They’re Not Praying, They’re Texting . . . a Good Thing??

Texting in Church!

Two years ago I went to a pastor’s conference in South Carolina when a pastor posed the question, “How many of you have a cell phone?” About 90% of us raised our hands proudly pronouncing silently, that is, that we have entered the technological era and that we had a cell phone.  But then he posed the second question, “How many of you send text messages?” This question resulted in less than 25% favorable response.  Lastly, he addressed the ‘texters,’ “Do you ever text in church?” As expected no one raised their hands.  People whispered and grumbled in disagreement underneath their breath, “no way, disrespectful, blasphemy, that’s just too far over the top.”  But then the pastor began letting us know that he allows it and even encourages it.  We all stood by awaiting the next words that would comfort our fears, our anxiety and would keep us from running out of the sanctuary.  He told us about the ever changing culture and that it was up to us to keep up with each generation.  At times he admitted to us that he would say, “Young people what you just heard is worth Facebooking. That’s worth a “TWEET.” Take a second and share that with someone.” The kids immediately began to text sending that statement to other people’s phones, on Facebook, on Twitter, etc.  That message has now gone out to hundreds if not, thousands of people.  The results of which had been a favorable gain for this pastor, in terms of new members, as many have said, “Anytime a pastor is encouraging his members to text they must be doing church differently there.”

Although I do believe there are some benefits to this, I have to  admit, it is still a bit unsettling because not everyone will respect the boundaries of its usage.  For example playing games, talking to one another and simply not paying attention.  However, I must admit I saw someone asleep on the pulpit one Sunday so I got out my cell phone and typed in the words, “WAKE-UP!!!!!!” Another time I sent a message, “Cross Legs!” to a woman singing on the choir whose skirt was a little too short and was giving us all a birds-eye view of her charms.

I want to be fair and share six advantages to allowing members to use their phone and text during church:

1.  Captures the Moment! Share insight with family or friends.  Sometimes a pastor may say something so profound you want to share with someone who is not at church.
2.  Great Way to Entice Others to Attend Your Progressive Church! You can call it e-Evangelizing an alternative to the cold-calls or knocking on one’s door.
3.  Send Quick Useful Message Alerts.
4.  Can Use Phone to Review Scripture. Today, phones are so advanced they come with their own applications you can download.  My daughter has an Bible application downloaded on her Droid Phone.  Now when someone reads a Bible Passage and says this scripture is coming out of the New Living Translation or the Message Bible, she can select the version and read right along with the reader on her phone. Some times the pastor may ask, “Where does the scripture, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me come from?” And she can recall either key words or use her concordance and can inform the pastor of the Book, chapter and verse.  How’s that for versatility?
5.  Clarify Points. There is another pastor who allows members to text during service to address questions regarding his sermon.  Of course, in order to manage this, he needs help from pastoral ministers to assist with filtering.  The approved questions are displayed on screen and then pastor addresses the points and or question.
6.  Contests. This same pastor has embraced technology so that he often will pose a biblical question or trivia regarding his sermon to make sure people are paying attention and they will have to text the answers back using some new Bible application.  He then offers gifts to the winners.

Why Policies are Needed!

POLICIES. Of course with the implementation of any new thing, you need to establish clear policies and boundaries in which to operate.  For example: sound off so that it is not a distraction to others and when it is appropriate to text, as well as to indicate that there is to be no game playing or casually texting friends or long term use, etc.