Face it, some of us pastors have a phone addiction. Notifications and never-ending emails keep us checking in constantly. Social media demands attention and disrupts our focus. The mere ability to be connected 24/7 creates the expectation to always be accessible.

While mobile technology can be very useful as a daily tool to get things done in our ministry, overuse can negatively affect our health, our relationships and our spiritual life.

Staring at a phone all day and night can lead to eye strain, back problems, tension headaches and, worst of all, adversely impact our sleep cycles thanks to that glowing light emitted from the screen. Researchers from Kansas State University have found that unplugging after work, like not checking email after hours, helps people feel more recharged the following day.

It’s time to take control of the technology in your life. I challenge you to schedule a Tech Free Day. This is a day where you literally unplug from all digital connections. Think of it as a tech fast.

Tune in next week for the second of this three part series and I’ll share with you ideas for things you can do during your Tech Free Day.

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.