The most spiritually significant thing that has ever happened to me is the discovery of an app. 

That might sound odd, maybe even a little underwhelming. After all, we’re used to hearing about life-changing moments happening in church services, on mission trips, or during deep conversations with a mentor. But for me, it happened through something as simple as an app on my phone. I’ll tell you what that app is and why it had such a big impact on my life in the next section. But first, let me share the main idea behind this book: digital tools can help us grow spiritually. We can use our devices—not just to pass the time, but to shape our hearts to look more like God’s.

Now, let me be clear: this change didn’t happen all at once. It wasn’t like flipping a switch or having a lightning-bolt moment. It was more like the daily afternoon rains they have in places like Costa Rica during the wet season. Each day, a steady, gentle rain falls in the afternoon, soaking into the soil, nourishing the crops, and creating the perfect conditions for growth. That’s what this app did for me. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was consistent, and the impact built up over time. Looking back, I realize those small, daily moments of engagement were shaping me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at first.

Here’s the thing: I’ve been using this app for 3,320 days. That’s just over nine years. This isn’t some passing fad or a fleeting experiment I tried out for a week or two. It’s been a steady, reliable part of my life for nearly a decade. When you stick with something that long, it becomes more than just a habit—it becomes a part of who you are. That’s what this app has been for me: a tool that has quietly, steadily, and powerfully helped me grow closer to God over time.

The idea of using technology to advance the gospel isn’t new. The Church has a long history of leveraging the latest tools of its time to share the good news and make disciples. Consider these examples:

• The Printing Press and Johannes Gutenberg (15th Century): Gutenberg’s invention made it possible to mass-produce books, including the Bible. This gave ordinary people access to God’s Word for the first time, changing the landscape of faith forever.
• Martin Luther and the Reformation (16th Century): Luther used the printing press to distribute his writings, including the 95 Theses, widely and quickly. This sparked the Reformation and reshaped the Church’s role in the world.
• Pamphlets and Tracts in the Puritan Era and First Great Awakening (17th and 18th Century): During these revival movements, pastors and theologians such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield used printed tracts and pamphlets to spread their messages far and wide, stirring hearts and spreading revival across continents.
• Radio and Charles Fuller (20th Century): Fuller’s "Old Fashioned Revival Hour" was one of the first religious radio broadcasts, reaching millions of people in their homes starting in the 1930s.
• Television and Billy Graham (20th Century): Graham used television and satellite broadcasts to bring his crusades to millions around the world. His 1957 satellite broadcast from Madison Square Garden reached countless individuals who couldn’t attend in person.
• The Internet and YouVersion (21st Century): Launched in 2008, YouVersion’s Bible app has brought the Scriptures to billions of people in hundreds of languages, making the Word of God more accessible than ever before.

These examples show that the Church has consistently been at the forefront of using new tools to advance the kingdom of God. The message hasn’t changed, but the methods have, and each new era of technology brings new opportunities to share the gospel.

But this book isn’t just about my experience. It’s built on extensive research into how real people in real churches are using digital tools for discipleship. I’ve spoken to pastors, leaders, and everyday believers who are navigating this digital age with intention and creativity. I’ve gathered stories of small groups meeting on Zoom, Bible studies flourishing through apps, and churches discipling people across the globe using nothing more than their smartphones. This isn’t about theory—it’s about what’s actually working in the real world, in real lives.

I know, technology isn’t always seen in the best light when it comes to faith. For many of us, it feels like a distraction, something that pulls us away from quiet time with God or meaningful relationships with others. But what if, instead of seeing technology as the problem, we started to see it as a tool? What if we could take these screens, apps, and platforms that already fill so much of our lives and use them for something that really matters? That’s the heartbeat of this book: finding simple, practical ways to use digital tools to grow in our walk with God.

This isn’t about replacing in-person discipleship or turning everything into an online experience. It’s about recognizing that the way we live and connect has changed, and the Church has an incredible opportunity to meet people where they are—on their phones, laptops, and other devices. Whether it’s reading the Bible on an app during a lunch break, joining a small group on Zoom, or sharing an encouraging post on social media, these tools can open the door to spiritual growth in ways we couldn’t have imagined even a decade ago.

Of course, there are challenges, and I’m not here to say technology is perfect. Like anything, it can be used well or poorly. But when used with intention, it has the potential to help us connect with God and others in meaningful ways. And let’s be honest, if we’re already spending hours on these devices, why not figure out how to use them for something that truly matters?

The goal of this book isn’t to overwhelm you with strategies or to make digital discipleship feel like another thing to add to your to-do list. It’s to explore simple, practical ways to use the tools we already have to grow in faith and help others do the same. My hope is that you’ll walk away encouraged and maybe even inspired to look at technology a little differently. God can use anything—even an app—to shape our hearts and draw us closer to Him. Sometimes, it just takes a little daily rain to nourish the soil of our souls. And sometimes, it takes seeing how others are already doing it to realize it’s possible for us too.

Back to my story.