When internet campuses, iCampuses, and online campuses launched fifteen years ago, the digital expression of the church was new. Most online churches started for people far from a physical church. The original vision was to reach people globally and provide a practical resource for anyone traveling or sick. Flash forward to 2019 and online has engulfed the entire world. We are all online. Even your grandma is connected. She might be rocking Microsoft Edge and shares only cooking recipes on Facebook, but she is online.

I had the honor to be on an academic video meeting centered around the topic of Digital Ecclesiology. The conversation included pastors from around the world, church planters, online pastors, theologians, and digital experts. Not everyone agreed on what was and wasn't possible for the church online, which lead to a healthy conversation. I geeked out a bit because a few of the participants were authors I have read. I enjoyed the meeting and I believe you will too. Thank you to the Aqueduct Project for putting the meeting & transcript together!

You're trained in seminary and throughout your internship as a pastor never to send people away. A person comes into your doors, and our job is to keep them connected to the church. After that first modem came online, the game changed. People could tune in from anywhere in the world. The online attendee isn't just down the street. Your reachable audience is broader, which means your methodology needs a good old fashion upgrade. Unfortunately, most seminaries are still operating on those AOL CDs.

After a few jokes about my graphics, I went ahead to get my visuals designed by the pros at Creativechurch.co. I love how they turned out! Go ahead and use these visuals to move your #ChurchOnline strategy to the next level. Start downloading and emailing your leadership right now! I even give you freedom to slap your name on it. Praying for your church!

The future isn’t some glamorized place where everything is fixed. The future consists of new things and old things. It’s more like Star Wars than Star Trek. Technology isn't a cure and won't solve your church's problems. You need to have a healthy church to be great online. Focus on understanding what success looks like at your local church. Once you have a grasp of what's happening in the building, expanding online will be easy.

The Church Leaders Podcast gives voice to recognizable names in ministry, subject matter experts, and local pastors and leaders. Whatever area of ministry you serve in, the Church Leaders Podcast has you in mind. Our goal is to help you lead better, everyday. Jason Daye asks Jay Kranda about #ChurchOnline and why you should care about online church.