Online Churches
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Can (or should) a church function entirely online?
- Is this healthy?[/*:m]
- What stories have you heard?[/*:m]
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Sunday, June 10, 2007
#2
Re: Online Churches
I'm curious, how would this work? Would there be a choir? Musicians? Would there ever be a building fund? Would I still get the holy ghost during online church?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
#3
Re: Online Churches
It would work on some aspects but you'll be missing an important part of service...physically assembling with those of like mind. Granted you can do that online, but it would be a tad remote and some people NEED that face to face contact. I'm not kicking it as a 'better than nothing' option, but for me I enjoy hanging out with the saints outside the church and GASP...their actually human (act stupid, get mad, laugh, play basketball, yell at the kids, etc) and not divine :D
It's possible... I actually toyed with the idea of starting one myself a while back... but upon more thought, I began to weigh the pros & cons of it all
the good:
1) fellowship is available 24/7 (chat room + forum)
2) would allow people worldwide to participate in a service, esp. those that are unable to physically get to a church or are in countries that are hostile to Christianity... in other words, a global church community
3) creates an opportunity for open and interactive studying of the Word, esp. if online tools are able to be used for displaying media, notes, etc.
the bad:
1) many people would substitute this for going to a physical church
2) people need interaction with other people, face-to-face where they can develop relationships
3) can create a lack of accountability for both the "pastor" and the church's members, as it is worldwide and a church govt. would be hard to establish
4) denomination/doctrinal teachings? considering most ppl would be from various backgrounds...
all in all, it's really a toss up, but i leaned more to the side of it being something that was unhealthy cuz it doesn't promote physical interaction amongst the brethren. it can be good when used for the right reason. but other questions would arise, like... how would the church be funded? if offerings/donations are available, who manages the funds and is held accountable? how do you reach those that don't speak English? what time would services be? how many times a week? how would you do communion? etc.
at this point, i just don't know... a lot to consider, and would definitely be a great responsibility and would require someone very sound in the faith and upstanding.
lj.