Beyond the Event

Confiscate every phone or teach teens to use them well? We talk with Matt Stevens from Calvary Christian Church in Omaha about a wiser middle path that keeps safety high, communication clear, and discipleship central—using one shared channel for coordination, setting simple expectations (phones away in session, focused small groups), and building a culture where parents are looped in, leaders are visible, and students model the standard. Instead of a lockbox approach, Matt offers practical guardrails—clear non-negotiables and a consistent “if it becomes a problem” plan—that turn devices from distractions into tools and help form disciples who can live wisely in a digital world.