Virtual Church
Dear Pastors
[Virtual:- computer generated, simulated, not physically existing, near, very close to being something without actually being it].
Some of you may be aware that on the 2nd March this year we launched a new church, called The Peoples Church-Online. You can learn more about it here.
I answer four questions in a 15mins video presentation that we have encountered quite a lot:-
- What exactly is TPC-Online?
- How did it come about?
- Who is it for?
- Can a virtual church be a ‘real’ church?
In January this year Carey Nieuwhof wrote a blog post called ‘7 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2018’. He said that Disruptive Church Trend No. 2 was:-The Digital Will Become Real.
Below I have copied the point he made (I have made a small edit):-
- “So what does better engagement beyond a set time and place on a Sunday look like?
That’s a great question, and the answer will require a ton of experimentation, but for sure it involves your digital reach.
As my friend Clay Scroggins (Northpoint Ministries) put it recently, virtually everyone’s life has become both analog and digital. You run to the store to get milk, but you order your next video game on Amazon and then listen to a podcast on the ride home.
For years, the church has been questioning whether their digital space ‘counts’—whether it’s real.
Unfortunately, I still ask “do online people count?”
But increasingly that question is becoming downright silly.
Here’s the truth: Church leaders, in 2018 asking whether people who watch church online ‘count’ is like Sears asking if Amazon counts. It’s like New York City cabs asking if Uber counts or Lyft counts.
Of course they count.
In 2018, ask the digital question at your church.
I get that you may not have a million dollars to throw at technology. Or even 1,000 dollars.
But you probably have a free Facebook page or an Instagram account. Start treating that as real in 2018.
See what happens”.
And see what happens is exactly what we are doing at TPC. All I can say in this early stage is that we are learning a lot and every week more people are ‘clicking’ on.
Finally, Carey will be teaching the following sessions in Hamilton, Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin in the week of 14-17th May.
- The High Impact Leader
- Breaking Growth Barriers (esp. the 200 barrier)
- 10 Predictions About Future Church
- Renewing The Leaders Heart
All information and registration facility here.
Hope to see you soon,
Alan
After a great start to our Raising Resilient Kids seminars in Hamilton and Tauranga, we are looking forward to going next week to Wellington and Palmerston North. We have had some great feedback already and people have really enjoyed these highly informative seminars.
Tickets and details on our website.
Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.
