WHY ONLINE CHURCH? WHY NOW?

“Once again, Jesus spoke to the people.

This time he said, “I am the light for the world!

Follow me, and you won't be walking in the dark.

You will have the light that gives life.”

John 8:12

One can't deny the tremendous benefits that have come globally and to the church through technological advancements, especially in digital technology. However, if we use digital technology for God's glory, we can go further by knowing our technology is being used for Godly purposes to help establish biblical priorities. Following Jesus doesn't need to be circumstantial. You can follow Jesus regardless of race, culture, or economic status. It doesn't matter what degrees of mental, physical, and psychological abilities you might have. Unity and love for one another know no boundaries and can be displayed by all.

Why online, you ask? To hear God's word only requires a smartphone or computer or access to one person willing to share the Good News. If a population does not have access, they can still listen to the teachings through other groups. That's the beauty of access and technology. Regardless of family-level differences or differences in smaller and bigger communities, one can still find individual access to hearing God's Word online. The possibilities are endless through a broad digital reach. Access is not a problem. You can easily watch sermons within a few clicks from your laptop or a few taps on your mobile phone. Technology makes translations and cultural context easier. If physical limitations stop one from hearing God's word, we can make it possible with online sign language or auditory description technology.

Our society has faced significant mental, spiritual, physical, and economic challenges. Therefore, displaying the church's unity and love for each other digitally through people, including far-fetched communities, is needed now more than ever. Society is ready and eager to be filled with the Good News!

How can believers who see each other through their screens work together effectively and as a unified team? A united community in the digital world can work as long as our goals and beliefs align and we genuinely care for one another. We view our differences as an expression of the image of God coming together to lift the name of Jesus.