Please Use Your Phones
By: Nathan Elson
The other day I walked into a church service and noticed on the two side screens a slide that read, “Please silence your phones.” The implicit idea behind the slide is simple: phones can be distracting and being distracted in church is not good. So I reached into my pocket to grab my cell phone…
Wait, this isn’t 2002. I no longer have a cell phone – rather I have a small computer with an advanced touch screen, constant Internet access, and a bevy of apps that fits in the palm of my hand. And the device was (literally) in the palm of my hand.
In working with churches around the United States, I am generally asked for advice on how to drive interaction between the church and congregants; how to build community; and how to maximize communication. I get questions about websites, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; about apps and email. All of which are good things.
However, most of the conversations center on how to drive interaction apart from Sunday. Because Sunday, you know, is Sunday. (more…)