Nov
03
2009
Church Online?
Speaking of ecclesiology, I came across a rather disturbing article this morning in The Washington Times. Titled, "Internet Full of Believers: Offshoots of Churches Are Sprouting on the Web," it documents a (trend?) toward online worship services. From the article:
The World Wide Web has become the hottest place to build a church. A growing number of congregations are creating Internet offshoots that go far beyond streaming weekly services.
The sites are fully interactive, with a dedicated Internet pastor, live chat in an online "lobby," Bible study, one-on-one prayer through instant messaging and Communion (viewers use their own bread and wine or water from home). On one site, viewers can click on a tab during worship to accept Christ as their savior. Flamingo Road Church, based in Cooper City, Fla., twice conducted long-distance baptisms through the Internet.
Perhaps we shouldn't be too alarmed at this development. According to the article, many "Internet pastors" have taken a stand and will only perform baptisms in person.
Read the whole thing. And ask yourself, "What does the New Testament have to say about this?"