It seems that most major denominational and all major religious traditions have an online church these days.
Flying back from Atlanta a couple months ago, I logged into a church website, listened to a preacher, downloaded the message guide, and chatted with an internet pastor on the message board who told me 20 states were watching with me. What a crazy world we live in to be involved in an internet church 20,000 feet in the air.
Where two or more are logged online, there I am with them...? (my 21st century version of Matthew 18:20.) Can a Biblically faithful church (Ekklesia) gathering take place online? Put differently, was this a picture of what Christ envisioned the New Testament church? Surely, this is an advantageous outlet for those who are home bound and physically unable to attend church; but, does this model translate for all people?
The simple reality is that ekklesia (found 90 times in the NT) refers to an actual physical assembly. The Universal Ekklesia is referred to only 13 times. However, can that definition be placed under the congruency of online church? Some say yes, but must treat the definition rather loosely. Another difficulty for online churches is the administration of the ordinances (Baptism and Lord’s Supper) At the very least, we must agree that online church is not the optimal level of biblical community.
What do you think about this matter?
I totally agree with you Chad. There are certainly uses for the online church, but it can't replace corporate worship. I know it's not the same thing, but I enjoy some of the teachers/preachers on t.v., along with my local church, such as Andy Stanley.
ReplyDeleteDoug, you are right, there are great advantages for online/tv church, but not at the expense of a corporate worship experience with real people. therein could be a pneumatology discussion. Does the spirit move in the same way through these variety of venues?
ReplyDeleteYes...and no.. The same spirit goes with us everywhere and we worship the same God every time and everywhere. Individually I can be moved by the spirit whether at home or church, but if the personal relationship (though absolutely important) could cancel out corporate worship Jesus would never have said, "Where two or more are gathered in my name..." Having watched great services and also attended, the spirituality of a room full of people worshiping in spirit and truth takes the cake!
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