The Church in a Virtual World: The Pros and Cons of Online Worship
Lesson Summary : The Church in a Virtual World: The Pros and Cons of Online Worship
Bro. Tim Burroughs | Year End Seminar | 15 November 2025
The rise of virtual worship has created an opportunity once never imagined—to listen, learn, and connect with believers across the world from the comfort of home. Yet, as much as it is an opportunity, it is also a curse.
In today’s digital age, anyone can search and find any congregation anywhere in the world, tune in to any speaker at any time, and even worship with a different congregation every Sunday. This opens many doors for education, but also for bad habits, confusion, and spiritual inconsistency. Without being guided by sound and strong leadership, many risk being influenced by those whose backgrounds or teachings they do not truly know.
While not all online teaching is dangerous, we are reminded to follow the example of the noble Bereans, who, even when listening to the apostles, “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). They were diligent, ready of mind, and discerning. Likewise, we must practice constant effort and due diligence to ensure that whatever we do, teach, or follow in worship aligns fully with the Word of God.
Called to Worship – In Spirit and Truth
Jesus said, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)
This powerful statement raises an important question: What does it mean to be a true worshiper? If there are “true” worshipers, it implies that there can also be false worshipers, or worship that is offered in a way not found in Scripture, not authorized, and therefore not acceptable to God.
To worship “in spirit” involves more than outward forms—it requires the proper inner disposition. The Greek word for “spirit” (pneuma) means the rational soul, the mindset, the attitude with which we approach God. It implies diligent effort, intentional focus, and a heart aligned with God.
Even in a physical assembly, distractions happen, but the responsibility remains: we must put ourselves in check. When we come before God, we are called to set aside everything else and focus solely on Him and the words spoken from His truth.
To worship “in truth” means worshiping according to God’s revealed word, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Worship is therefore not based on emotion, convenience, or personal innovation—it is measured only by Scripture.
Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman shows this shift from physical thinking to spiritual understanding. She spoke about drawing physical water, but Jesus spoke of water that would satisfy forever. Likewise, before anyone can truly worship, there must be a recognition that God sets the rules and standards for approaching Him. The right frame of mind—the right mental and spiritual disposition—is essential.
Prepared to Worship
To worship God acceptably, one must be prepared—not only outwardly but inwardly. “God, who made the world and everything in it… does not dwell in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24). In today’s virtual age, we can log in and associate with congregations anywhere in the world, but this accessibility raises an important question: Do they teach and practice what is right?
Scripture also teaches that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one” (Galatians 3:28). What matters is whether we have been baptised into Christ (Romans 6:3–4) and whether we live within the spiritual blessings found only in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). If you are in Christ and I am in Christ, then we are one body—and that unity should lead us to practice the same faith, live by the same standards, and worship according to the same truth, regardless of where we are.
What is worship?
The Greek word for worship, proskuneō, literally means “to kiss the hand toward,” or “to fall on one’s knees and touch the ground with the forehead.” It describes total reverence. Worship is simply the act of praising another—and God is worthy of everything we can offer Him, but only in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). God is actively seeking such worshippers.
This is not a new concept. Jesus warned long ago that there would be many who approach God zealously, religiously, sincerely, even emotionally—but their worship would still be rejected because they practiced things not authorised by God, and hence missed the mark in pleasing God. In Matthew 7:21–23 Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven… And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me…’”
Today’s technology allows sermons and worship to travel across continents within seconds. It opens doors for learning—but also doors for misunderstanding, confusion, and unsound teaching. Modern believers may be tempted to say, “Lord, Lord, this technology helps us reach more people, so it must be acceptable.” But if our worship practices are not grounded in Scripture, our sincerity does not make them right. Without preparation and true knowledge, we risk offering worship that God will not accept. Technology can never substitute obedience.
Before we worship, we must ensure our mindset, our understanding, and our actions all align with the Word of God. Only then can we approach Him properly, as true worshippers.
Participating in Worship – The Biblical Assembly
Participation in worship begins with attendance. Hebrews 10:24–26 teaches plainly that Christians must not neglect assembling together. Paul was addressing believers who were already drifting from worship—“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…” It is significant that Scripture uses the word assembling, not merely “assembly”—meaning it is a continual practice whenever the saints gather.
To choose other priorities—sports, family visits, or comfort—over worship is to forsake God’s command. Worship is not about self-justification, nor about what feels convenient—it is about giving God first place, above all comfort, habit, or competing commitments.
To “participate in worship” means more than watching, listening, or consuming content. It means showing up, being present with the brethren, engaging from the heart, and honouring God with the reverence He deserves.
Online access may offer learning, encouragement, and connection—but it cannot replace the biblical command to assemble with the saints. True participation begins when a Christian decides, with conviction, that nothing will take God’s place on the Lord’s Day.
“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
The Pros of Online Worship
Accessibility for the sick, elderly, and shut-in.
James 1:27 reminds us to care for those in affliction. Online access allows them to join worship when physically unable to attend.
Evangelistic Opportunity.
Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20). There is no specifics how to Go but the instruction was to Go. The internet helps the gospel reach people who might never step into a church building and can go far beyond what we can physically reach.
·Keeps members spiritually connect while away
The early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship” (Acts 2:42-46). Today, online lessons help traveling members stay encouraged and connected when circumstances take them far from home. However, this convenience must never replace assembling with a faithful congregation. Hebrews 10:25 still stands: Christians should gather with the saints whenever possible.
When traveling, Christians should prepare in advance—find a sound congregation, plan their route to attend worship, leave earlier or later if needed. Paul himself stayed in Troas so that he could meet with the brethren on the first day of the week (Acts 20). Watching online cannot replace considering one another or participating in the fellowship of the church.
Tool for Bible Study and Teaching.
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2). Sermons, Bible classes, and recorded lessons made available online allow Christians to revisit teaching, study deeper, and share materials with others. It is a tool—not a substitute for worship—but a tremendous blessing for learning and teaching God’s word.
The Cons of Online Worship
Lack of Biblical Assembly.
Online worship cannot replace the command to assemble (Hebrews 10:24). “When you come together as a church…” (1 Corinthians 11:18). Virtual meetings miss the mutual edification God intended.
Inability to Fully Participate.
The Lord’s Supper was observed collectively: “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7). Virtual communion does not fulfil this biblical pattern.
Risk of Consumer-Style Christianity.
Online services can turn worship into passive watching. Yet Scripture commands: “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19). Worship is participation, not observation.
Weakening of Congregational Bonds.
Reduces opportunities for unity and accountability. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2). If we are never together, how can we lift one another up?
Convenience over Commitment.
Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23). Some prefer online worship out of comfort or personal dislike of others—revealing a deeper heart issue.
Conclusion
Online worship is a useful tool, but not a substitute for the assembling of the saints. It is valuable for the sick, the elderly, and for evangelism—but Scripture commands believers to assemble physically, to break bread, sing together, and stir one another to love and good works.
Let us therefore use technology wisely—for teaching, outreach, and encouragement—but never let convenience replace commitment.
