I ran across this article today. After that, one of the people I follow tweeted this blog. Joshua Harris posted a blog with his comments about twittering in church here.
So there are three websites that hit all three sides; don’t do it, do it, and we’re doing it! Read the posts but more so, read the comments. There’s alot but take the time. The comments are where the meat is at.
I will go as far as saying that I read the comments and they make valid points on both sides of the spectrum. I will also say because I have the liberty on my own blog that I don’t like the idea of twittering in church. I will give my reasons but there are arguments against them and I think everyone has their opinions. I think ultimately it’s up to the leadership of the church to voice how they want to lead the church.
My reasons.
1. It’s distracting. In many cases churches are dim-lit for atmosphere and the back-light can be very distracting to those around them. It’s also distracting to the one leading at the moment cause let’s be honest, we don’t know if your checking your email or facebook because your bored or your actually doing something productive. So to calm those crazy waters, don’t do it.
2. You can wait till after church to tweet something profound. Besides, if your tweeting something, and someone you follow tweets something, then your not only trying to minister over twitter, your also focusing on what others tweeted. It becomes a vicious cycle and before ya know it, your tuned out of the service your in because of twitter.
3. I think it’s a great idea to give your all during worship. Music isn’t the only thing that’s worship in service. It’s all worship; communion, giving, meditating on the word, hearing the word. I don’t see you picking up your phone to tweet during sex. Why tweet during worship?
Being a leader in the church, my bottom line reason for not doing it is it’s disrespectful to those leading. We want you concentrating on what God is doing in you, not trying to help God do in others. Church is your time to focus on Christ, who He is and what He is doing. Don’t waste it trying to be all cool and relevant by twittering thinking you’re doing something good for somebody else.
I know that all that can seem legalistic and I assure you I’m not. I just want to encourage you to focus on you and Christ during that time. Not on trying to minister over twitter. Because more so than not, others that follow you are. And your distracting them from doing so because you want them to read your tweets. Wait till after church, then tweet till your heart’s content!
