Thousands taking part in historic social media blackout

May 9, 2022

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The “Go Dark, Shine Bright” social media blackout is currently underway, with thousands of people participating around the world who are willing to give up time online so they may witness to people face-to-face. Sponsored by the D. L. Moody Center (moodycenter.org), one of the nation’s top spiritual renewal destinations, the inaugural initiative in 2021 included thousands of people taking part in the effort to fast social media and share the gospel with others.

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.”

‘Go Dark, Shine Bright’ is inspired by the famed evangelist 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.”

Launched on May 5, the National Day of Prayer, this year’s campaign features a 10-day social media fast where participants are encouraged to trade time on their social media apps for time in scripture and personal reflection. Once the blackout wraps on May 15, each participant will be challenged to share the gospel with 5 people, resulting in hundreds of thousands hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

To enhance the experience, the D. L. Moody Center is providing participants with a variety of resources and support, including a social media fasting guide, prayer guide and both online and in-person forums for communal prayer.

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 shared, “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.”

As one participant shared, “The fast has drawn me closer to the Lord than I have been in a long time. Thank you for spurring so many of us to Go Dark so we could see what we were missing. And now to Shine Bright!”

The D. L. Moody Center is thrilled 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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