E-Church

The multi-site church philosophy has taken a turn for the cyber.

It started with the ability to have my church and my pastor in my neighborhood via various campuses throughout town. Now, I can have my church and my pastor in my room as I watch my church and my pastor in my underwear.

Like them or not, Lifechurch.tv is one of the most innovative churches in America. They're on the cutting edge of the use of technology in the worship service, and have recently launched their newest idea. Why go to church? Bring church to you.

Now, I feel the need to explain that I think these guys have hearts that genuinely seek to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to people who wouldn't ordinarily hear them. But I think this is a genuinely bad idea.

"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." Hebrews 10:25

While I applaud the desire for creativity and innovation within the Christian culture, I fear an internet campus is a short-sighted and incomplete concept of church.

Internet church is a great concept for taking the gospel to people who would not normally step into a church building - either because of preconceived notions or because of governmental restrictions. But reaching others with the gospel is only a portion of what the church is supposed to be about. Service, encouragement, accountability, and discipleship are left with gaping holes.

Sometimes you just need people with skin on. Internet church doesn't provide it.