Online Church: The Future or the Past?

Online church services have been a staple in many congregations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as we witness more congregants returning to physical church buildings, many church leaders are pondering their investment into digital ministry. What are the limitations of online church, and should it still play a central role in our ministry? 

In 2017, just one year into my church planting journey, I was entrusted with the responsibility of live streaming our Sunday evening services on Facebook. I had little experience with video (or technology, for that matter), but I had a knack for making things work. The very next Sunday, I propped up my personal iPhone on a small tripod in the front of the sanctuary, and we went live on Facebook. It was a modest beginning, but it was a way to broadcast our services to those unable to attend our church in-person. 

As time progressed, my team and I honed our live streaming skills and developed a more sophisticated system. We believed that online church was an important outreach tool, serving both our congregants and people who happened to stumble across our live stream. In-person service remained the heart and soul of our Sunday ministry, but online platforms became a valuable supplement. 

A Seismic Shift in Church Ministry

When the pandemic rolled around just a few years later, however, the landscape of church ministry underwent a seismic shift. (Trust me, I’m tired of talking about the pandemic, too. But it continues to have a HUGE impact on both how we do ministry and the people we minister to!)

Prior to the pandemic, a significant portion of Protestant pastors – a full 41% – did not engage in live streaming their services or sharing online. At the time, the concept of digital church experiences had not yet gained widespread acceptance or recognition as an essential component of ministry. 

By the time April 2020 rolled around, however, a remarkable transformation had occurred. In response to challenges posed by the pandemic, an overwhelming 97% percent of Protestant pastors were offering online video sermons or worship services. 

The pandemic marked a fundamental shift in the perception of online church; it went from an outreach tool to an outright necessity. The landscape of ministry was forever changed as pastors embraced a variety of digital platforms to maintain connection and engagement with their congregations.

If you were a church leader in 2020, you were front and center for this shift. Perhaps you were an early adopter of online ministry – recognizing its potential even before the pandemic struck – or perhaps you were thrust into the digital realm due to circumstances beyond your control. Regardless of how you got to this point, church leaders everywhere are now faced with important questions about the future of online ministry and the level of investment it warrants in the post-pandemic era. 

In-Person Ministry Is Back

While online church served as a viable alternative to in-person gatherings during the pandemic, recent research conducted by the Barna Group sheds light on the prevailing sentiment among Christians regarding the role of online church.

‍The findings reveal that many Christians do not perceive online church as a desirable substitute for in-person gatherings. In fact, a significant 40 percent of Christians express their reluctance to continue attending their church if services were to transition exclusively to online platforms.

Furthermore, the research underscores the deep value that Christians place on building community through physical interactions. A staggering 7 in 10 Christians emphasize that the act of fostering meaningful connections is more profound and impactful when experienced in-person. This sentiment resonates across various aspects of church life, from the significance of children's ministry to the warm reception of visitors and the provision of both physical and emotional support. These activities are universally seen as more meaningful and effective when conducted face-to-face.

Online Ministry Still Matters

Does all of this mean that pastors should stop investing resources in online church in favor of in-person services? The answer is decidedly no. In fact, it would be a mistake to completely move away from the digital space! Online ministry has become an integral part of many individuals' lives, and it is worth noting that some Christians, comprising 3 out of 10, say they learn from sermons just as well whether they are in-person or online.

As an avid podcast listener myself, I can attest to have grown significantly in my understanding of the Bible because of digital content that I listened to while driving, running, or cleaning my room. Online ministry may not be a 1 to 1 substitute for in-person ministry, but it can certainly serve as an important supplement.  

Online church's global accessibility is also a significant advantage. Through digital platforms, people can participate in worship services, join Bible studies, and access sermons from anywhere in the world. This is particularly beneficial for those with physical limitations, living in remote areas, or having busy schedules that make attending in-person services challenging. Online church breaks down geographical barriers and allows individuals to engage with faith communities they may not have encountered otherwise.

Moreover, the digital realm provides a platform for innovative and creative expressions of worship. Online church leverages multimedia elements, creative visuals, and artistic presentations to enhance the worship experience. If the digital world is a mission field (which it is), the church’s presence in the online space matters greatly. 

And lastly, the online church platform can be an incredible missional bridge to reach people who may not otherwise choose to walk through front doors. In this way, your digital presence continues to serve as a virtual front door into the life of your church. If people choose to enter and engage, they are far more likely to one day step through the doors of your physical church building. 

A Quick (But Important) Note:

Importantly, online ministry is not synonymous with live streaming. Depending on the size and preferences of your congregation, you might find it more effective to share sermon clips on YouTube or create engaging media content for Instagram than to live stream your entire service. The key is to be intentional and find the online avenues that resonate with your community and the people you want to reach. 

The Hybrid Church is Here to Stay

So what does all this mean for church leaders today? Over the last several years, digital mentorship became a substitute for coffee shop Bible studies, and podcasts replaced communal gatherings. As the world now adjusts to more normal rhythms, it is important that we return to a place of balance between in-person and online ministry.

The future of the church lies in a hybrid approach, blending digital engagement with in-person community. This requires intentional effort and a focus on reestablishing healthy rhythms of in-person interaction. Genuine connections with people should not be sacrificed for the convenience of digital platforms, and digital platforms should be approached with the same care and intentionality that we approach any outreach or missions ministry.

Looking for more resources to support your ministry in 2023? Breeze has everything from a free social media bundle to a VBS resource guide… and more! Check out the resources here.