The Danger of a Digital-Only Church

I’m all for digital options at churches, but sometimes it’s a mistake to make things strictly digital. A story has been circulating in my area about an 81-year-old man who has been a Dodgers season-ticket holder for 50 years, but can no longer get printed tickets. He doesn’t own a smartphone and has no desire to use the team's app. I think he should still be allowed to print his tickets, even if it comes at an additional cost. He had been doing exactly that for the past few years, but the organization completely eliminated the option before this season.

Churches must remember that our congregations span generations, encompassing both the young and the old. That multi-generational connection is what biblical community is all about. This doesn’t mean we can’t embrace new ideas; we just need to be mindful of how those changes impact everyone so no one is left behind.

I have made my own “app-only” decisions in the past and learned a great deal in the process. A major lesson when offering digital resources is the need to provide support for those who struggle with technology. For example, the 81-year-old member has kids and grandkids—it would be a wonderful thing to help him navigate a new phone and apps. Your church could offer practical training to support anyone feeling lost in this digital shift.

By all means, introduce more digital experiences, but don’t forget about those who still rely on non-digital options. Offering training adds real value for members unsure of how to use new technology. Ultimately, there are ways to move your church forward without frustrating your 81-year-old members.