One of the unexpected results of the pandemic has been the expansion of online-church opportunities. Even small churches like our own were able to use inexpensive tools and software to broadcast streaming worship services – without a technical crew! But is this a useful expansion to the church’s ministry and outreach – or a distraction, or even an enemy, to real worship and fellowship?
Join us for this discussion as we seek a Biblical balance about church broadcasts of all sort – and how to make the best use of them!
Passages of Interest
Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Acts 2:42, 46-47 – And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. … So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.
Mention of believers gathering as churches in private homes:
Romans 16:3,5 – Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, … Likewise greet the church that is in their house
1 Corinthians 16:19 – Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Colossians 4:15 – Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.
Philemon 1:1,2 – To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, … and to the church in your house:
Upcoming Events
We’ll be speaking at several conferences and events this year … here’s a partial list:
- March 18-19, 2022 – Metamora, Ill. – Peoria Area Association of Christian Homeschoolers Convention
- March 31-April 2, 2022 – Round Rock, Tex. – Teach Them Diligently
- April 30, 2022 – ONLINE – Association of Christian Parent Educators of Quebec virtual conference
- May 5-7, 2022 – Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – Teach Them Diligently
- May 26-28, 2022 – Orlando, Fla. – Florida Homeschool Convention (Florida Parent Educators Association)
- June 9-11, 2022 – Richmond, Va. – Virginia Homeschool Convention (Home Educators Association of Virginia)
- June 17-18, 2022 – Salem, Ore. – Oregon Christian Home Education Conference (OCEANetwork)
If you’d like to have us speak at your church, conference, or other group, CLICK HERE to find out more!
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I think that online churches are great for people like me who are 100% disabled and diagnosed as Allergic to modern life. I can’t list all the things that I am allergic to but the big one is fragrances which could kill me. I tell my children they need to physically go to church because that is What Hashem wants them to do. Our church went online when the government said we could not go to physical church and I think that was wrong. No man or woman has the right to tell us when and where we can go to church.
We know what you mean about sensitivity to fragrances – we have friends with asthma, and it’s been difficult for them to travel with all the extra surface cleaners in use. Good for you, making sure your children are in church even if you’re prevented!
I attend a fairly large church with multiple campuses (100-1000+ people attend per service depending on campus) that has broadcasted for a long time. In the last few years, they have really expanded to broadcast services to social media (FB and YouTube). They have had viewership all over the US and Egypt (we also have a campus/community in Egypt, Jordan, and an offshoot from Egypt expanding to Alexandria). Their thought towards broadcasting is to meet people where they are, whether that is online or in person. They do encourage people to attend church, join a church family, and build a community group to connect with during the week. In the past couple of years, especially post Covid, our church has really pushed towards showing who the church is and should be to the community. They did food drives, raised money for child services to answer the immediate needs of that community, and encouraged volunteering in the community. They were able to buy the rest of the “angel tree” Christmas needs so no one was left out that season.
So I guess all that extra information to say that online is a good option. Small churches might be concerned it will split there current crowd, but in reality it can be used to reach shut-ins and be used to advertise the church to a larger crowd. My church occasionally advertises services on radio, possibly advertises on FB and YouTube, and usually advertises a billboard near the church.
My church started from a large church that essentially lost most of their members. The preacher didn’t want to be the preacher, (he had been a youth minister and had tried to start a church with a group previously..it succeeded but he didn’t want to be there anymore) so he made up a long list of things he would want to change if he accepted role that would surely change their mind. The biggest thing was “killing the church” brand, and starting fresh, like “planting a seed”. He said he knew he was going to be there when he walked out of the plane, but he didn’t want to do it. They said yes so he reluctantly said yes. I didn’t really mean to make this all about “my church,” but it is part of the reason why my husband has connected with this church. He was previously unchurched. He had been to church, even ran audio for churches,, but it was churches meant for church people and people that grew up in church. He said he feels like he actually learns and connects. He also runs audio/broadcast for this church. He tells me what the sermons are about some days, because I am terrible at paying attention and he has listened to the service once already before I get there. They have 2 services, rather than Sunday school. They encourage sermon during one service and serving during the other.