A "Traditionalists" is defined as "an advocate of maintaining tradition, especially so as to resist change." As a life long baseball fan, I often see these traditionalists whenever a change to the game happens. They are often resistant to the change because it strays from the original game.
Traditionalists can be found in many different areas, including Church circles. Years ago, pre-Covid, whenever tech solutions were offered as a remedy to help minister more effectively, it seemed like the traditionalists created the biggest uproar about it. They easily dismissed a change as not the best way to do ministry. "Church Online will take away from your in person Church". "You can't have real relationships online". "People won't join online life groups". Those were some of the common phrases shared in many church circles by traditionalists regarding online Church.
However, once Covid hit, many Churches went to invest in online ministry. This was, in large part, because they "had to" not because they "wanted to". But Churches found success with online ministry. Covid caused a change and Churches responded. And, they did ministry very effectively and got very good at using technology. But alas, the "traditionalists" mindset never rested and when people could go back to in person everything, it was an easy decision for most Churches. They abandoned what was working for the traditional way. Months and even years of investing in technology was now no longer being utilized.
The reality is the world is a phygital one. It's in person AND digital. It's not one or the other anymore. It's both. While Churches are looking for the best way to meet the needs of people in the community and share Christ with others, there can be more than one solution to the problem. It doesn't have to be all online or all in person. It can be in person here and digital there.
Having a "traditionalist" mindset has stifled discipleship and Church growth for years. Don't let it keep interfering with your Church as you find the best way to minister. Think outside the box and use ALL the tools you have learned over the past few years to meet people where they are so that they can hear about and be changed by the love of Christ. They can discover Christ in person, online AND even the Metaverse. But that's a conversation for another blog post.
What do you think? What are you doing to minister to people the best way possible? Share your ideas below or on social media.
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Through the Digital Church Network we are helping physical and digital churches better understand the discipleship process, and helping churches and church planters understand this and other decentralized mindset shifts. Joining the DCN is free and be encouraged!
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