Is Meta-verse And Online Worship Taking The Place Of Churches?

The world is constantly throwing more challenges to followers of Jesus Christ. It’s a matter of being grounded in the word of God so that the Devil’s crafty devices do not overtake us.

What is happening in our churches now? Meta verse and its virtual world. Of late I’ve been intrigued to get more insight into this technology and it’s already having an impact on a lot of people. I’m talking about both the good and bad sides.

Something is going on in our churches concerning online worship. As members of the body of Christ, we ought to stay together often to worship our Lord. We are one spiritual embodiment of Christ.

But is the virtual world any good for the church? Well like I said —the advantages and disadvantages are there. The Bible reminds us:

“Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason, do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15 – 16)

So I’m in to talk about “taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Andrew Torba, the CEO of Gab, once said, Christians can use the meta-verse for good —despite seeing people linking it to the mark of the beast.

Yes, we can take advantage of it and spread the gospel all around the world. This will help propel the activities involved in the “Great Commission” as stated in the Bible.

There is an argument going on. Some pastors and churches have raised their voices against this online church service thing.

For anyone who is strongly against online church services — I will leave a simple question which I would like to see your answers in the comment box at the end of this content.

Here is it; If I can call a friend on the phone and preach the gospel to him —then why can’t I preach to him via the VR device?

They do have some good points by considering the possible harm it will do to the church. It’s addictive and blah blah blah…

However, looking at a global situation like this pandemic —online church services have been helpful to many Christians.

In 2020, the pandemic forced Christians to do online church services —hence an outstanding increase in virtual World worship.

D.J. Soto the bishop and founder of Virtual Reality Church in 2016 has shared his views and experience.

“It’s spirit-to-spirit interaction. We remember each other from the week before,  we know each other’s voices. We start to recognize each other’s avatar,” Soto said. “So it just really is an enhancement for so many people, particularly those that can’t attend a physical church.”

That device connects almost all the 5 senses and it feels real when in the meta-universe. Other church leaders say God has entered the metaverse. It reminds me of 2nd Corinthians 3:17; there is freedom at where the Spirit of God is:

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.” (2Co 3:17)

After making a lot of consideration I also found out that, people who are disabled, aged, and others who for some one or two reasons can’t be physically present in a church had the metaverse a blessing in their lives.

Pastor A.R. Bernard who is the leader of the Christian Cultural Center, a megachurch in Brooklyn has also expressed his views:

“I think considering what we’re experiencing now in terms of the virtual world, the metaverse takes it to another level,” Bernard said. “The difference is that the current virtual experience appeals to the sight and the hearing. The metaverse, by way of avatar, allows us to engage all five senses.”

For Pastor Bernard, he believes this metaverse thing will not replace the real physical church services we have been already going to.

It grabs our attention. God is not limited to anything. He is Spirit and so can be found everywhere. As the book of John chapter 4 says we must worship Him in truth and spirit —so as Christians we can faithful gather in his name using the VR devices.

Your pastor can share his sermons perfectly. Hymns and Christian songs could be sung to uplift the spirit of attendees. We can worship God everywhere we find ourselves without being ashamed. The most important thing is having a clean heart for the Lord.

Christians can take advantage of this virtual world church to win more souls. Technology is a good means of propagating the gospel. We don’t have to feel limited because our God is unlimited.

A quick example is someone who feels unwelcomed in a physical church for certain reasons like being gay and needs some counseling and redemption. In the virtual world, he can find a place to study more about Jesus Christ and be a born-again Christians.

Finally, Christians should bear in mind that the physical church is irreplaceable. But to make the best out of these evil days, online church services have been a blessing to many.

Hopefully, this pandemic will be a thing of the past and churches will be fully operational. May God grant us his peace, love, and protection to live wisely at any given time in this crooked world.

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