We live surrounded by ever-growing technology, and it’s here to stay. Because of this, the Church must adapt, stay ahead, and learn to use technology well. But how do we ensure we’re using it in ways that reflect and glorify God?

Below are five practical ways to build healthy technology habits within the church.

1. Set Christ-Centered Boundaries

“Look carefully then how you walk not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15-16

Time is a gift from the Lord. To steward it well, we must set healthy boundaries with technology to prevent it from coming between time with family, community, or, most importantly, God. What does this practice look like?

  • Clear time limits: Technology can be a wonderful tool, but without boundaries it can quickly fill every spare moment. Setting daily or weekly screen time limits can be a good habit to create, ensuring that priorities, such as schoolwork, rest, relationships, and spiritual growth, don’t go unnoticed. As Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
  • Technology-free zones: We make some of the best memories in life when we set devices aside. Designate technology-free zones such as dinnertime, before bed, or church gatherings to protect connection, rest, and worship. These conscious choices show that fellowship is valued more than screens.
  • Prayerful use: Pause before reaching for a device and ask yourself: “Will this honor God with my time?” This simple question turns habitual scrolling into an opportunity for spiritual reflection. By inviting God into our daily use of technology, we remind ourselves that every moment is a gift to be stewarded wisely. Scripture reminds us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

2. Model Godly Technology Use

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Believers are called to live with wisdom, even in the small, everyday choices we make. Technology is one of the most powerful forces in our culture today, and it can quickly shift from being a useful tool to something that controls us. However, when we use technology with intention, we can show the world a different way. Paul encouraged the Philippians, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). We can remind others that technology doesn’t have to dominate our schedules, distract us from our relationships, or steal our peace. Instead, we should shift our perspective to see technology as a tool designed to serve us, rather than rule over us. What does this look like in practice?

  • Live as an example: The way we use technology either mirrors the world or reflects Jesus. When we model discipline and humility in our daily habits, we can point others to Christ. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
  • Glorify God with your digital presence: Let your actions and words online reflect Christ just as much as they do in person. Paul writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

3. Guard Your Heart

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” — Proverbs 4:23

The amount of content we have access to is astonishing. From endless videos to social media posts to advertising, we are continually being shaped by what we take in. As Christ-followers, we are called to guard our hearts and minds so that what we take in draws us closer to Christ rather than pulling us away. What does this practice look like?

  • Be discerning: Something may look appealing, but that doesn’t make it edifying. “Test everything; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). We should ask ourselves: Does this content encourage me in my faith? Or does it feed into fear, jealousy, or anger?
  • Establish guardrails: Use filters and/or accountability software to ensure we are being mindful about what we watch and follow. Choosing guardrails doesn’t show weakness; it shows strength, and it shows that we are being intentional about protecting our walk with the Lord. Jesus warned, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
  • Digital fasting: Take seasonal breaks from social media, and replace the time you would usually spend scrolling with prayer, reading scripture, or fellowship with the body of Christ. In Jesus’ own words, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
  • Fill your feed with encouragement: Paul instructs us to set our minds on the right things: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
  • Stay accountable: Ask a trusted friend or mentor to regularly check in on you to ask you how you’re using your technology. Honest, vulnerable conversations can help us stay alert to what can become unhealthy. Scripture says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

A simple way to do this is by choosing to follow and engage with faith-building content. As a starting point, Champion Forest offers a podcast and weekly sermons on YouTube—both are resources to help keep your heart and mind centered on what is true and honorable.

4. Prioritize In-Person Connection

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25

Because of technology, it’s easy to stay connected with people at any time of day. We can call, text, DM, or FaceTime within a matter of seconds. And though those tools are helpful, they can also give us the illusion of what it looks like to live in community without actually having the depth of real-time, physical presence. As the Church, we are called to gather together (Hebrews 10:25), to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). What does this look like in practice?

  • Be fully present: Set phones aside when with people in person. Resist the pull to “check in” every five minutes. Paul encourages us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
  • Practice hospitality: Invite people into your home. Scripture encourages us to “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13).
  • Value the body of Christ: Scripture calls us to not only “connect” but to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

5. Practice Sabbath

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” — Exodus 20:8

For many, Sundays are a day set apart from the rest as a day of worship and rest. However, in our digital age, it’s easy for constant notifications, emails, and entertainment to come between that and steal our attention, even on the Lord’s Day. If we choose to treat Sundays as a kind of “Sabbath from screens” it can help us honor God by being fully present with Him and our families and friends. What does this practice look like?

  • Put technology away: Use Sunday as a time to be completely away from technology. Put your phone in a drawer, and use Sunday to connect with family, friends, or church members. Jesus reminded us, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). God designed rest as a gift for our good.
  • Be present in worship: Put away phones during church to ensure your full attention is on learning from God’s Word.
  • Trust God with what’s not done yet: Wait to answer the work emails, social media updates, and the endless to-dos until Monday. Sunday is a weekly reminder that the Lord is in control, not us.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” — Psalm 73:25-26