Chapter eight

The effect of technology on the church

Technology has done marvelous things in the church. Today, we can broadcast services globally, anywhere in the world, as long as the internet is available. Televisions, radio stations, podcasts, social media, and mobile applications have boosted the work of God. We can reach hundreds, thousands, millions, and even billions of people through online ministry in a few minutes.

For instance, I started online ministry in 2017. I have a YouTube channel, Facebook page, Twitter page, Instagram page, a website, five blogs, a TikTok page, WhatsApp groups, Telegram groups, active email subscribers, and several published books online. Analyzing my online ministry, I can confidently state that I have reached about 30 million people as of 2026.

In this case, technology has boosted the ministry of God to reach more lives. The good news is that you can be in the comfort of your home or office and fellowship with others in different places online. With the introduction of social media and mobile apps, we can have group sessions online. However, we must understand that technology cannot replace physical church gatherings. Let’s read from the Holy Scriptures.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Apostle Paul knew the necessity and value of church gatherings. The fact that we can meet online does not mean we shouldn’t meet physically. It is so sad that many churches today rarely meet physically. Most churches meet only on Sunday mornings and schedule the rest as online sessions. If you ask most pastors and church members why they cannot meet for prayers and Bible studies, they will tell you that they meet on Zoom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp (the list of apps and online channels is too long to list here).

It’s good to meet online. However, there is a reason why Apostle Paul commanded us not to forsake the gathering of the church. When we meet in person, we can encourage one another in the faith. There is something unique about church meetings under the same roof. When we meet physically, we can rekindle our faith. Sharing emoticons online will not make much impact. We must meet in person and share the burden, joy, and testimonies. Let’s look at this Holy Scripture.

Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

2 John 1:12

Apostle John stated that he had many things to write to the church. However, he stated that he would not write them. Rather, he hoped to come to the church and have physical interaction with them so that they would rejoice in the Lord. There is something special about a physical meeting. Online ministry has helped the church in several ways. However, we must not forget our roots.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:42–47

The early Christians continued daily in the temple. They went from house to house. They ate with gladness and singleness of heart. We cannot break bread and eat in singleness of heart online. We need each other. Online ministry creates a platform for people to view. However, when we meet under a building, we can participate.

I know that distance is not a barrier to the Holy Spirit. Laying hands on the screen may activate the hands of God. I have heard testimonies of people receiving miracles by laying hands on their device when a pastor prayed. However, such a miracle demands great faith. It’s good to be present at the program while the pastor is ministering because the atmosphere makes a great impact.

You cannot weep with someone on the screen. You cannot share someone's joy on the screen. You can share real emotions with someone physically. Emoticons make a lesser impact. Under a building, someone next to you can give you a prophetic word that can change your life. However, on the screen, it’s difficult or impossible to give a real prophetic word. Do you know that when a pastor is preaching a sermon that convicts you of your sin online, you can choose to turn off your phone or electronic device?

However, when you are under the same roof as the pastor, you will stay under the anointing, listen to the hard truth, and repent. The sad truth is that the internet connection can break while listening to an important sermon online. Your electronic device can break during online ministry. However, sermons flow without any distraction when sitting under the same roof as the pastor. You will hear the pastor's messages clearly when you meet in person.

Sometimes, the holiness of a believer can challenge you to pursue the righteousness of God. This happens when we meet under the same roof. You cannot see another person's lifestyle online. It is when we meet that we know someone's true colors. Christ Jesus could have stayed in Heaven and fellowshipped with us.

However, Christ Jesus became a man and lived among us. He commanded us to take the communion physically. We must meet physically to take communion. Taking communion online is not the best way. We have to meet as a family and commune together. You will hardly see churches gathering physically for a prayer and fasting meeting these days.

When you enquire about why the church does not meet physically for prayers and fasting, they will tell you they meet online to fast and pray. The sad news is that fasting and praying online is not as effective as meeting in person and praying together as a family. With online fasting and prayers, you will not know what the other person is doing in his chambers.

Some people will be eating, playing games, and doing unnecessary things while fasting and praying online. However, when we meet under one roof, there will be concentration, and the force of prayer will take immediate effect. Most churches are breaking apart because they hardly meet in person for prayer, Bible study, and fasting.

Technology is doing great. However, we should not allow technology to replace the gathering of the saints. You will not know what others are going through in online ministry unless someone calls to check on you, visits you, and shares their problem. However, meeting in person can help you understand what the person is going through. Technology plays an important role in the ministry. However, we should not substitute technology for the meeting of the saints.

Further Holy Scriptures for study: Matthew 18:20, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:20-21, 33