Rethinking Smartphones in the Sanctuary

For the past few years, I've become increasingly convinced of the value of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and so many others.  These kinds of sites are, without a doubt, the way in which youth and young adults communicate.  That said, I've also been very clear that there are times and places where using FB etc. are not really appropriate... times of worship, for example.

However... however... I saw this the other day on - well, okay - I saw it on Facebook!  But it got my attention.  Even more, it has made me rethink my almost-instinctive desire to want to ban smart phones from the sanctuary.  Here's how one congregation is addressing this question.  On the welcome screen when people enter the sanctuary, this was showing:

Now, if you're not sure what any of that means, don't worry; you're in good company.  However, ask your children or grandchildren or youth around your church and ask them to "translate."

This seems to me to be an incredibly good and effective way to help communicate the Good News that is in each and every one of our worshiping congregations, letting the broader (and younger) community know that you're open and people are there with you in worship.  That makes a lot of sense to me... and it has changed my mind about how I might react next time I see someone on their smartphone or tablet in worship or at a church meeting.  True, they might be playing solitaire or angry birds, but they might just be letting their friends and family know what's going on. What do you think?  How is your congregation using Social Media sites?

Blessings and peace,
Steve