When the coronavirus lockdown started, some churches really had to scramble to get set up for streaming church services, online giving, and a whole new way of ministering. The way people reacted ran the gamut from freaked out to not a big deal, but over time more and more people have either decided virtual church services are a viable option from here forward or have fallen away from worship services all together.
A “Pew survey and a survey by the Public Religion Research Institute found that one-third or more of those who had previously attended church regularly were not bothering to watch online services.”
Alistair Begg has entered the conversation with some thought-provoking and challenging thoughts in an email he sent out regarding an announcement he made concerning the livestream of Parkside’s (his church) Sunday service.
“Our reason for this change is that Truth For Life is committed to the ministry of the local church, and we regard our role as supplemental to the hard work of the local pastor. I am a pastor, and my concern, along with my colleagues, is for the flock under our care. We want to do nothing that would hinder the work taking place Sunday by Sunday in local congregations.
The reason for our decision lies in the growing number of listeners who, by their testimony, are growing quite comfortable with a digital experience. Life has changed dramatically during the last year, and changes that initially felt temporary are beginning to become settled patterns.”
He went on to explain that he understood the importance of people needing to utilize virtual services due to being homebound, but was concerned with people who were choosing not to attend weekly meetings for comfort or convenience.
“These unusual days provide us with an opportunity to examine what we understand and believe about the local church.”
So, what do we believe is the purpose of the local church? Do we believe we can fulfill what God has called us to as His body from our homes? Do we really believe we need each other to do this work? One of the risks of virtual church is the alienation of believers from each other. It becomes easier and easier to isolate ourselves spiritually as we’re distancing ourselves socially. It also becomes easier to fill our time with other things as we start to get out of the habit of going to church services. It’s a slippery slope, and there’s so much to be lost. While we can and should be so thankful for the technology that kept us connected when it was necessary, we also have to remember the importance of meeting together as Hebrews 10 says.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10.24-25
What are your thoughts about this? Have you found yourself longing to get back to in-person services, or have you enjoyed the comfort of church from home?
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