Page 48 - Digital Church in a Lonely World

Generations See Online Community Very Differently

Those under 40 years old may not draw a hard line between online and offline community. For example,
the online gaming industry has been fostering online community for years. It is also worth more than
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$150 billion a year—this is not a fringe group of people. I watch my own kids play. They have headsets
on, establish teams, work toward common goals and, all the while, talk and laugh and connect in real
time. For some teenagers who struggle with socializing, the online gaming community has become a
place where they can develop and improve their social skills. That is an expression of community! It
doesn’t include all the ingredients of a church community, but nonetheless should be valued for what it
provides.

With the internet of things, and an always-connected world, we are going to see more integrations
between online and in person in our everyday lives. It’s going to go well beyond consumer appliances
like an internet fridge. Even how we relate as humans will change rapidly.

Churches are typically, instinctively resistent to change. However, a protectionist or obstructionist
mindset will not age well. That’s why we need a thoughtful, considered framework for how to assess
new digital solutions as they arise.

I have contended for years that the new generations see a merging of the offline and online worlds. They
will mix and cohabitate in the same spaces. Perhaps this is a better mentality than thinking in terms of
“replacement,” that digital church will supplant the physical church.

I can order custom-made Nike shoes online, but they are still physical shoes I wear.
I can go to a McDonalds and enter my order on a digital touch screen, but I still walk up to a physical
counter and get my real food.
I can order an Uber on my smartphone, but I still get into a physical car.

We need a thoughtful, considered framework for how to assess new

digital solutions as they arise

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