One thing the pandemic has taught churches all over the world is the importance of quality online content for their ministries. After the lockdown hit nearly two years ago, pastors were suddenly scrambling to update their web sites, purchase web cameras, and set up Facebook accounts to enable Sunday services to be live streamed. In short order YouTube was inundated with teaching videos and worship gatherings, and Zoom meetings became the norm for church staff meetings and Bible studies. Three months into the pandemic, Barna research group reported that 96% of pastors indicated they were streaming their services online. However, a closer look revealed that 32% of Christians who typically attended a live worship service at least once a month had not watched any online service during that time. Some churches saw a significant rise in their number of online followers, increasing their reach beyond their city limits to viewers around the globe, while others ultimately shut down due to lack of support. Using these metrics, we can surmise that greater emphasis on the online worship experience has gained new followers, but lost some old ones - which is disconcerting.
To be sure, for all of the annoyances related to the internet, the advancement of the Gospel through technology is certainly a blessing. For some, online worship may be a helpful solution to taking in a service, when work schedules or travel plans interfere with physically attending the church. In the case of the lockdown, online services became the only option to worship with fellow believers, other than those in our immediate "bubble". The point of this article is not to rail against online ministry, which has proven to be helpful and effective. Rather, I want to drill down on what the Bible has to say about gathering as the family of God. Hebrews 10:24 says "let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works". Ok, we can certainly accomplish this online; Zoom meetings, text messages, emails - all of which can be used to encourage each other in our faith. But then verse 25 goes on to say, "not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting (encouraging) one another, and so much the more as you see the Day (of Christ's return) approaching." It's tough to get around the Bible's instruction to physically come together - though possibly an argument could be made that being "together" online is the next best thing.
As a person, a Christian, and a local church pastor I truly believe that nothing else compares to in-person gatherings where we can worship live together. As nice as it may seem to worship in front of the tv in our pajamas, God moves in powerful ways when we come together "in one accord" (Acts 2), and He created us for fellowship - both with Himself, and with one another! This is why solitary confinement is such a powerful tool of deterrent for inmates incarcerated in our prison system today; the lack of social interaction can drive a person to madness. Thankfully when businesses, churches, and sporting events were suspended during the height of the pandemic, connectivity through technology helped to ease the frustration, providing the opportunity for people to virtually enjoy large events - not to mention keeping in touch with loved ones who we were separated from. Social media helped bridge the gap in our relational needs, yet somehow failed to fill the gap fully. At least most people were still able to connect personally in small circles and one on one, though the same could not be said of our senior community shut up in care facilities. It was a time of great excitement and celebration when restrictions were finally lifted, and we could come together again!
In short, I am thankful for the quality online Christian resources and expressions of worship that we enjoy today (of which this blog is a part!) God is using these tools to extend the reach of the local church, and touch many souls for His kingdom. That being said, I believe online services should serve as an onramp for people to get involved in a local church, especially when live gatherings are available. We don't simply attend church to see what we can get from it; we go in order to give to others as well - hope, encouragement, care, prayer, and camaraderie as we worship together as the family of God. The Lord is the one who designed the church, and He commissioned us to work together in love until He returns!
