Online Churches?

A recent article in USA Today examines the recent trend of Internet church campuses. The practice (and benefits!) of using your church Web site and social media as an effective way to communicate with members of your congregation is nothing new, but what about a complete worship experience online, with a dedicated pastor, communion, and prayer through instant messaging?

"The move online is forcing Christians to re-examine their idea of church. It's a complex discussion involving theology, tradition and cultural expectations of how Christians should worship and relate. Even developers of Internet church sites disagree over how far they should go. Many, for example, will only conduct baptisms in person.

The staunchest critics say that true Christian community ultimately requires in-person interaction. They deride the sites as religious fast food or Christianity lite.

But advocates consider the Internet just another neighborhood where real relationships can be built."

On what side of this fence do you stand? I'm always interested in hearing from you.

Click here to read the entire article.