Being in Seminary (for the second time now), as well as being a pastor for just over two years now, I have plenty of experience with Logos Bible Software. By no means am I a power user, as there are many things that I still don’t know how to do (like all the search things, or how to make my own Personal Book, etc.). However, I strongly believe that the software behind Faithlife’s Logos Bible Software is but just a part of what makes it the best, most powerful Bible Software available. There is a trifecta of things that make Logos great, with none truly being at the top. So, with no meaning to this order, the first thing is the software, Logos 9, which is amazing. Secondly, you have the company itself, Faithlife, and their awesome products and customer service. Thirdly, you have the userbase, most prominently on the forums, who regularly interact with one another, and especially helping those with questions or concerns. By itself, Logos 9 is great, but with all three, I strongly feel that Logos is the best.
Logos 9 – The Software
I’ve been a Logos user since early 2014, when it was Logos 5. I purchased Logos Gold as I was preparing to attending Seminary at MBTS via their online program. I purchased it months ahead of time so I would be able to have a firm grasp on what I was doing with the software as I moved ahead with classes. Logos was more than just a powerhouse of a product, but a huge time saver as well. During seminary, as I worked two jobs and was raising (and growing) a family, Logos saved me fifteen hours a week on average. The classes were a lot of work, but Logos made it possible with having so much going on in life.
Now that I am pastoring a church, I again use Logos daily. With some of the new features of Logos 9, it has made things not only work faster, but has made my work much more organized. The menus in the shortcut bar make switching between layouts quick and simple. From morning devotions to sermon prep, even studying for Sunday School lessons. Another great feature is Dark Mode. Enough said on that one, haha! The benefits go on and on, and are a true blessing.
Logos 9 is an incredible tool in the arsenal for any serious student of the Bible, not just pastors and seminary students. And there are packages and resources that are accessible for anyone.
The software is not perfect (for nothing is), and there are still things that can be improved upon. However, don’t just give up because a feature isn’t there or not working right. Bring it up in the forums or contact Faithlife about it. They work had to continue to improve their products.
The Company – Faithlife
Faithlife, formerly Logos Bible Software, is an incredible company with a wide range of available products, with its core product being Logos Bible Software. However, the thing that is the most awesome about the company is not only the superior product they release in Logos, but also the customer service they have. They are top notch in how they take care of their customers, almost as if they are family. I have never had an issue with customer service before. They will bend over backwards to their limits to take care of the customers, with the CEO answering emails that are sent to him.
But not only is the customer service great, the support is awesome, as well! On their site, there are plenty of tutorial videos on how to make things happen, on how to make things work within Logos Bible Software, as well as with other products.
Now, now company is perfect, as I am sure there will be many nay-sayers, but there are a massive number of companies that are much worse than Faithlife. I praise God for the hard work that they put out in making and maintaining such wonderful products, all to the glory of God!
The Userbase – Those of us who use Logos
The well-known hidden gem of Logos Bible Software is the userbase interaction found on the Forums. If there is something you don’t understand and need to find out how to do, or whatever it may be, the FIRST stop should be the forums. Search them for your question or post the question and expect a fairly expedient response from other users, especially the MVPs. When I first had Logos, I didn’t really know about the forums, and relied on a few videos as well as the Logos Wiki page to help me figure things out. When I discovered the forums, Logos really became a more valuable tool for me to use to the glory of God!
So, regardless of where you are in your Logos ownership, from someone just looking at Logos 9 for the first time or a long-time seasoned user, let me leave you with this: In my life, the use of Logos Bible Software has greatly enhance and enriched my study, meditation on, understanding of, and application of the Word of God in all aspects of my life, both personal and professional. I hope and pray that Logos will, does, and/or continutes to do so for you.
Yes, indeed. Have been using for decades. The major take for me is the available resources, search features. Just about as you try to get to grips with the resource library they keep adding to it great articles and publications. It’s a truly unlimited experience of learning and enlightenment uncompromising incomparable to anything.
Thank you to everyone.