David Whiting Live

Online Church - not the same

Today was the first Sunday I was away from Northridge since June. I'm on my annual study break. During my study break, I plan ahead for six to twelve months of series and individual sermons. This year, my primary goal is to be ready for the topics and passages I plan to teach through April (at least).If it goes really well, maybe I'll be ready through June with the topics.

I do this because it takes a huge amount of pressure off week-to-week. I'll explain it sometime...

Anyway, I don't like to miss Northridge Church. It just isn't the same being somewhere else. This morning I decided to visit two churches online. More and more churches are offering their service LIVE online.  I decided to visit two church services, and although I enjoyed them, I'm not a big fan of online church (practically or theologically).

I know that it is becoming more popular and my grandkids will probably tell me how old-fashioned I am and how I'm confusing preference and conviction (although Hebrew 10:25 seems pretty strong to me). I don't know how you can obey the command to "meet together" without "meeting together." But anyway, I definitely am not a fan of "online church" and I'm just sitting here missing my Northridge family.

I can't wait to get back to Ephesians next Sunday. 

And - I can't wait to watch the entire service online later this week. Although I certainly won't say that I "went" to church (here at the desk where I'm sitting). I will just watch what others experienced when they went to church. And by the way, I don't think the problem with online church is that you "watch" the sermon on a screen instead of "live" in the room.  I think the problem is - you can't BE the Church... alone.

What do you think? Is "watching" church online really church?

A Note from Someone's First Multi-Site Experience

I received an email a few weeks ago.  It is edited only to keep the writer anonymous and to protect some info they didn't want shared. It is about their first multi-site experience:

Hey David – just wanted to drop you a note about this.  Last weekend we went to visit my son... (in the south). I went to the church that he has been attending (and loves) for the last few months.  It is a megachurch with multiple campuses.  The campus we went to is in _____________ and meets in a place that is equivalent to the Rochester Convention Center (even had escalators).  I was very impressed with the organization and directions for parking (they even had a sign that said “If you are a new visitor put on your flashers.”  Not sure what happens if you do – but I suspect a preferred parking spot and maybe some personal welcome’s from workers).  

It was a long walk from the parking lot to the facility – and all along the way – maybe every 50 yds or so, there was a greeter welcoming us.  When you get closer there is a greeter ever 50 ft.  Signs and people all over helping. 

Inside it was set up a lot like our church – even the same chairs!  They had two huge screens on each side and one center screen.  Most of the service was VERY similar to ours – even the same songs.  There must have been 2000 - 3000 people there?  Not sure  - it was big though.  I was sitting about 12 to 15 rows from the front.  

This is what got me.  After the music – and everyone sat down – the preacher came out dressed just like you do (LOL – I like that btw – hate formality) and started speaking.  I was watching and wondering why he was so far back on the stage – usually, the preacher is up front and center – but he was way back.  After about 15 mins – there was a “blip” in the visual of the preacher – it was then that I realized it was a HD projection of him – he was in another campus!!  Did not know that until then – made it seem very real – and more personal.  Anyway – it made me think of your “vision” of multiple campuses and transmitting the message to each of them – that HD option might be worth looking into.  

This was your vision in action.  I noticed that there was a vibrancy – mostly from the very young.  The “greeters” stirred the pot a little with their greetings – it wasn’t just a “welcome” it was a shout of “great day for Church isn’t it?”  They helped create an excitement even before you get into the building.  Normally, I would be skeptical of hype like that – but I walked in expecting something good – and I was rewarded.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the avg age was in the mid 20’s – perfect for my son. I saw many teens getting out of a car together – no adults – just teens and early 20’s – coming in together. Granted – this is the heart of the Bible Belt – but still – there was an excitement there. They had other rooms with classes for up to 6^th grade I think plus nursery and toddlers.  I didn’t see the other facilities – thinking back – I should have.  It was an EXCELLENT message!  Full of challenge and scripture.  I was wowed.  They also had an invitation (traditional eyes closed, head bowed and raised hands for newly saved) – only thing is I didn’t like was the “nose counting” of hands raised.  

I am telling you this … yes, there is a point …. because I am skeptical of your vision for multiple campuses – until now.  I saw it – I experienced it – and if I lived in that city I would definitely go there (if the Lord would leads me).  Not sure how familiar you are with this church – but the weblink is below.  Worth checking out or visiting.  I love that city.  I am happy for my son's choice...