I’ve been using my iPhone to take sermon notes in church. I just use the standard ‘Notes’ app, but there’s lot of other options for the iPhone note-taker.  In church we provide paper note-pads for people to take notes but I’ve found it preferable to use the iPhone because:

1. I don’t have to worry about losing the piece of paper with my notes,
2. I can easily email the note I created to (either to myself - to store in some other location, or to someone else - for their encouragement), and
3. I don’t have to find a sharp pencil to write with!

Here’s my dilemma.

Is my use of the iPhone as a note-taking device a source of potential discouragement for others?

I’m concerned that people (the preacher and other people in the gathering) might look at me tapping away on my phone and think that I’m sending a text message or searching the web. I’m concerned that they might be encouraged to use their phone for ignoble purposes, or (in the case of the preacher) be discouraged that I’m not listening.

I can assure the preacher in advance that I really am listening and taking notes, but I speak with everyone in the church and tell them that when they see me on my phone I’m actually taking notes and not looking up the movie times.

How should I love my brothers and sisters with my use of this technology? Refrain or maintain?