A few years ago, I made a conscious decision to immerse myself fully as a church member rather than serving as a preacher. For over three decades, I had been the preacher—whether as a pastor, interim pastor, or guest speaker—never experiencing worship from the perspective of the congregation. Despite writing a book called I Am a Church Member, I had never truly seen the Sunday morning service from the pews. So, eight years ago, I began declining preaching invitations to focus on being an active member of my local church. This shift has been both a profound blessing and an eye-opener.
One notable observation was the frequent use of smartphones and tablets during services. Many attendees seemed to use these devices for digital Bibles or note-taking, but I often saw them distracted by incoming notifications. I must admit, I too was distracted when I noticed someone checking college football rankings during a service. This led me to reflect on a similar experience at a movie theater, where the importance of turning off electronic devices was clearly emphasized.
Have I become overly critical or old-fashioned? Perhaps, but I believe there are valid reasons for encouraging church members to turn off their electronic devices during worship. Here are seven reasons why:
- Distraction from Worship: Smartphones and tablets frequently divert the user’s attention. It’s common to see people distracted by notifications rather than engaging fully in the service.
- Distraction to Others: The light from a smartphone screen can easily divert attention, affecting others around you. Even as someone who tries to stay focused, I find myself distracted by the glow of screens nearby.
- Mental Health Concerns: Smartphones are linked to an increase in anxiety and other mental health issues, especially among young people. Research, such as Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, highlights how social media and smartphone use can contribute to these problems. I’d prefer not to support this trend by allowing smartphones to be used during worship.
- Alternative Options: Churches often provide various ways to follow along with the service without needing a smartphone. Many have pew Bibles, sermon outlines in bulletins, and pens for note-taking. These alternatives can suffice for those who did not bring a print Bible.
- Retention Through Handwriting: Studies show that handwritten notes enhance retention more than typing on a keyboard. Engaging more deeply with the sermon through note-taking can also be encouraging for the preacher.
- Sense of Isolation: Smartphones can create a sense of isolation, detracting from the communal nature of worship. Worship is meant to be a shared experience, involving collective activities like Bible reading, note-taking, and singing. Using a smartphone can hinder this sense of community.
- Perceived Priorities: Using smartphones during worship may unintentionally signal that the device is more important than the worship experience itself. This could convey misplaced priorities to fellow congregants.
While it may be challenging to enforce a ban on smartphones during services, and many churches have long allowed their use, I hope my concerns resonate. They reflect broader issues that impact our worship experience and community engagement.