THE CHURCH IN A VIRTUAL WORLD - THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE WORSHIP (Hebrews 10:23-24)
THE CHURCH IN A VIRTUAL WORLD - THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE WORSHIP (Hebrews 10:23-24)
by Yeow Chin Kiong
On Thursday, 2nd October 2025, a knife attack on Jewish worshippers assembled at the premises of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, a synagogue at Higher Crumpsall, Manchester, United Kingdom, resulted in the death of two congregants, the assailant and serious injury to three among those who were attending Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) service that morning. Regarded as the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur was a day when observant Jews would refrain from using any electrical device, practising asceticism that they feel befits total focus on Deity and the divine. Without recourse to the use of handphones or any form of electronic comminication that day, friends and relatives of the synogogue’s worshippers were kept worryingly in the dark about the fate of their acquaintances and loved ones who were known to be regular attendees at that venue. The rest of the world, however, received network news of the tragedy within mere minutes of the incident.
Cynically, some opined that the assembly attendees that day would have been spared the horror of the attack if they could have worshipped online from the privacy of their own homes. At the very least, some say, those who escaped harm should have restored online communication to quickly inform their loved ones that they were fine, relieving them of unimaginable worry.
The modern world is “virtual” in particular reference to our ability today to do almost anything without in-person communication. We can “get in touch” via many modes of information technology, reaching one another clearly and in “real time” (across time-zones!) if our internet connection is unhindered. Multi-party “meetings” online, sometimes across geographical borders, have already become the norm between institutional members or mere friends and family. Thereby, much time, effort and costs are saved, compared to in-person meetings.
So the question arises, “Why don’t Christians ‘assemble’ online, including on the Lord’s Day to ‘gather around the table’ virtually as we partake the Lord’s Supper separately in our own homes? After all, we did so during the Covid lockdown when the Government imposed confinement to our residential premises for over a year.” Why indeed?
Our Lord defined true worship as worshipping “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). At the very least, during worship our hearts and minds must be focused upon God whom we are worshipping. Where even worship in assembly cannot gurantee such undivided attention from every worshipper, livestreamed worship practically invites distractions and disturbances in the home or office environment. Virtual worship is hardly expedient in every situation and should be avoided in some cases (hence, 1 Corinthians 10:23; James 4:17).
In-person assembling for worship should always be the default mode; online assembly for the same purpose should only be for extreme circumstances which prohibit in-person meetings. There is no denying that livestreamed assemblies for worship and Bible study are necessary most of the time for brethren who are immobile due to their infirmity, incarceration or being geographically isolated, if they are internet-connected. Even then, those whose physical movement are restricted should pray that the Father will providentially enable them to obey Hebrews 10:24-25 with in-person assembly. Being confident of Matthew 19:26 and 1 John 5:14-15, Christians hindered from assembling in person,- and also brethren with whom they desire to assemble,- must persistently request that the Father remove obstacles for them to do so. Not for nothing is Hebrews 10:24-25 preceded by Hebrews 10:22-23, “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith ….. (holding) fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Of course, there is apostolic example to prefer in-person communication even while resorting to available media to stay in touch. In an age when epistles (i.e. letters) could be sent far and wide, and be read by very many, the apostle John wrote, “Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.” (2 John 12; see also 3 John 13-14).
God created us entire, as embodied souls and spirits (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Barring insurmountable hinderances He has permitted, we ought to worship Him as we are to love Him, with all our heart, our soul, our strength and our mind (Luke 10:27). And such worship entails, where possible, in-person assembly of the saints where attendees are “all in” in body and spirit!
[Much more about what God’s word says concerning this topic will be presented by brother Tim Burroughs during the YEAR-END SEMINAR 2025 to be held from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm on Saturday, 15 November 2025 at the premises of Klang church of Christ, 11 Jalan Teluk Pulai, 41100 Klang, Selangor. All are encouraged to attend this spiritual feast about contemporary issues on the theme, “Challenges Of The Information Technology Generation.”