Not so long ago, looking at a smartphone screen during church was frowned upon.
In recent years, churches have embraced technology and devices as part of their educational resources.
Many churches have smartphone apps, and it’s not uncommon for someone sitting in a pew to follow the pastor’s sermon from a phone or tablet. Many church apps make it easy for people to tithe. And many churches encourage people to take and share photos of worship services on social media.
Faith-based apps have seen an increase in usage this year, and as we are now in the period of Lent or the holy season, daily downloads and installs of religious apps are increasing.
THE YouVersion Bible app is one of the first smartphone apps to deliver the entire Bible on a smart device. Launched 15 years ago by LifeChurch, YouVersion apps have been downloaded and installed more than 760 million times worldwide.
The app offers more than 30,000 Bible plans in 84 languages and more than 3,000 versions or translations in some 2,000 languages.
The YouVersion Bible app is free and available for iPhone and Android devices.
You may also have seen an ad for another faith-based app during the Super Bowl featuring actor and producer Mark Wahlberg.
Wahlberg is involved in the “Hollow“prayer app that focuses on Catholic prayer and Bible study.
“Hollow” (as in “hollow be thy name)” features meditations, devotions, Bible readings, and music. Wahlberg himself prays the Rosary every day and millions of people pray with him. A tally on the “Hollow” app shows that more than 412 million prayers have been prayed by people using the app.
“Hollow” offers a 30-day free trial, but after that there is a subscription for $10 per week or $70 for the year. It is available for iPhone and Android devices.
