Thousands set to take part in historic social media blackout

May 2, 2022

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Anticipation is buildingtoward the second annual “Go Dark, Shine Bright” initiative. Sponsored by the D. L. Moody Center (moodycenter.org), one of the nation’s top spiritual renewal destinations, the inaugural initiative in 2021 reported 20,000 participants and 100,000 people experiencing the gospel. Participates are even more eager this year as well, with 10,000 people already signed up for the social media fast and an anticipated 250,000 being impacted by the Good News of Jesus Christ.

James Spencer, president of D. L. Moody Center, stated, “The ‘Go Dark, Shine Bright’ project is a Christian ministry devoted to helping believers give God a central place in their lives, grow their faith, and share the gospel through a conscious approach to social media.”

Set to launch on the National Day of Prayer, the campaign kicks off Thursday, May 5 with a 10-day social-media fast, where participants will trade time on their apps for time in scripture and personal reflection. Communal prayer will take place both online and in-person at locations across New England, including the D. L. Moody Center. After completing the fast, each participant will be challenged to share the gospel with five people.

The groundbreaking initiative was inspired by recent insights into the potentially negative effects of social media on users’ mental health. But while the campaign was designed to give participants a break from social apps, the goal is not to abandon social media entirely, but to encourage thoughtful engagement instead of detachment.

Spencer noted, “When we make space for the light of God to shine through, we are amazed at what He illuminates in our lives. But the more distracted we are, the harder it is to look with eyes that see and listen with ears that hear.”

The campaign’s name is inspired by D. L. Moody himself, who stated, “In the place God has put us, He expects us to shine, to be living witnesses, to be a bright and shining light. While we are here our work is to shine for Him.”

In addition to providing online support and in-person prayer groups, the D. L. Moody Center is offering practical guidelines for Christians who desire to engage with social media in a way that reflects both their beliefs and values.

Spencer concluded, “The ‘Go Dark, Shine Bright’ campaign was created out of the conviction that the church needs to step away from the world of social media to pray and study. It is not intended to suggest that God’s people should abandon social media altogether. Rather, the campaign is designed to remind us that, as Christians, we are to be strange in the right ways wherever we are.”

The D. L. Moody Center is excited to announce the launch of their new 10-day bible plan, Living As If God Exists (Because He Does), on the Bible app YouVersion. Inspired by the ‘Go Dark, Shine Bright’ campaign, the D. L. Moody Center’s bible plan will challenge readers to set aside stories that keep the Lord at arm’s length by engaging in practices that will ground their life in God’s story. People may use the bible plan during the social media fast or any time of the year.

The D.L. Moody Center is an independent non-profit organization located in Northfield, Massachusetts. Dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Dwight Moody, the D. L. Moody Center is a catalyst for spiritual formation in New England and beyond through evangelism and discipleship.  

As a destination for spiritual renewal, the D. L. Moody Center is not a school. Nevertheless, there is much to learn by studying D. L. Moody and what God accomplished through his life which began in New England, at the Northfield, Massachusetts campus, the heart of Moody’s ministry as well as his childhood home.  

The D. L. Moody Center is honored to sponsor the annual “Go Dark, Shine Bright” ministry campaign in partnership with The Shine Bright Project. The innovative initiative is designed to help Christians let go of the daily distractions of social media and focus on daily devotions in the Word of God. 

Learn more about D. L. Moody Center by visiting moodycenter.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Twitter.

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