Where Technology Intersects Discipleship
What in the world is “Phygital” church you ask? Thank you 2020 pandemic for shoving in our face the longing to be in church physically and yet digitally was our only form of worship for months. Welcome to the new Physical-Digital Church – Phygital! Our national pandemic journey has made the use of technology prominent. ZOOM Conference calls are king! Live streaming has taken on a new significance, and socially distancing ourselves in our churches is just weird. After all, we are social and relational animals.
Beyond hybrid terminology what is really at stake in 2020. My answer to this question has remained the same for over 30 years of my gospel ministry – Make Disciples! While it remains true that certain platforms are to be preferred over others, the mandate of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 has not changed. It simply demands a response from churches and their leadership teams. Conducting physical and digital services is not the gold standard of measurements. Developing people into Christlikeness is the gold standard of measurement.Consider the following infographic that asks during this pandemic have you or your household been engaged with church in 13 categories. 43% responded NONE![1]
When you factor into this narrative another sub-classification that has emerged during the pandemic; New Dropouts, you begin to sense the novelty of conducting physical socially distant live services and streaming platforms is not the measurement in and of itself. As of mid-September 1 in 5 regular worshippers (pre-pandemic category) have not connected with church on any platform.
It appears there are three key actionable steps that should be taken immediately.
- The 1 in 5 dropout group is the churches most important missional outreach presently. We need to connect and engage with this demographic. They were attending, but the pandemic has been so disruptive they have not been able to re-engage church and life in the same way.
- Rethinking our discipleship strategy is of the utmost importance. Programs and bling will not make disciples that are capable of withstanding our present day. Strong in faith and able to “self-feed” from scripture is our best hope.
- The Phygital church is not going away. Citizens in the digital realm are actually in Digital Babylon and they need someone to reach them. Native Content development and creativity is desperately needed.
To impress a sense of urgency, consider this infographic in closing[2]
[1] Barna & Stadia Research, Six Questions About The Future of The Hybrid Church Experience. (Barna Group Digital Format Ó2020). P. 9.
[2] IBID. P. 18.
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