There are plenty of new features, some improved functionality, and as you probably already noticed a brand-new look and format for the site.

Transcription

1 Welcome to the new SermonCentral! There are plenty of new features, some improved functionality, and as you probably already noticed a brand-new look and format for the site. This guide will familiarize you with the changes that have been made as well as explain some of the new features. One of SermonCentral s primary goals is to make the site as accessible, powerful, and feature-rich as possible. Though the changes may be uncomfortable at first, the SermonCentral Team feels that you will come to enjoy this update and will find the new site even more useful and enriching than ever. After all, you have an important job to preach the Word of God and your preparation tools should be top-notch. Thank you for making SermonCentral the world s premier sermon preparation site. New Feature: Site-wide Search Bar Now you can search SermonCentral from anywhere on the site. Simply select a resource type, enter a search term (ex: Keyword, Contributor Name, Scripture Reference, Topic, Title, etc), and click the Search button. Don t be afraid to explore the fantastic new search possibilities within the Search Bar. Try entering multiple words, a phrase within quotes, etc. You can even search the Scriptures directly from the Search Bar. Simply click the Scripture option and type in a passage reference or keyword. For even more options, select the Advanced Search link to the right. See below for details.

2 New Feature: Advanced Search & PRO Advanced Search With Advanced Search, you can search all resource types by using a broad range of criteria, such as Topic, Date, Scripture, and Keyword. Try selecting the Show more keyword filters option at the right of the keyword search box you ll find an extensive arrangement of new options for keyword searches. Additionally, PRO subscribers can search for sermons by Denomination, Age Group, and Sermon Series within the PRO Advanced Search box (activated upon PRO Subscriber sign-in).

3 New Feature: Scripture Advanced Search Use SermonCentral s updated Bible translation listing with the new Scripture Advanced Search. Choose from eight of the most popular translations available today and the list is growing! Sort your search results in either book order or by relevance to the search term. You can also choose to display the passage in full or just the passage reference. Narrow your search by choosing to limit it to specific sections of Scripture (ex: search from Matthew to Luke) or within a certain book. Keep in mind that you can still search by Keyword, Bible Character Name, or passage reference.

4 New Feature: Service Planner If a Keyword search in the primary Search Bar isn t enough, you ll be glad to know that the Service Planner module allows you to search for resources directly from the homepage! Perform advanced searches for sermons, illustrations, videos, PowerPoints, and Scripture passages, all from one location. Click on a specific resource-type on the left, then watch as the module refreshes instantly with the new search options for your chosen resource.

5 Feature Update: Sign In Overlay Now SermonCentral allows you to sign in from any page at any time. You no longer need to go to a specific page to sign in. Simply select the Sign In link at the top right of every page of the site, and you will be presented with a clean and simple Sign In Overlay option. If you re a new visitor, you can create a new account directly from this area. Additionally, if you have forgotten your password, simply click the link at the bottom of the overlay and you will be directed to a page which will help you recover your password information.

6 Feature Update: Sermon Pages The new sermon pages are full of helpful tools, new sharing options, and content-related resources. All relevant information is presented at the top of the sermon page, including the sermon topic, audience, Scripture references, related resources, keywords, and denominational affiliation. As a PRO Subscriber, you can view any sermon on a single page with one click. This option is designed to minimize user clicks and help you stay focused on the text. Have you ever wanted to notify a co-worker, staff member, or friend of a resource on SermonCentral? Now you can share any resource on the site via , as a Tweet on Twitter, or on your Facebook wall. Simply open a sermon and click the appropriate icon in the bar above the text of the sermon.

7 Updated Feature: PRO Subscriber Menu Once you ve signed into your account, you can roll over the PRO Subscriber menu at the top right of the main navigation bar and quickly access your PRO resources. You can even go directly to your Favorites from this menu. This is a special PRO-only feature; if you haven t signed in to your account, you will need to do so in order to view this option. Additionally, you will find helpful links to your Dashboard and My Account pages within the PRO menu and at the top of the page (after you ve signed in). Use the Dashboard and My Account page to administer your profile as well as your billing information for your PRO subscription. Please note, once you ve signed in, your address will display at the top of the site. This will visually confirm that you are signed in and will remind you of your username/ address on file. You can also click on the Sign Out link at the top right to sign out from your PRO account.

8 Updated Feature: Contributor Menu The Contributor menu can be located at the top right of the main navigation bar. Roll over Contributor to view the available links. Please be sure to sign in prior to using this menu in order to activate the available options. Use this menu to administer your various contributions to the site. You can also add new resources via this site-wide menu option, i.e., you can contribute sermons, add audio to your sermons, add illustrations, etc. Updated Feature: Contributor Page Visit the Contributor page (link located in the More drop-down menu on the primary Search Bar) to search for contributors by Name, Denomination, Position, and Location. You can also view SermonCentral s current Featured Contributors on this page as well as previously Featured Contributors.

9 New Feature: More Drop-Down Menu Looking for additional resources on SermonCentral? Try the More dropdown menu, located to the right of the primary Search Bar. This is a quick way to visit a Contributor page, This Week s Sermons, Featured Articles, Audio Sermons, RSS Feeds, Dramas, and Lectionary searches. There are other ways to link to these sections, but the More drop-down menu can be located at the top of the page on SermonCentral, making it an ideal way to access your favorite content.

10 New Feature: Resource Popup Box When browsing resources on SermonCentral, it s often helpful to get a quick peek at the additional information available for a particular resource. To view this info, simply roll over the item (such as the sermons in the Today s Most Popular Sermons box or a video thumbnail in the Most Popular Visual Media area). These popup boxes save time and should help you determine which items are worth further investigation.