DALLAS, July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, mobile
technology has changed the way we shop, date, read, write, and even
worship. This is the foundation of one of AT&T's newest
campaigns, Inspired Mobility— a national conversation that
highlights how people use mobile technology, devices and the
Internet to enhance their faith experience and personal lives.
Regardless of gender, age or income, our lives are becoming more
connected, shared and interactive, which can be seen in our worship
experiences. I was excited to be engaged by AT&T to explore
this topic because it represents a cultural shift in the way we
approach faith. According to a study conducted by AT&T in
collaboration with Ebony Magazine, 90% of respondents
believed mobile and Internet technology has a place in church.
Actually, faith-based organizations have been embracing
technology for ages. Sacred texts were originally written on stone
tablets and scrolls. It was not until the invention of the printing
press that faith leaders had the opportunity to flip through the
pages of scripture. Mobile devices and apps are our modern day
stone tablets and scrolls. More survey respondents said that they
use their devices to read scripture (22%) or to take notes (15%),
over any other mobile activity during the worship experience. This
is why I developed a platform called The iChurch Method, to teach
faith-based organizations how to share their message to an ever
changing mobile world.
I find the more accessible inspirational content becomes on the
go, the more people want to stay connected, inspired and
engaged. Since we are almost always connected via mobile devices
and the Internet, organizations can reach, inspire and engage their
communities in church, and on the go. An example of this is live
streaming. Streaming has become a way for people to participate in
worship services while traveling, or when they are unable to make
it to their place of worship. In fact, more than 20% of the
Ebony survey respondents who attend 'large' and 'mega'
churches said that streaming is available at their place of
worship. Recently, while watching an online worship service, I
heard the pastor say "touch your neighbor and tell them this
message is for you, and if you are online watching, click the share
button and tell your social neighbors!" Since I was online, I
clicked the share button and told my social network comprised of
thousands of people. That's quite a bit more sharing of the message
than touching the neighbor on my left and right.
The research conducted with Ebony revealed that most
respondents (80%) have positive feelings about mobile technology in
church, and few view it as distracting and disrespectful, when used
to share the worship experience. Check out my list of do's and
don'ts to learn the best ways to use your mobile device during a
worship service.
The #InspiredMobility conversation will continue to help people
and organizations grow, inspire, educate and engage people in one
of the most important aspects of their lives— faith and
spirituality. Whether it's social media, texting, mobile websites,
apps, or online videos, the method of delivery may evolve, but the
impact of an inspirational message can still be life-changing.
Share your story of how mobile technology has helped you stay
connected with the communities that inspire and make a difference
in your life. To join the AT&T Inspired Mobility conversation,
like AT&T on Facebook, and follow AT&T on Twitter and
Instagram, @ATT, #InspiredMobility.
Data & messaging rates may apply.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140710/126161
Logo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140408/CG99935LOGO
Contact: Tony Balasandiran for AT&T, 312.228.8809
tbalasandiran@flowerscomm.com
SOURCE AT&T