#STIC—STOP TEXTING IN CHURCH CAMPAIGN 2019


(Photo Credit: Shepherd Thoughts)
There’s no doubting the fact that technology has made considerable impact in the 21st century in a way no phenomenon has, changing virtually everything we do and how we do them. With these breathtaking strides by way of technological advancements, however, comes corresponding toxic behavioural traits introduced to the doorsteps of our reality.
Picture disinterested teens, sitting in the way back of the congregation, tap tap tapping away on their phones and giggling back and forth with their friends. Picture a middle-aged young woman, laser-focused on her brightly lit iPad while the choir sings away. This scenario is all too real. Some weeks ago, I was rather unfortunate to sit behind a young lady whose aim of coming to church that dear Sunday morning was to find a comfy but crowded place to play Candy Crush (yes, you read that right: Candy Crush!).
A number of campaigns have been launched to curb excessive use of smart phones that are disruptive. The STIC particularly aims at raising awareness among Christians on unhealthy phone use during worship. This campaign is primarily concerned about indiscriminate phone use during worship while also highlighting concerns about what this spells for a generation buried in their phone screens.
As Tony Reinke rightly opines in Smartphone Addiction and Our Spiritual ADD that, “Our unchallenged social media habits pose one of the most pressing discipleship challenges in the church today”. We must join this campaign to stem the tide of this social media incursion into the sacredness of worship.
One’s head buried in his phone screen, whether texting or gaming during worship, shows a heart bereft of any delight in the Lord. There is a rising tide of people in church who are distracted from the important issues of their lives because of the social media.
We are missing the opportunity to be inspired by the breathtaking power of the word of God during worship. The truth remains that when we text or get immersed in playing games on our phones during worship, we forget that worship is meant to be Christ-exalting and God-glorifying.
Would you dare to put aside the lure of the use of your phone during worship and be lost in the grandeur and effervescence of the sovereign Lord?
Join us as we drive this campaign!
Join the #STIC movement and be part of an entourage of change makers!
Make the decision today to Stop Texting In Church.

We love you!


Co-authored with: Yahaya Othman (othmany13@gmail.com)

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