Biblical Basis for Online/Digital Church

The Biblical basis for a digital church is the command/mandate from Jesus, known as The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of ALL the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The use of technology and digital methods, such as social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Twitch, Snapchat, etc., makes it possible for the Christian church to carry out The Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.

Also, online church is a way for believers to connect with God and with other believers from anywhere in the world through the use of technology.

While it may not be the traditional way of gathering for worship, it is grounded in the Bible and supported by a long history of Christians using new technologies (The Appian Way/Romans Roads) to spread the Gospel and connect with others.

CHURCH HISTORY

Starting in 312 BC with the building of the Appian Way, the Romans embarked on a major construction project of 50,000 miles of roadway. These Roman roadways were technological marvels – some were large, small, some were similar to interstate highways connecting to major cities.

Though the intent of the Romans in building these roads was to spearhead growth for the Roman Empire, the most significant development of this technological advance was that it made way for the Gospel to spread throughout southern Europe and Asia Minor.

Likewise, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the roadways of digital technology became a major source for church growth for prayer ministries to reach more people, a place for gathering via Zoom – social media became a new way to receive prayer requests and testimonials, and smartphones allowed church ministries to connect with congregants instantaneously.

Digital technology is the modern Roman road to take the Gospel to unreached people and places, therefore stimulating overall church growth.