In the Fall of 2021 there was a lot of talk about the Metaverse in ministry circles. Why? Because Meta (formerly known as Facebook) made a big presentation about it and how they were going to invest billions into their VR platform, known as the metaverse. Coupled this with what Apple, Google and Amazon were already doing and there was some real momentum. But, a lot of discussion in the ministry circles were why or why you wouldn't do it. It reminded me so much of the "is online ministry real ministry" discussion that still goes on to this day.
Now, we are well into 2022 and the debate seems to have faded a bit. But, the question remains, is the Metaverse worth exploring for your Church? Here are 3 reasons why I believe the answer to that question is "YES"!
1. The Metaverse is NOT a fad. Remember Clubhouse? It started really hot but then, just like other "hot" social platforms, it eventually failed down the road. What separates the metaverse from others is the financial backing is immense. In fact, ever since Meta's announcement about the metaverse, more and more businesses have announce their investment in virtual reality. Here are 8 businesses who have invested a lot. Big business and tech was NOT investing in Clubhouse like they are investing in the metaverse.
2. It's cheap to start doing ministry. When your Church is thinking of launching another Campus or investing in a Church Plant, there is a lot of money involved. But not for metaverse or virtual reality ministry. In fact, you don't even need a VR headset to start doing ministry there. You can start exploring the metaverse on a laptop or smartphone. That's all you need! Even if you needed a headset, it's less than $500 to get a quality headset and apps/programs to start exploring in. And now, Open Resources is providing Metaverse Building Plans for you to build your own ministry area or Church in the metaverse for FREE!
3. The mission field is ripe for harvest. The people who are in the metaverse are searching for answers. They are having real conversations. And, they are not searching for those answers in Churches. We send missionaries all around the world and in digital spaces. The metaverse is no different. This is a place where digital missionaries can go and interact with people. Hopefully, throughout the conversations people will hear about Jesus and come to know Him as Savior. There are over 171 million virtual reality users right now. The mission field is ripe for spiritual conversations and discussions.
The Metaverse is being invested in by companies across the world. People are entering it and exploring. And, it doesn't cost much to invest in it as a Church. For all these reasons, I believe that it is 100% worth exploring as a Church and, just as missionaries all over the world, make an eternal difference in the lives of the next generation.
What do you think? Why else should your Church or ministry be exploring the Metaverse this year? Share your ideas below or on social media.
Also, if you are interested in being a Digital Missionary or want to learn digital tools to expand your reach in ministry this year, join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook Group!
Be part of a Phygital, Digital-Only or Metaverse coaching or cohort, check out The Church Digital Equipping Store.
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