We invite you to join us on a 28-day digital fast.

WHAT

The Digital Fast is an intentional time set aside for the month of February where we, as a church, will focus on reducing digital distractions and increasing our spiritual devotion. 

The spiritual discipline of fasting is woven throughout Scripture: the people of God and Jesus Himself gave up specific distractions (food) to pursue and hear from God more deeply. Fasting is not only meant to remove distractions and draw someone closer to the Lord but to also provide clarity into the areas of life that distract from Jesus.  

Over the next twenty-eight days, we will eliminate the negative effects screens have on our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. This will be done by evaluating apps and streaming services through a question: Is this a digital utility, or is this a distraction?  

Utility apps are helpful tools, such as the weather app, a GPS, your calendar, or text. Distraction apps are designed to steal your attention, like certain games, social media, a web browser, or news apps. Utility apps are not ruining your life. Distraction apps, on the other hand, waste your time and drain your soul.

The goal of a digital fast is to redesign our relationship with technology, keeping the utility apps and deleting the distraction apps. By eliminating the noise, you’ll reclaim your attention and redirect it to what you truly value. You’ll form new habits and carry them forward after you’ve finished this fast! The goal is to change. To challenge yourself. To create a new relationship with technology that will maximize its usefulness and minimize its harm for the rest of your life.

WHY

We have a problem, a distraction problem, a devotion problem.

Our phones have become our single biggest source of distraction. We are not just disconnected from each other; we are increasingly allowing our devices to impact our relationship with God. This is leading to increased loneliness, anxiety, a feeling of numbness, struggling to focus, and fractured relationships, all while missing out on the opportunities and moments right in front of us.

So, as a church, we’re going to engage in this experience together to intentionally reduce digital distraction and deliberately increase spiritual devotion. We believe this will bless and transform your family, your relationships with each other, and your relationship with the Lord. Together, we can turn down the digital distractions and experience the time, space, and mental clarity to listen to the voice of God.  As with any fast, the further you progress, the more distinctly you may be aware of the leading of the Holy Spirit and the nearness of God and His work in your heart and life.

WHO

The Digital Fast is for adults, high school students, and middle school students. Participate individually, with your family, small group; everyone is welcome!

PREPARE:

• Let people know what you are doing and invite them to join you. Talk to your family about what this might look like together.

• Purchase an alarm clock so your phone is not charging in your room or beside your bed, leading to scrolling upon waking.

• Purchase an analog watch to replace your smartwatch.

• Curate and update your playlists in Spotify or Apple Music so you have great soundtracks to accompany your fast.

• Make your smartphone dumb. Move anything off your phone that you can do on your computer or laptop.

• Think about your apps in terms of “distraction” vs. “utility.” Ask yourself, “Is this distracting me (or supposed to distract me) or is this something useful?”

• Eliminate screens for personal use and enjoyment. Examples: gaming devices, streaming services, cable television, etc.

• Limit digital technology to work apps during work hours on your work devices.

• Commit to no work outside of work hours.

• Check out the resources for recommended reading and stock up on books and podcasts.

Original idea from The Digital Fast by Dr. Darren Whitehead

Find out more about his book The Digital Fast, and other resources at thedigitalfast.com