e-Readers are hot.  According to a recent Pew Internet study e-Reader ownership has doubled in the last six months.  Amazon is now selling a version of the popular Kindle for only $114.00.

We now have some folks in Sunday School who bring an e-Reader instead of a Bible.  I frequently use my Android phone and the wonderful free app YouVersion to access the Bible.

Have you used an electronic device to read the Bible?

Several years ago I was often asked IF the Church should be using social media.  I seldom get that question anymore.  Now the question is HOW should the Church be using social media.  Questions arise about what is appropriate to put on a church website, who should be allowed to post on a church Facebook page, is it ok for church staff to send text messages to children and youth, etc.  Generally my comment is “What is your congregation comfortable with?”  Every congregation is different and it is worth the time investment to discuss these issues with them in advance.

The second thing to consider is how the use of social media fits with the mission of your church.  We need to ask the question “What would Jesus Tweet?”  Are your twitter messages, your website, the pictures you post, and your Facebook page bringing people together in love or causing divisions?  I suggest it makes sense to review the church’s online presence from time to time asking the question “Is God glorified in this and does it build up the Body of Christ?”