What to do instead
A day without technology is not meant to be a void. Instead, it’s an invitation to fill the time with practices that nurture your soul and relationships. You could:
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Walk your neighborhood and pray for each home you pass.
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Spend extended time in Scripture meditation.
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Write handwritten notes to encourage members of your congregation.
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Visit a shut-in or church member in person.
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Reflect on your calling and ministry direction without the pressure of deadlines.
This shift from constant connectivity to intentional presence can help restore balance to your leadership.
RELATED: Bible Verses About Fasting
The benefits you might discover
At first, you may feel uneasy, like you’re missing something important. But as the day goes on, you might notice surprising benefits:
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Clearer thinking – Without the barrage of information, your thoughts have space to settle.
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Deeper prayer – Fewer interruptions allow for unhurried, honest conversation with God.
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Better listening – Conversations without device distraction often become richer and more meaningful.
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Renewed perspective – Stepping away helps you see which tasks truly matter and which are simply filling time.
Many leaders who try a technology fast report that the next day feels more focused and purposeful. The fast becomes a reset button, making technology a servant rather than a master.
Extending the impact
One day without technology can be powerful, but the real transformation comes when you incorporate the principle regularly. Some leaders schedule a monthly day off-grid; others set aside one evening each week as a family or personal tech-free time. The rhythm reinforces your ability to step away and reminds you that ministry does not depend solely on digital tools.
Over time, you may also begin to notice areas where technology has crept in unnecessarily. Perhaps you can replace a weekly mass email with a personal phone call, or trade an online meeting for a coffee conversation. Each small shift moves you toward more authentic, human-centered ministry.
Could you, as a church leader, go an entire day without technology? Not as an endurance test, but as a way to realign your heart, sharpen your focus, and deepen your reliance on God’s presence. The tools we use are valuable, but they are not the source of our ministry’s power. That comes from the Spirit of God, working in and through us.
A technology fast invites you to rest in that truth—quietly, intentionally, and without a screen in sight. You may find that one day away from your devices becomes the day that redefines how you use them the rest of the week.
