What is The Digital Fast?

The Digital Fast is a 28-Day guided journey to intentionally reduce digital distraction and deliberately increase spiritual devotion. Reducing digital distraction includes using a “dumb phone” or dumbing down your smartphone by removing apps that provide distraction. These include apps like social media, games, news, and email, then only using your smartphone for utility apps, such as phone, text, calendar, camera, weather, etc. The purpose of a digital fast is to disconnect from the constant flow of information and online activities to gain mental, emotional and spiritual rejuvenation, reduce screen time-related stress, and promote mindfulness.

By turning down the digital noise, you will experience the time, space, and mental clarity to listen to the voice of God.

Starting Sunday, March 9!

When you commit to this Digital Fast, you will receive The Digital Fast workbook by Darren Whitehead, access to the Aro app (a screen time wellness platform), and THINQ Media’s digital library of talks from leading cultural experts—all to provide a transformational 28-day experience for individuals, families, and community groups in our church.

You can purchase one workbook for your entire household or as many as you would like, if each person would like their own. If you choose to only purchase one workbook, your entire household will still have access to the Aro app!

Commit to the Digital fast

Download the Aro app

Frequently asked questions

1. The Digital Fast will create clarity to hear from God
2. The Digital Fast promotes the value of biblical community
3. The Digital Fast will improve your mental health
4. The Digital Fast will create more space for important relationships
5. The Digital Fast will improve your focus
The practice of fasting (of any kind) is in stark contrast to most of the way we live on a day to day basis in our lives, especially as it relates to digital technology. Due to the addictive nature of technology, and specifically smartphones, we want you to be aware of what you may experience during this time.
In terms of withdrawal effects, you may experience nervousness, restlessness, or irritability during the first several days. You may have heightened emotional sensitivity and realize deep feelings of anger, grief, or sadness, even if you’re initially unsure of the cause. Often, our engagement with technology disguises unpleasant feelings and leads us to avoid coping with them.
The benefits you can expect far outweigh the initial drawbacks. As with any fast, the further you progress, the more distinctly you may be aware of the leading of the Holy Spirit and a realization of the nearness of God and His work in your heart and life. Additionally, people report better sleep almost immediately. Other benefits include better posture, noticing the faces and eyes of others, increased mental clarity, the ability to focus intentionally, easing of neck and shoulder tension, an uptick in peace, the ability to dream for the future, and a vibrancy to the physical world.
This experience is an invitation to explore a better way. Rather than asking, “Can I detox/fast for 28 days?” Instead ask, “What do I want to learn or experience in the next 28 days?” The first question will cause us to focus on simply muscling through and getting to the finish line. With this approach there is the potential to either abandon the pursuit if we stumble along the way or make it to the end without having experienced the benefits. The second question will help us to discover what can be carried forward in our relationship to tech. If we don’t have a clear and established “why” behind this pursuit, it will be more difficult to sustain and minimal in its return.
In the week leading up to the fast, we suggest letting the people in your daily life know you’re planning to engage in a digital media fast for 28 days. Here are some additional steps to consider:
- Purchase an alarm clock so your phone is not charging in your room or beside your bed leading to scrolling before sleeping and upon waking.
- Purchase an analog watch to replace your smart watch.
- If needed, put an auto-reply on your email account that tells people your work hours and sets an expectation for when they can expect a response.
- Have a conversation with your work teams and supervisor about your hope to disengage from work/technology during non-working hours.
- Dialogue with your family about how each person is planning to participate over the next 28 days and come up with ways to support and encourage one another.
- Find a few people who are also fasting and establish a regular check-in rhythm and questions to ask one another regularly.
- Curate and update your playlists in Spotify or Apple Music so you have great soundtracks to accompany your fast.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DO IT TOGETHER?

Doing a digital fast with your church family makes it easier and more meaningful because:
- Accountability: You’re in it together, supporting each other to stay focused.
- Shared Purpose: Everyone is fasting for the same spiritual goals, which strengthens the collective commitment.
- Stronger Connections: It encourages more face-to-face interaction and deepening relationships.
- Focused Spiritual Growth: A group fast helps you all refocus on what truly matters—God and your faith.
- Empathy and Support: Sharing the experience fosters understanding and care within the community.
In short, it becomes easier and more impactful when you do it as a group because of the shared sense of commitment, the collective growth, and the support network that a church family offers. It makes the journey feel less isolated and more communal.