We live in an electronic age. More and more things are being done online. We pay our bills online. Customer service is handled online. More folks are starting to watch their favorite TV shows, sporting events, and movies online. Email did a lot to expand the electronic influence, but social media has taken things to an entirely different level. We've grown accustomed to electronic human interaction. These days it seems that people would prefer to have online relationships rather than face to face.
It was just a matter of time until the electronic influence made an impact on the future of the local church. Here's what I mean: For generations church-going Christians have attempted to reach the lost with the Gospel of Christ. Many of those attempts were done in person - door-to-door visitation, servanthood evangelism projects, etc. Those same Christians have compelled folks from all walks of life to come and unite themselves with Christ's body - the local church.
Apparently, the invitation to come and assemble with the church is no longer necessary. Some churches are now encouraging their members and guests to stay at home and become a part of their "internet campus." I acknowledge that the idea of an internet campus is nothing new. Colleges and universities have rolled out the virtual red carpet quite a bit over the last decade. But online churches? That's a new one on me.
One church following this trend says that "our internet campus is a place where people can gather online to worship God and invite their friends and family to join them." The idea is that you no longer need to wake up early, put on your "Sunday best," and drive to God's house to worship in person with other believers. Now you can sleep in, pull out your laptop, and worship in your pajamas. You can worship online thru streaming video, you can give online thru secure websites, and you can even fellowship online thru live chats. All this from the comfort of your own bed. What a bargain!
All this begs the question: Should our churches have an address? I'm not talking about a web address - I'm talking about a physical address where people are encouraged to come and assemble together. How does the Bible answer that question? Heb. 10:25 commands us to "forsake not the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some." The verse also says that we are to be "encouraging one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Physically gathering together as the local church is a direct command from God. Failure to do so is nothing short of sin in His sight.
Consider also that when Christ addressed the church in the Book of the Revelation, He addressed the local churches scattered throughout Asia Minor - the churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, etc. Clearly they were in the habit of meeting together. Nearly all the New Testament letters were addressed to local churches. And how often did the early church assemble together? Paul implies that the church at Corinth met together on each Lord's Day (Sunday - 1 Cor. 16:2). Church history confirms that the early church came together for worship on each Lord's Day in honor of Christ's resurrection. The Book of Acts even tells us that the early Christians met together "daily with one accord in the temple" (Acts 2:46). Most preachers I know would be happy to get their folks in God's house just one time a week!
So, should your church have an address? If we believe the Bible, then the answer has to be yes. I know there will be those who object to what I've written. Already I have anticipated some of those objections and will attempt to answer them in a follow-up post. Here's the question I think we really need to answer: What is motivating the existence of an "online church?" I'm sure there are a variety of answers, but in my estimation the primary motivator is selfishness. We have become so consumed with our own comforts and desires that frankly we're not interested in how God says church should be done. More to come on this final thought very soon.
We have become so consumed with our own comforts and desires that frankly we're not interested in how God says church should be done.
ReplyDeleteI hope you expand on this in ways that apply to the plethora of churches in Morristown. Comfort isn't just pajamas. For many it's dress clothes, smiling faces, subdued worship (raise your hands if you're in the mood), no dancing with excitement and joy, tithing 10.000% (and maybe Lotti Moon if we're feeling generous), $40.00 Sunday afternoon lunch, $30.00 for a new easter dress, and pretending everything is okay. But Hey, at least they're getting through the door! Wouldn't want to be like those pajama people. :) I mean if they stay at home in bed how will God really see their hearts? How will we encourage them since we can't talk to them on the phone, or email, or txt, or skype?
I recognize the harsh and sarcastic tone of my comment, but hope you are examining the lack of innovation of the masses, alongside your criticism of those who are experimenting with new ways to worship.
Sarcastic though it may be, you make my point Kayla. We already have way too many sins and shortcomings in our existing churches. Why would we want to continue to muddy the waters? Furthermore, encouraging folks to stay home and worship is not an experiment - it is blatant disobedience to God's Word. It's just another attempt to appease the carnality of our people. Rather than lowering the standard, it's time to start raising it. Think about it - if what you're implying is true, why would anyone want to attend church at all? Let's all become pajama people!
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