How Far Can Churches Go Online?

Is the church transforming itself to meet a need? Is cyber-church an effective substitute, or replacement for the traditional community? Or is it an "extra"?

Published in the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC)'s Media Action, this article challenges readers to think about the meaning of "church", and to consider their understanding of this definition in light of recent trends in information and communication technologies (ICTs), worldwide.

Sheila Jacobs here explores the phenomenon of "cyber-churches" - complete Christian communities that exist only online - which are designed to appeal to those who may be disillusioned with organised Christianity or who feel more comfortable worshipping in private...while still providing the type of experience that those who attend a local church might be said to enjoy (personal interaction, friendship and support of like-minded people).

In short, Jacobs asks, "Could it be that the church is transforming itself so that whole communities, linked only in cyber-space, will be the new denominations of the twenty-first century?" She explores a number of examples, including:

• The Church of England has set up i-church under the auspices of the diocese of Oxford. This online community is adapted to those who travel or require more support than they may receive from their own worshipping community.
• Church of Fools is an interactive, 3D "virtual church" where visitors can take on a cartoon form, walk about, sit in pews, kneel, cross themselves, and do a "hallelujah". They also can visit a bulletin board and pray for each other.
• The USA-based Cyber-Church promises "true Christian fellowship," and offers Bible teachings, discussion, and "PalTalk".

To discuss the meaning and impact of such trends, the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) recently held a symposium entitled "e-Commerce, e-Bay and e-God?" According to Matt Rich of the Internet Mission, one of the disadvantages of this development is that, although the "cyber-Christian" can be involved in quite a few elements of church life, the community aspect is limited. Tom Brok, the organiser of the event, commented that in future there might well be a new kind of "membership" of churches in Germany, a web congregation where people could keep in contact with each other and share their problems or discuss their personal aims.