An article from Collide has been floating around in a few of my circles this week, in which it has been the subject of some debate… Can real ministry happen online, or is it purely confined to the boundaries of in-person communication?
In my mind, the internet is an incredible tool in empowering the Church to be a church beyond their Sunday and Wednesday programming. I see our members growing and being encouraged weekly through conversations over social media. I see folks using the anonymity of the internet to explore God for the first time and take the first steps to overcoming “shameful” addictions. I listen to my own pastor sermons on demand, and am encouraged by the words of others through various podcasts.
Although it’s no replacement for real personal interaction in meatspace, I think it’s hard to argue that real ministry can’t take place through technology. However, I would argue that the Church is getting good at communicating online, but it’s still in its infancy of using these tools to minister effectively.
I may unpack these thoughts a little more in a future post; in the meantime, what do you think?
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