The way of doing church services has definitely changed not just most churches, but ours as well. When we were confronted with the ‘mandate’ to close services to the public in-person, we certainly had some difficult decisions to make. Considering what little we knew at the time, it is understandable, and in retrospect, I think we could have done things better. One significant change came in the area of relying on cameras and the internet to communicate messages to our congregation. Although we are not as reliant on this same technology, I am grateful, even amazed, that our gospel messages can be near-instantly transferred to those around the world seeking to hear it. We are able to see that many of these recorded messages were listened by many, even dozens of countries where one is not freely able to congregate in the name of Christ.
All that being said, the use of a live-feed camera has certainly changed a few things, and I wanted to reflect on this a bit with you. Every technology comes with a cost, and it would do well to at least consider them. This reflects on many other theological issues as well. Think about what the individual shut-in is tempted with the live-stream: Must they “dress their Sunday best” when nobody else notices? Can it be like watching a football game, while ignoring the lines, “skipping to the best part”, or pausing it until they’re ready? (“It was better than being there!”) That’s not participating in the game, that’s watching it from afar. In the same way, you didn’t “go to church” there, you “watched church”! Could it be that Live-streaming church may keep certain people at home that might otherwise be there! From conversations I’ve had over the years, I would say “yes”!
So I’ve come to the conclusion that church “watched online” is not only lacking…but it’s not true church! Online “church”, then, is not true church, it is mere content acquisition. Sure, people can learn a lot about the church by viewing it online, and even gain vital theological truths…but they’re not “assembling with the People of God”. It may be a great source of information for a variety of purposes, but that is not what God has called His Church to. So by all means, use the recorded sermons and previous live-streams for your benefit! Go back and sing the songs you heard, or look up the scripture passages missed! Just be fully aware that we’re talking about online content at that point!
3 Key issues with Live-streaming (while fully ignoring the cost of the equipment and service itself): #1. Having a camera in the room often changes the way people in the room interact. For example: Would you be afraid to “come to the altar” if it meant someone on the outside seeing you? #2. Having a camera often changes the structure of the service and building itself. Did you know that most modern churches have black walls because it least affects the cameras and the lighting associated with that? It changes where people stand on stage, and how far they “roam”! (Think: Camera angles!) I for one am thankful that our deacon meetings aren’t full of arguing about that content! Cameras/screens also reduce spontaneity from a pastor or worship leader: We don’t want to go beyond the order of the screen slides!
Any church will work with what they have, but I’ve heard that good quality camera/sound equipment is beyond the budget reach of 90+% of churches! This means that the camera caters to the mega-church. “The worship team sounded great in practice, but it sounded terrible to the online audience!” How much should that matter? (For those deciding on a church based on their online experience?) Being here IN-person says so much about us, but do others know it? #3. The camera in the face quite often affects those trying to worship or listen to the Word of God. Rather than acting authentically, we act in a manner more…performative! Though I mostly seek to avoid this, a pastor may address their online audience over those who made the effort to be there! In many larger churches, the congregants will look at the screen to see the pastor (because the image is bigger) rather than the pastor directly. Let me personally share how disconcerting that first experience was to me, when almost no one was even looking at the in-person speaker!
I have the same temptations you do: It’s far easier to text/email rather than call, and call rather than meet with you in person…but that doesn’t really lead us to know each other, and sometimes, even come to an understanding of the issue we’re dealing with! Let me know when you’d like to meet! J
I am also thankful that we can “join you from afar” on the Sunday when my wife and I are celebrating our anniversary, while I’m fully aware that we are not connecting with the same meaningful interaction as being with you in person. We can’t afford to be away from you too long!
Hebrews 10:25 clearly states, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” The purpose of “church” or the assembling of believers, is far more than content acquisition! We NEED fellowship… more than information! “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
I want to make a commitment to you that I will not let the camera change my set purpose of ministry to the members first. In return, I ask that you will commit to prioritizing in-person fellowship, not only in obedience to God, but for our mutual benefit! With love, Pastor Jason