Some emerging churches are using Twitter, the popular microblogging site, to create a more interactive worship experience. A church in Houston encourages parishioners to turn on their phones and begin tweeting questions or comments during service. The staff reviews the tweets, which then are displayed on a large screen behind the pastor while he delivers his message. After the sermon, the preacher addresses select questions.

The zeitgeist of contemporary worship services includes the use of technology. Hymnals were replaced first by overhead projectors, which have subsequently given way to digital projectors displaying lyrics with still photos, animation or video in the background. Preachers sometimes use the projectors to emphasize points or include a video clip. Some sanctuaries also carry stage lighting to set the mood of worship.

The minister who chooses to adopt such trends quickly realizes that technology can enhance worship by engaging multiple senses. But it can just as easily be a distraction. The challenge is not only determining the right tools but also the most effective way and the best time to tap technology in worship.

Social media have established their place in our culture. Churches not taking advantage of Twitter, Facebook or MySpace are missing opportunities to affect our generation. Creating a forum for congregants to ask questions is essential to their spiritual development, but tweeting questions during service is not the best use of the real-time messaging tool. Our congregation encourages members to log on to any of our social networking sites and ask questions after service.

What people of faith often forget is worship is not about us; God should be the focus. Worship is intended to be a time when we connect with our creator and he, in turn, communicates with us through the message delivered by the preacher. The sermonic moment should be devoid of interruptions. It is difficult enough to minimize natural disruptions such as babies crying or people walking; the minister certainly does not need to encourage congregants to create additional distractions.

One of the main problems with the emergent movement is its emphasis on filling the pews on Sunday morning. Consequently, some churches adopt gimmicks and dilute content in an effort to be "seeker friendly." The end result: marginal worshippers who bounce around from church to church looking for the latest gimmick.

In my most recent column I argued that modern churches must learn to balance trends with traditions. When a church is looking to adopt a new trend or abandon an old tradition, it must do so without affecting its core message and derailing its primary purpose. The Bible instructs us to evangelize and edify; we are not called to entertain.

Corey J. Hodges is pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church. He can be reached at coreyjhodges@comcast.net.