Internet churches

[GodLovesCats]

It seems a lot of CF members equate "online church" with "televangelist" and assume they exist for money instead of preaching God's Word. But other people say it only means you watch the sermons that physical churches show on their websites. That would mean there is no such thing as an Internet church. How can I figure out which online church is right for me? What is true about online churches - do they actually exist?

 

[All4Christ]

It seems a lot of CF members equate "online church" with "televangelist" and assume they exist for money instead of preaching God's Word. But other people say it only means you watch the sermons that physical churches show on their websites. That would mean there is no such thing as an Internet church. How can I figure out which online church is right for me? What is true about online churches - do they actually exist?

Watching churches online doesn’t provide the Eucharist (communion) as well as various other things that we are supposed to do. It also does not provide the same level of community or gathering together as a body of Christ. If someone cannot come to services for some reason, online services are a good resource. If that is the case on a regular basis, for example - having to do that because of health issues, then they should work with the priest / pastor to still get the Eucharist, etc.

Note that I am not equating all online services to televangelists, etc. My parish has Live-streaming of our services on YouTube for those who cannot come, but we also should not use it as a regular replacement, unless, as said earlier, there are reasons why in-person church cannot be done.

It is unfortunate that so many watch services online now instead of coming to the Church in person. It is a blessing for those that cannot attend (i.e. elderly, health problems), but it never should be a replacement if the person is able to come.

In answer to your question, I cannot recommend finding an online church. I do, however, recommend finding a Church with similar beliefs to your own. As far as whether online churches exist or not, it’s possible for some to be online only, but I haven’t seen that frequently.

 

[Paidiske]

As Laura says, there are no sacraments online. The internet can allow us access to some of what is good about church, but it cannot be the whole experience of worshipping with a gathered community.

 

[GodLovesCats]

As Laura says, there are no sacraments online. The internet can allow us access to some of what is good about church, but it cannot be the whole experience of worshipping with a gathered community.

Believe me, I would definitely go to a physical church if I could. I have missed being able to do that for years. And I totally agree it is not the whole experience we need every Sunday morning.

But after losing my ability to attend church, I fell away from God. I need whatever I can get to come back to Him.

 

[Paidiske]

I guess my answer to that would depend on why you're not able to attend. If it's a mobility issue, I'd encourage seeing whether you can combine online church with being visited by someone for that in-person contact and care.

 

[GodLovesCats]

I guess my answer to that would depend on why you're not able to attend. If it's a mobility issue, I'd encourage seeing whether you can combine online church with being visited by someone for that in-person contact and care.

I am medically barred from driving forever and my mom refuses to take me to any church that is not Methodist. That is not a denomination I can support.

 

[Paidiske]

Some folks in our church get given a lift by others; it might be worth asking whether such a thing could be possible at a church of your choice.

 

[Mountainmike]

There are also broadcasts from physical churches which are not the same as services designed for online consumption.
Services for "online only consumption" were a mainstay of COVID.

As others say it lacks direct involvement in sacraments, but watching the sacraments is the next best thing to participation.

It is not everyones cup of tea, but for example - I watch the services, particularly during festivals, at Fatima in portugal which are all broadcast as well as the prayer sessions. I have noticed other denominations also advertise video access to some physical services too.

 

[BNR32FAN]

It seems a lot of CF members equate "online church" with "televangelist" and assume they exist for money instead of preaching God's Word. But other people say it only means you watch the sermons that physical churches show on their websites. That would mean there is no such thing as an Internet church. How can I figure out which online church is right for me? What is true about online churches - do they actually exist?

Ok this is a bit off topic but God does not love cats. Cats are evil!! I remember the time I tried to baptize our cat in the bathtub it was a disaster!! I was all like “in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The HOLY MOLY!! REEEEOOOWWWW!!! Stupid thing tried to kill me!!

 

[GodLovesCats]

Ok this is a bit off topic but God does not love cats. Cats are evil!! I remember the time I tried to baptize our cat in the bathtub it was a disaster!! I was all like “in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The HOLY MOLY!! REEEEOOOWWWW!!! Stupid thing tried to kill me!!

There is no reason to attempt to baptize a cat. The fact they hate to get wet is common knowledge. And I believe you are making that up.

If God did not love cats, He would not have made and blessed them. My username comes from Genesis 1.

 

[BNR32FAN]

There is no reason to attempt to baptize a cat. The fact they hate to get wet is common knowledge. And I believe you are making that up.

If God did not love cats, He would not have made and blessed them. My username comes from Genesis 1.

It was only a joke

 

[GodLovesCats]

It was only a joke

Almost nothing is a joke to me. I take everything seriously.

 

[BNR32FAN]

Almost nothing is a joke to me. I take everything seriously.

Why do chicken coupes have two doors? Because if they had four doors they’d be a chicken sedan. XD