In our digital age, where convenience is king and consumerism pervades even the most sacred spaces, the concept of “online church” and the rise of “seeker churches” threatens to completely redefine what the church is for a generation of believers.
Thanks Pastor Clary for raising this timely issue. I also appreciated your supporting article on contextualization too.
I agree, of paramount importance to face to face church life is the “one another” ministering.
“Serve one another, love one another, speak to one another, pray for one another, exhort one another”.
I believe the main reason the transition from church building attendance to virtual was so instantly, and naturally accepted by a large portion of church goers the last few years was the lack of “one another” caring in the church building setting.
Those who choose to be a follower of Jesus demand requirements(what Jesus action will you do Monday through Saturday that demonstrates you are a believer?), but the emphasis of most churches is grace.
Sermons are limited to a short list of texts(not those that would make people feel uncomfortable/called on, or question their salvation).
How many times have you heard that everyone of us should visit our neighbors/co-parishioners when they’re in the hospital(Matthew 25:36)?
Most members believe that is the job of their Pastor.
We live in a day where people interact with others less than ever before.
But Jesus challenges us, “the church should be in the world, but not of it”(John 17:14,18).
Exceptional post. When I read the first part, I was going to add that online stuff can be a useful supplement, but you even got to that as well. Thank you for your well thought out post.
We don't need to worry about this. Paul plants, Apollo's waters and God gives the growth. A living God will bring people to Him, whether that's through their TV, phone, or seeker sensitive church. When the word goes out, it doesn't return void. I don't think most people will stay plopped in front of a screen. If they listen to the Spirit, she'll bring them to a relationship with others IRL.
“…to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”
Thanks Pastor Clary for raising this timely issue. I also appreciated your supporting article on contextualization too.
I agree, of paramount importance to face to face church life is the “one another” ministering.
“Serve one another, love one another, speak to one another, pray for one another, exhort one another”.
I believe the main reason the transition from church building attendance to virtual was so instantly, and naturally accepted by a large portion of church goers the last few years was the lack of “one another” caring in the church building setting.
Those who choose to be a follower of Jesus demand requirements(what Jesus action will you do Monday through Saturday that demonstrates you are a believer?), but the emphasis of most churches is grace.
Sermons are limited to a short list of texts(not those that would make people feel uncomfortable/called on, or question their salvation).
How many times have you heard that everyone of us should visit our neighbors/co-parishioners when they’re in the hospital(Matthew 25:36)?
Most members believe that is the job of their Pastor.
We live in a day where people interact with others less than ever before.
But Jesus challenges us, “the church should be in the world, but not of it”(John 17:14,18).
Exceptional post. When I read the first part, I was going to add that online stuff can be a useful supplement, but you even got to that as well. Thank you for your well thought out post.
Thanks Christy!
The relevant / seeker model 😣 ❤️🩹 😈 🎸 🇺🇲 🪦
What is your opinion of women wearing head coverings in church?
Ummm that’s kinds of off topic dontcha think?
The unfortunate truth is that if in-person church was having any meaningful impact on people’s lives it could never be “replaced” with online church.
We don't need to worry about this. Paul plants, Apollo's waters and God gives the growth. A living God will bring people to Him, whether that's through their TV, phone, or seeker sensitive church. When the word goes out, it doesn't return void. I don't think most people will stay plopped in front of a screen. If they listen to the Spirit, she'll bring them to a relationship with others IRL.
“…to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”
Titus 3:1-3 KJV