A Digital Detox for Advent: Rediscovering Presence in a Screen-Saturated World
As ministry leaders, we often find ourselves at the center of a paradox. We strive to create spaces of connection and reflection, yet we too are vulnerable to the relentless pull of screens and notifications. Our congregations and youth—perhaps even we ourselves—may be longing for a reprieve from the constant hum of digital distraction. What better time to embrace a digital detox than during the season of Advent, a season that calls us to quiet expectation, intentional preparation, and deep reflection?
Advent, the season of waiting for the Light of Christ, invites us to slow down, to make space for what truly matters. It is an ideal time to step away from the noise of the digital world and foster meaningful connections with God, one another, and ourselves.
Breaking Down the Walls Between Age Groups
For years, churches have been built on a well-meaning strategy: dividing the community into specific age groups to meet their unique needs. It’s the norm in most churches — separate ministries for children, youth, young adults, seniors. It seemed logical and even beneficial at the time. After all, who better to relate to a teenager than another teenager? And wouldn’t seniors rather be with people who understand their stage of life? But over time, these well-intentioned efforts to focus on particular age groups have built something unintended: age silos.
Voices on Gen-Z and the Church
Recently, we completed our second Capstone project with some students who attend a Christian University. Their project was to assess the spiritual needs of Gen Z (those born between 1996 and 2010). We specifically asked these Gen Z students to do this work because they often don’t get a chance to research (speak for) themselves but lots of research is done on this particular generation.