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Oh, For The Love Of God! - When Church Goes Virtual

by Ondra Dismukes

February 13, 2022 652 views
 

In the August 25, 2001 issue of The Washington Post, Mark Moore reported on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that as much as people have embraced the concept of virtual church, there are still those who miss lifting their hands in the sanctuary. 

“The reality is, it is unrealistic to expect a church to go back to what it was anytime soon,” Moore noted about the recent pivot in the way we worship and the way we “do” life post-COVID-19. Flash-forward six months, and, not surprisingly, Moore was right, especially with the rise in the Omicron and other variants of this deadly virus. Fortunately for believers, the virtual church platform rises to the occasion during these uncertain times.

“Virtual church has freed us,” noted Jay L. Harris, branding and joy coach at Jay L. Harris Creative Werks and author of the upcoming book, Push Through, Boo! A 7-Day Devotional for Pretties Who Need to Persevere. 

“Whereas we were once made to feel guilty if we weren’t in church every Sunday from sunup to sundown, we now have options.” Harris is quick to cite John 8:36: “Who(m) the son sets free is free, indeed” (NIV), adding “where I felt in bondage once before and felt guilty even for ‘streaming’ my home church service, I now feel free.” 

Mary Oliver, a 75-year-old woman used to in-person worship, agrees. “I’ve been driving 30 minutes one-way to my home church for 30 years. Now, I can watch and hear my pastor from the comfort of my home. I may never go back,” she said.            

Oliver’s attitude marks the greatest change in views toward virtual church. Rev. Roderick Green, pastor of the historic First African Baptist Church of Columbus, Ga., recalled the initial reluctance – even confusion – among many of his older parishioners. 

“At the beginning of the pandemic, the First Lady and I had to quell a lot of angst about the fact that our church – most churches – were closed for public worship,” Green said. “‘But, what are we supposed to do?’ they would ask. ‘You mean, we can’t come to church? The Church is closed? We can’t come to choir rehearsal?’ Fortunately, the virtual church has not only made church more accessible to the masses, but it has also introduced older members to technology perhaps formerly unfamiliar to them.” Likewise, it has helped smaller churches use technology to connect with members in new ways. 

Of course, the concept of virtual church is not new. According to Coylitia O’Neal, lead pastor of Global Impact Christian Ministries in Stockbridge, Ga., “We’ve always had streamed online service. In fact, my (late) husband and I would record his sermons during the week and minister in the community on Sundays.” O’Neal was installed as the lead pastor of Impact Christian Ministries after her husband, Spencer, passed away in January 2021. 

“We’ve always had online giving, too. And since the COVID-19 pandemic, while attendance has decreased, online giving has increased, and we continue to use Zoom for committee meetings and conferences,” she said. “We just have to continue to find ways to capture people’s attention online.”

So, although the way we work and interact with each other has drastically changed, one constant source of comfort remains during this time of uncertainty and chaos: the church. Can I get an Amen?

 
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Ondra Dismukes
Dr. Ondra Dismukes is a Contributing Writer for NOIRE ONLINE, the Editor-in-Chief of Pretty Smart Chics Ezine and The Linguistique Mystique: An Ezine for Writers, a Freelance Editor for Enago Crimson Interactive, an Associate Professor of English at a local community college, and the owner of O'Writes Editing and Writing Coaching Services.

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All Comments (2)
  • ANGELLE     2 years ago
         Amen!
  • Gabrielle Grant     2 years ago
         Great story! I believe this will put many at ease to know others share similar views. Thanks for your candor!

 

 

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