While many ministry leaders initially embraced livestreaming as a necessity during the pandemic, questions linger about its role in a post-pandemic church. Does online worship weaken in-person attendance? Who benefits most from online church? And how does it align with the theological vision of “church”? Drawing from the latest research and cultural reflections, this post explores the complexities of online church and offers guidance for ministry leaders.

What We Know About Online Church Attendance

Data from Pew Research Center and Ryan Burge (Scholar of Religion and Politics and the creator of Graphs About Religion) shows online church hasn’t replaced in-person worship but serves primarily as a supplement. Among those attending religious services virtually, many are already highly engaged in their faith communities.

For instance:

• Only 5% of Americans are exclusively online church attendees.

• Frequent in-person attenders are the most likely to engage with online worship as well, using it to supplement their spiritual practices during the week.

This challenges the myth that online church draws people away from physical gatherings. Instead, the data suggests that it serves as an “add-on” for the already faithful while providing accessibility for those unable to attend in person due to health or mobility issues.

Read the full article from Graphs About Religion here to go deeper.

The Tensions and Opportunities of Online Church

Does Online Church Fulfill the Vision of Church?
A report from the Church Times highlights how many dioceses in the Church of England are moving away from using the term "church" for new worship communities. Instead, they use language like "community" or "worship" to describe these initiatives. This shift reflects a broader tension about the meaning of church in the digital age. If “church” is about gathering around Word and Sacrament in embodied fellowship, can online church fulfill that vision?

Accessibility vs. Ideal Worship
Online worship has become a lifeline for many, particularly older individuals and those with disabilities. However, as Ryan Burge notes, virtual church does not yield the same psychological benefits as in-person worship. In fact, in-person gatherings significantly reduce feelings of psychological distress compared to virtual attendance. This suggests that while online church is valuable for accessibility, it should not replace embodied fellowship.

There's actually a paper that was just published last year where they looked at psychological distress during the pandemic and in the year after the pandemic, and what they found was the only thing that reduced psychological distress was […] attending in person at least once a week. So there's no benefit, no psychological benefit, to being an online attender, and there was a noticeable, statistically significant psychological benefit to being a face to face attender. So, like, it's hard to look at all this data and say, Yeah, online is fine. I mean, people don't seem to like it that much. It's not that large of a population, and it doesn't produce the same sort of empirical positive things in in lives that we would want to see, both as a pastor and as a social scientist, by the way, like it's hard to look at this objectively and say, Yeah, we should just replace lots of churches with virtual church. I just don't think that's that's not the way to go for the church. It's not the way to go for society. It's not a way to go for individuals either. This is not a good option. It's like candy. You know, it tastes good right now, but in the end of the end of the day, it's not gonna give you the nutrition you need. I think that's pretty clear coming from this data. That's what you're seeing. - Ryan Burge on the Pro Church Tools Podcast

Inclusivity and Equity in Online Church
One of the most striking findings from the data on online church attendance is the demographic profile of those who engage primarily or exclusively online: older adults, individuals with lower levels of formal education, and a disproportionately high number of African Americans. Understanding these patterns is critical for ministry leaders as they navigate how to use digital platforms effectively and equitably. For example, churches might tailor content specifically for homebound seniors or invest in low-barrier livestream options (we’ll have some of these in our resource hub very soon!)

Older Adults

For older adults, mobility challenges and health concerns often make online worship a necessity. While digital access keeps them connected, it underscores the need for churches to go beyond virtual engagement by providing embodied care through home visits, small group connections, and technology support.

Ask: How can we ensure these members feel deeply included in the life of the church beyond online services?

Less Educated Individuals

Intellectualized sermons, unfamiliar rituals, or economic pressures like transportation costs and childcare can make attending in person intimidating or impractical.

Things to consider:
Simplify worship environments to prioritize accessibility.
Provide transportation or childcare support.
Is your church really a “come as you are” culture that celebrates belonging over expectations?

BIPOC Individuals

Online spaces may feel safer or more accessible, but they also remind us to actively address inclusion in our physical spaces.

Things to consider:
Diversify leadership and worship styles to reflect the body of Christ.
Partner with local organizations to address barriers
Do the work to become an antiracist space (we’ve got a great opportunity for learning in this area)

What does online worship force us to rethink about being the Church?

Historically, the church has been an embodied community, gathering around shared in person rituals and sacraments. The term "mixed ecology," now common in Church of England strategies, suggests that new models of church (including online forms) must complement traditional parish life, not replace it (and this aligns with the data already shared above). Online church may best function as an extension of traditional worship, fostering connection with those otherwise excluded while encouraging in-person participation whenever possible.

Practical Considerations for Ministry Leaders

1. Design for Accessibility
   Recognize that your primary online audience may be older adults or those with mobility challenges. Tailor your online worship with clear, simple interfaces and meaningful ways to engage, such as interactive prayer requests or midweek virtual Bible studies.

2. Prioritize Connection Over Production
   Ryan Burge and Pro Church Tools argue that smaller churches shouldn’t try to compete with high-budget productions from megachurches like Elevation or Saddleback. Instead, focus on creating authentic, relational content that builds trust and connection within your congregation and community.

3. Incorporate Theology into Strategy
   Whether investing in livestreaming or starting new virtual communities, anchor decisions in a theological understanding of what it means to be the church.
   
   

Reflection and Discussion Questions for You

The rise of online church is neither the death knell for traditional worship nor a silver bullet for declining attendance. Instead, it’s a tool—a valuable one—that churches can use thoughtfully to extend their reach while preserving the essence of embodied community.

For many, online services are the first step toward deeper engagement (in person) with a church community. Prospective attendees often explore worship styles, teaching, and culture virtually before stepping into a sanctuary. This interaction can reduce the anxiety of visiting a new church and make that first in-person experience more accessible and welcoming.

Digital platforms also create new avenues for ministry. From social media outreach to online Bible studies and virtual prayer meetings, these tools provide opportunities to nurture faith, build community, and meet people where they are. Incredible stories of transformation have emerged from these spaces, reminding us that online ministry, when used wisely, can be a powerful complement to in-person worship.

As ministry leaders, we are called to navigate this digital shift with wisdom and grace. The challenge before us is to ensure that online tools serve the church’s mission to invite, disciple, and connect, rather than becoming ends in themselves. By creating spaces where all people—whether online or in person—can encounter the love of Christ, we reflect the inclusivity and transformative power of the Gospel.

Use these questions to reflect on the role of online church in your ministry:

• How is your church using online platforms to engage with members and visitors?

• What strategies have worked for integrating online and in-person worship?

• How can digital ministry serve as a bridge to embodied community?

• How do you define “church” in a digital age?