While Online Ministry has existed long before Covid hit the world, it has highly been a controversial ministry. Many ministry leaders and Church attendees love and value it. However, there are many ministry leaders who devalue the impact and importance of Online Ministry. It has been and looks like it will continue to be a polarizing ministry.
Because of this, I asked different ministry leaders from a variety of backgrounds to share how they have seen the impact of Online Ministry. Or, to share the potential that Online Ministry has for others. Here are their responses.
"Our church has come to realize that online worship services add value to our engaged members who can't attend that week, keeps uncommitted regular attenders or disengaged members in the loop, and simultaneously reaches new people in our community." - Jay Kranda - Online Community Pastor at Saddleback Church
"It’s common to think that online ministry is all about reaching “the next generation.” And yes Gen Z is heavily digital. Yet, here’s what I’ve seen. When I’ve researched the congregations of churches I work with, I see people of all ages expecting… hoping… needing their church to be present and engage with them digitally." - Tammy Burdick - Firm Foundations Marketing
"Digital works best not when pastors do ministry, but when pastors empower others to do ministry." - Jeff Reed - Director of Metaverse Church NEXT, Leadership Network
"Online ministry is just like any other ministry. It’s about reaching people where they are with what you have. The online audience are distributed and often overlooked when it comes to ministry but they just as valuable. It’s time we start realizing that online ministry is ministry, it just looks different." - Katie Allred - Meta Partner Management Lead, Communities NA & Faith Global
"Online ministry helped me try out a bunch of churches during the pandemic that helped me find the church my family and I have been attending and serving at. Online helps us feel welcomed before we step foot into a building. It has also given me opportunities to connect to God and grow my faith. From small messages of encouragement, listening to sermons, small devotionals to spending time with people digitally to encourage one another." - Cory Sullivan - Rally Youth
"The best remote asynchronous disciple making technology we have is the Bible. Let's catch up to how that tech was architected." - Jason Moore
"I know a teenager who wanted to hurt himself, but called the youth pastor instead because of an Instagram post. I know several who have received God’s healing through guided worship music steamed online. I even met a young man who found Christ within the metaverse. It’s not a question of should there be online ministry, but who will be there to receive the people who are hurting. And I pray it’s your church, not another wolf in sheep’s clothing." - Justin Nava - Nava Church Marketing
"Online ministry has allowed me to further my theological education. For example, some may offer courses and Bible studies that are highly resourceful and helpful. The benefit to explore theological education online has greatly contributed to my spiritual growth" - Jeremy Zach
"Those that think in terms of online vs offline ministry have already failed. Church online isn't binary. It should integrate both because people interact using both. The average person spends 8 hours 14 minutes per day with digital when they are awake. Why is church online and digital ministry still a question? Screens are the new mission field. No mosquito pills or shots required." - Kenny Jahng
As you can see, Online Ministry is making a difference. Let's continue to make the investment in this critical area so we can be sharing more stories like these above in the years to come.
What do you think? How have you seen people impacted by online ministry? Share your ideas below or on social media.
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