This shift may seem minor, but it carries deeper implications. Bringing a Bible to church used to be a formative habit, one that encouraged personal ownership and physical familiarity with the Word. Members could underline, highlight, or take notes in the margins. They learned where books were located, how to cross-reference passages, and how to navigate Scripture during and after the service.
When we stop carrying our Bibles, we risk becoming passive recipients of the Word rather than active participants. It’s the difference between watching a story unfold from afar and holding the book in your hands, page by page.
What the Bible Represents in Worship
Beyond its practical use, the Bible also has symbolic significance. Carrying it into worship sends a message—to ourselves and others—that the Word of God is central to our lives. It becomes a visible, tangible part of our discipleship.
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The presence of Bibles in the pews or under arms subtly shapes the culture of a church. It reinforces that Scripture is not just for Sunday morning consumption, but something we engage with regularly. It also sets an example for younger generations, teaching them that the Bible is a personal, portable, and precious part of the Christian life.
When the screen becomes our only source of Scripture, we may unintentionally signal that the Bible is a tool for the pastor alone—something projected to us, rather than something we explore and meditate on for ourselves.
Finding a Healthy Balance
So, should churches stop projecting Bible verses altogether? Not necessarily. Technology is a gift, and when used wisely, it can enhance worship and teaching in powerful ways. The key is finding balance and being intentional.
Church leaders can encourage members to bring their Bibles by modeling it themselves and reminding the congregation of its value. Preachers might reference page numbers or invite people to open their Bibles and follow along, even if the text is displayed. This encourages participation without excluding anyone who might not have a Bible handy.
Small group leaders, Sunday school teachers, and youth leaders can reinforce this habit throughout the week, creating a culture that values Scripture engagement both inside and outside the sanctuary.
For churches that use Bible apps, the same principles apply. While digital Bibles offer convenience and portability, the goal should still be interaction and ownership. Whether digital or print, engaging with the Bible in a personal way is what matters most.
So, does projecting Bible passages keep members from bringing Bibles to church? In many cases, yes—it can. But the deeper concern is not about whether someone holds a Bible during the sermon, but whether they’re actively engaging with it.
Technology will continue to evolve, and with it, the ways we encounter the Word. But the mission remains the same: to know the Bible, to live by it, and to treasure it as the living Word of God. Whether it’s bring Bibles to church, projecting verses on a screen, or in our hearts, may we always seek to be people of the Book.
