Technology in the Sanctuary

The article that I will be referring to in this article is located here.

Okay, I've made it point to not include politics, curse words (unless in a quotation), controversial topics, negativity, or religion in this blog. I would like to think that anyone, no matter with age or what level of conservative-ness, can read my blog and not find anything offensive or vulgar.

Well, I'm deviating slightly today, because I came across an article in Time magazine (June 1, 2009 issue) that shocked, disappointed, and set me off a bit. I thought I would discuss it here for just a bit because it is something that could change one of the deep rooted traditions that envelops the culture in which I live.

So, I was flipping through the newest Time magazine (I have been an avid reader for close to 10 years), and I came across an article entitled:

Twittering in Church: Why Some Pastors are Turning to Microblogging to Bring Congregants Closer to God and One Another

Now, I will admit that I had to look up what exactly Twittering was. (Though, I'm in my early 20s, I am not au currant with mobile/internet technology. I know it's crazy, but I still value face-to-face time with others.Gasp!) Twitter is a service in which you can post Tweets, or messages up to 140 characters on the web instantaneously from your computer or mobile phone. It is becoming very popular among celebrities, politicians, and people so addicted to the internet that Facebook/MySpace is no longer a sufficient hit. (Ouch, that was a wee bit harsh.)

So, what was it about the article that set me off? First, in the first paragraph of the article the 41 year-old pastor, John Voelz, states that Twitter was the solution to make the service "not suck." I have never thought that a service with a meaningful sermon "sucked." Later in the article, a pastor, Todd Hahn, opens his Easter service by encouraging the congregation to tweet (or is it twitter?) during the sermon! I was shocked. Isn't Sunday service supposed to be about the message and the spirit?

Let me back up a second, imagine sitting there with your bible in your lap and listening to the Pastor deliver a message. Now, imagine you are sitting there trying to listen to the sermon with the countless clicks of laptops and cell phone keys clacking in the background, members of the congregation talking whispering comments about the tweets, and a huge bright projection scene that is constantly flashing new comments behind the Pastor's head. Let's not even go into how it would effect someone trying to pray during the service. I am just utterly appalled by this.

Now, don't get me wrong, I think that incorporating technology and fresh ideas into a church is a wonderful idea. For example, online discussion boards, putting sermons on youtube and TV for the members unable to attend, and blogs by Pastors and the like are wonderful. It gives people a reference site and a new level of fellowship that can really help guide others in their quest for higher answers. (It's almost required in big churches to escape that impersonal feel.)

So what about tweeting? (twittering?) I think that maybe Tweeting would be great for night services, youth Wednesday's concerts, and singings, but not in the sanctuary on a Sunday service. (Let alone on Easter!) It takes away from the sacredness of it. I mean, really, if you are gonna just sit in church and clack away on your cel phone, why come in the first place? (The same goes for people who talk the entire way through, but that's neither here nor there.)

Maybe I'm super old fashioned, but I think kids (and some adults too) should be taught to be behave and pay attention in church service. If they have a short attention span, don't enable them by creating more distractions. When I was little, my church friends and I sat under the pews silently and had biblical coloring pages. (or got the 'I'm gonna take you outside in a minute, if you don't behave' speech). After all, the service is not just about attendance (and making an appearance), and it isn't a dazzling show, it is a place to gather with like minded folks and worship and fellowship. (Leave everything else behind until after the service has concluded.)

The churches mentioned in the article are among a small group of churches using Twitter, but I think that it is the future of church services at least at larger churches (250+ attending members). Just a few years ago, it was crazy to think that church would have projection screens and recorded music played during services. Now, (I fear) it is the norm.

In closing, although I prefer the old fashioned small churches (that ones that are mocked in many comedy skits) with a powerful non-scripted sermon and out of tune singing that will move you out of your seat, I think that it is brilliant that these large churches have been blessed with large and interested and hungry congregations. No matter what the domination or doctrine, it is always wonderful to see people excited about Christianity and exploring how it relates to their life. After all, no two people think in the same manner nor believe all the same things. (And that is okay.)

Hope this set some wheels turning,
And your spirit a'burning,
And your mind a'learning,
For some peach churning,
Jenn