Online media and technologies are available everywhere, all of the time, and with little to no effort. The result is that nothing is sacred; everything is profane.
A Tech-Free Sabbath is an opportunity to disconnect from screens and reconnect with God, family, and creation.
STEP 1: SET BOUNDARIES
Choose a consistent day or portion of a day your family can be tech-free. Define what technology will be intentionally set aside: phones, tablets, smartwatches, computers, television, video games. Then, inform family and friends in advance so they can respect and support your decision.
STEP 2: PREPARE IN ADVANCE
Plan meals and activities ahead of time, then print out recipes, maps, or anything else you might need to avoid reliance on screens. Set up auto-replies for texts and emails to notify others of your tech-free time.
STEP 3: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES
Your Tech-Free Sabbath should not be about deprivation but redirection toward worship, rest, and community. Choose activities that reflect God-honoring leisure and joyful fellowship:
- Share a meal around the table
- Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride outdoors
- Play board games or card games together
- Work on a creative project or hands-on hobby
- Spend time in personal or family Bible study
- Host a book discussion or storytelling hour
Time together, without digital distractions, will breathe life into your relationships.
STEP 4: REFLECT & EVALUATE
At the end of each Tech-Free Sabbath, take a few moments as a family to reflect. What was hard? What was life-giving? What did you enjoy most?
Talk about how being off devices impacted your mood, attention, and connection with one another. Then, tweak the plan if needed to better serve your family next time.
STEP 5: REPEAT
The power of a Tech-Free Sabbath comes in its rhythm. Whether weekly or monthly, consistent practice will begin to change how your family views time, technology, and togetherness.
As you grow in this discipline, consider inviting extended family, friends, or even your small group or church community to join you.
In a world constantly pushing us to consume and connect through screens, choosing a Tech-Free Sabbath can be a beautiful act of faith. More than that, it is a life-giving habit to teach your family.
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