Using digital tools to reflect the Early Church
Paul in the New Testament urges believers to be devoted to one another. We see the Early Church as a picture of a flourishing community, gathering in mutual edification.
Emerging research (Barna.com/Research/Worship-Shifting) shows a new faith expression is arising for the modern disciple – one that relies on solo digital consumption rather than church attendance.
Believers no longer need to step into a church building to receive biblical teaching. A Christian podcast on a commute can replace in-person connection – and for some, that’s enough.
What does this trend mean for our churches being, well, the Church, including our call to bear each other’s burdens? What happens when our online tools, meant to grow us in knowledge, end up isolating us?
Faith was never meant to be walked alone. How can we be responsible for each other in a digital world?
Building covenant communities online
My community leans in by using digital tools. We’re all in seasons of varied busyness with careers, transitions and families, but we’ve built what I call a flourishing covenant community. Digital tools enhance our experience of belonging to a body of believers.
First, what is a covenant community?
It’s built into the name – we’re bound to one another. We share in prayer, resources and put Jesus first. We’re committed to thinking communally, not individually.
We’re spurred on to reveal God’s presence to one another through constant fellowship and celebration. We confront conflict with genuine care. I’ve even come home to find my kitchen deep cleaned with a pile of groceries left on the table.
Simply put, community comes first. Here are a few ways we use digital tools to build a community that reflects the Early Church.
Find a digital communal area.
The Early Church didn’t have a dedicated building in which to worship, but gathered in homes to share their lives. In the digital era an online space can act like a 24/7 living room.
My community thrives through group messaging. We constantly share prayers and checkins.
My community thrives through group messaging. We constantly share prayers and checkins. We express our faith and encourage serving others through creating intentional groups.
We have groups like Theological Musings for biblical questions or Operation Spend Much (initially titled Spend Less…) to invite others to postchurch lunch. These chat groups foster a sense of belonging.
Share an online classroom
The Early Church studied Scripture and passed on knowledge to each other. In the digital era we can study God’s Word together through sharing on digital learning platforms.
My community has learned together through videos and indepth study from free online resources such as the BibleProject Classroom or WordGo. These allow us to engage in the same material and interact on the apps, helping us pursue Jesus together.
Sharing meals.
The Early Church devoted itself to breaking bread together and providing for each other’s needs.
Sending Uber Eats gift cards for meals and groceries has become the norm. We’ve also been able to integrate our finances through apps that track our expenses (such as Splitwise) where we can pay for group meals for each other without the stress of owing. This allows us to have experiences where we pool resources together.
Pursue each other.
The Early Church was committed to simply doing life together.
My community isn’t shy about integrating into each other’s schedules and prioritizing fellowship. We rally with Google Calendar invites and online polls. I’m not surprised by a notification with no explanation simply to fill our friendship tank. We even pursue goals (with a little healthy competition) through fitness apps like Strava. These tools help us feel much more close knit.
I have been so blessed by my covenant community. My ministry, marriage, and relationship with God have all been better because of it.
Let’s be intentional by using digital tools to be the Church and part of the Body of Christ. I believe individuals can feel seen, known, and loved through tech that tethers us together.
Sayeeda Khan is creative communications director at Bayview Glen Church in Toronto. Find more of these columns at FaithToday.ca/ThrivingInDigital.