On Wednesday Night, Jun 12^th , we will discuss “Virtual Church.” I was recently sent a USA Today article about Online or Virtual Church. Virtual church is supposed to be the alternative to going to real church. This new way of doing church is considered to be necessary because so many people are dropping out of church. USA Today quotes a Gallup poll that shows American church attendance dropping from 70% to 50% in just 20 years.  Online church allows people to hear the gospel who might not even consider going to a “brick and mortar” church building. Online church is also more cost effective. Computer generated churches are cheaper to operate than building real sanctuaries which are expensive to construct and maintain and are only used for 2 or 3 hours per week.

To attend virtual church you do not need to go anywhere. You can even be a “bedside Baptist” – worshipping at home while still in your pajamas. All you need is a computer and a Virtual Reality headset.

First, you must make an Avatar for yourself (which is a graphic image that allows you to interact in cyberspace.) Your avatar can interact with other people’s avatars. In a real church, you normally interact with people who live near your church. In virtual church, your avatar may interact with people from around the world. You can have sermons visually illustrated with graphics and video. You can pray for fellow members by pressing your thumb against a prayer “emoji” on the screen of your electronic device. One online church even allows your avatar to be baptized in a simulated pool at the virtual church.  And of course, you can give online.

The USA Today article notes “one of the most common criticisms of digital churches is that it contributes to a growing isolation epidemic” also known as loneliness. One of the online church pastors who also pastors a network of real satellite churches says he encourages his members to attend an actual local church.

This online church idea seems to be catching on with the younger generation and appears to be the model for the church of the future.

What do you think?  Are you ready for virtual church?

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