Articles
The Reality of Zooming
We, like many other churches, offer Zoom as an option when folks are not gathered with the congregation to worship. It should go without saying that this is NOT offered as a replacement for attending. Clearly Christians are to come together to worship (I Cor. 11:17-18; Heb. 10:25; Acts 20:7 etc.). Having said that, we must acknowledge some truths concerning Zoom watchers. Let’s be aware of the good and possible bad.
Those who want to gather but are unable (there are some valid reasons). What a comfort and encouragement it is to be able to watch services streamed when one can’t be there. They know this doesn’t replace attending. It’s such a joy to be able to hear the word of God and stay connected with the church family (I Cor. 12:12), even if it is from afar.
Those who are not members but want to watch and learn. As a tool for evangelism, how wonderful it is that there are those who are getting to hear the word of God. Just like a visitor who may attend in person, listens and observes (I Cor. 14:23), the same can be said for those online.
Those who don’t want to gather with the saints but will tune in. As wrong as this is, the good news is that they are getting to hear the word of God. With the power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16), this person will, hopefully, realize the need to gather with the saints and get their heart right (Heb 10:25).
Those who say they can’t come, when they could, and say they will Zoom, but they really don’t. Such people have a serious heart problem and are only fooling themselves. It is true that brethren will give others the benefit of the doubt, and they might deceive brethren. However, no one can pull one over on God, He knows everything about man and that includes his actions and thoughts (Heb. 4:13).
The good far outweighs the bad when it comes to offering Zoom. It doesn’t make it any better for a person to attend when they really don’t want to. May we all do what we can to serve our Lord the best we can (Rom. 12:1-2).
