Congregation Text Messages In Worship

By Jennifer Loren, The News On 6

EDMOND, OK -- While most pastors are asking their congregations to turn off their cell phones, Jeff Wilson hopes his members are text messaging during worship.

While the act is considered rude in a movie theater or restaurant, the Pastor of Henderson Hills Baptist Church said it's a great tool to interact with the congregants.

Members will be asked to submit their prayer requests or thoughts via cell phone this Sunday.

"Our pastor will be asking a questions, then our congregates, people visiting or attending the service, are going to be able to respond via text message," Jeff Wilson said.

Pastor Wilson said the idea to use text messaging in church is a cutting-edge idea to connect a large and faithful crowd with one another.

"We can't ask a question to the audience and have 2,000 hands go up," Pastor Wilson said. "This is a way for them to be able to participate in the service, to give input and direction and be able to answer questions immediately."

The church realizes text messaging can be difficult for some of its members, especially the older crowds, which is why they'll have staff members on hand who can help people out.

Pastor Wilson said text messaging will not be used every week, but there are plans to do it again during the upcoming Saturday and Sunday services.