic thought leadership of MIT with the in-the-trenches experience of leading global CIOs and industry experts. The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is organized and developed by the MIT Sloan Boston Alumni Association. For more information and to register for this year’s Symposium, visit www.mitcio.com.

 Editor’s Note:

Journalists interested in a press credential should contact Kim Schaefer (kim@warnerpr.com or 702-326-6750), Warner Communications.

Media Contact:
Kim Schaefer
Warner Communications       
702-326-6750
kim@warnerpr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mit-sloan-cio-symposium-announces-2025-cio-leadership-award-nominations-302351017.html

SOURCE MIT Sloan CIO Symposium

Continue Reading

Technology

Beat the Looming Deadline by Getting Required W2 To Employees Before January 31

Published

on

By

New 2025 ezPaycheck payroll software allows tax service professionals to optimize the workload for multiple clients both in-house and remotely which will eliminate immense outsourcing costs. 

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Newest EzPaycheck payroll software from  Halfpricesoft.com offers a less expensive solution for clients to process W-2 and W-3 forms to beat the January 31, 2025 deadline. Print forms for employees, in-house on plain white paper with this application and get an abundance of additional features for only $169.00 for a calendar year.

 

Dr. Ge stated, “The in-house payroll processing software, ezPaycheck 2025, includes W-2, W-3, 941, 943 and 940 forms for customer convenience and efficiency.”

Potential and seasoned clients are invited to visit halfpricesoft.com to download ezPaycheck for up to 30 days with no cost or obligation. The download includes the full version of the paycheck software along with a sample database. The sample database allows new customers to try all of ezPaycheck software’s exciting features, including the intuitive graphical interface, without wasting time entering data. (Please note: TRIAL appears on checks and forms until the purchased license key is entered).

A wide variety of features for ezPaycheck payroll software include, but are not limited to:

PDF feature available at no additional costSupports multiple differential – pay rates such as: hourly, salary, night shift, by piece, by load, or by mileage rates for employeesSupports multiple accounts at no additional chargeSupports network access for 2-10 users (additional cost)Supports daily, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly and monthly payroll periods. Features report functions, print functions, and pay stub functionsPrints miscellaneous checks as well as payroll calculation checksPrints payroll checks on blank computer checks or preprinted checksAutomatically calculates federal withholding tax, social security, Medicare tax and employer unemployment taxesIncludes built-in tax tables for all 50 states and the District of ColumbiaCreates and maintains payroll for multiple companies, and does it simultaneouslyPrints Tax Forms 940, 941, 943, W2 and W3 (Copy A preprinted form required)NEW e941 Feature add on (additional cost.)

ezPaycheck payroll software is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and other Windows systems. We also sell a MAC version separately.

Priced at $169 .00 per calendar year for a single installation, ezPaycheck payroll software is affordable and flexible for any size business. To download and test drive,visit Halfpricesoft.com at no cost or obligation for up to 30 days. Please note: Trial appears on checks and forms until the license key is purchased and entered into the demo version.

Halfpricesoft.com is a leading provider of small to mid-size business software, including online and desktop payroll software, online employee attendance tracking software, accounting software, in-house business and personal check printing software, W2, software, 1099 software,1095 form software and ezACH direct deposit software. Software from halfpricesoft.com is trusted by customers for over 20 years and will allow US business owners to simplify payroll processing and streamline business management.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beat-the-looming-deadline-by-getting-required-w2-to-employees-before-january-31-302348535.html

SOURCE Halfpricesoft.com

Continue Reading

Trending