Inspiring Spirituality Online

By David Tonen • April 9th, 2010

“The Church of Facebook”.  Churches are increasingly making use of technology to reach people in fresh ways with the Gospel message.  Earlier this week, CNN did a quick story on Joel Hunter and Northland Church in Florida – this church has created a Facebook App (or application) that people can use to worship online.

I personally think that using technology in creative ways to reach people who are not going to church is an exciting way to leverage new media for greater impact.  Hunter says in the interview “a building means nothing – people can worship anywhere“.  While that is true, in the CNN story, they also interviewed John Acuff who challenges that online church is no substitute for genuine church community.

This of course is an emerging great debate.  Many churches are now using technology to broadcast their church services and message live online.  Watch the short piece CNN did, and please feel free to share your thoughts on the impact this has on a new generation of people who may choose to substitute “physical church” with the experience of an online church community.  In your opinion what are the pros and cons of “church” this way?

Comments(2) Marketing, Media, Ministry, Technology
  • Bryan

    3 thoughts from this.

    It’s great to use technology to get the message out to as many as possible.

    It’s best for those who follow Christ to participate and serve in person. The Internet does not provide the same spiritual growth.

    Given #2, why is it necessary to verbalize this as a “you should do this” sentiment. Shouldn’t the benefits be apparent? People crave community, go to church regularly, and still crave community.

    There’s still room to improve in how we do things.

  • http://ianjuby.org Ian Juby

    No doubt we need to make effective use of the internet in reaching out. However, the point of not forsaking the assembly of the brethren is precisely the reason that some people won’t step into a “church.” Being around your brothers and sisters in Christ brings out your faults and their faults, exposing those faults so that Christ may heal. We don’t like having our faults exposed, aggravated, or challenged.

    Sure some of this can still by done by virtual church, and growth can still happen. It’d also be great for people who cannot attend church for physical reasons – it’s a professionally done video service.

    There’s also a loss in communication via email. I find (for example) that people misunderstand and fly off the handle way faster by email then even in a written letter – let alone in person. People tend to make complete idiots of themselves far more often by email then any other way. And there’s a lack of accountability.

    But like I said – there’s no doubt this is something we should be doing nonetheless, and it’s great to see lifebridge doing this by providing the sermons online.

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