Could church services be held online in years to come? This idea might sound extreme, but some Sydney Anglicans are asking where technology will be taking churches in the future.
E-vangelist David Horne says Christians hundreds of years ago could well have asked similar questions.
"Christian history is replete with examples of where Christian ministry has been carried on the back of new technology " for example, the Roman road system in Paul's day, or the printing press during the Reformation."
Over 5 million Australian households subscribe to the Internet.
Ipod sales worldwide have increased ten times since 2004, to an amazing 21.1 million.
Yet, as of October 2006, only 30 per cent of Anglican churches in Sydney had their own website.
David puts this down largely to the busy nature of parish life, as well as the need for technologically-minded people to set up and maintain websites.
"At another level, it's education," he says. "Do churches know what technology is and how and how it can best be used for ministry?"
Parish-based E-vangelism
Kirribilli's Church by the Bridge has featured podcasting and a blog linked from its website since the end of last year.
Minister Paul Dale says the demographic of the congregation " which is predominantly 25-to-39-year-old professionals " influenced the decision to incorporate this new media.
"We also had lots of requests for sermons from other churches and people overseas."
The site features talks given at Church by the Bridge, as well as St Thomas', North Sydney.
Paul encourages his congregation to listen to MP3 talks of other speakers, as a way of "exposing them to a lot of different preachers than just me."
Podcasting allows the benefits of church to go beyond the building's four walls, he says.
"It's an encouragement because when you preach on Sunday, it's not just to people there, but thousands of people can access it during the week."
Paul says much time was spent planning the website to ensure the information was clear and accessible.
"In Kirribilli, people will check out a website before they come to church."
Now, however, Paul is able to spend just 5 minutes a week on the site, writing his weekly blog.
The key to maintaining the website, he says, is "having laypeople with the gift and willingness to see this as their ministry."
Vodcasting on trial
Now is the time to embrace vodcasting, say Sydney Anglicans Ken Sandell and Marianne Campbell.
At the beginning of February, they launched reason4hope.com.au, which features free downloadable video sermons by well-known evangelical preachers such as Peter Jensen, Phillip Jensen, Alan Stewart and Simon Manchester.
"There's very little video of our Sydney Diocesan preachers," says Ken. "It is important to capture some of the best bible teachers in the world on video at this time, while they are still preaching. This will benefit people around the world via vodcasts and be a resource for future generations."
The visual element of vodcasting means talks can be used more effectively by small groups, and the intention of the speaker can be better understood.
Missing a smile, a frown or anything in between can affect the way a talk is received and understood, says Ken.
"When our preachers speak the truth in love, there is great value in seeing their faces," he says.
“It’s such an important part of communication for building relationships, and hard things can be said with a smile.”
Casting the Net
The internet is offering new and valuable opportunities for connecting with people who might otherwise slip through the cracks of traditional gospel ministry, says David Horne.
"So if they have family or cultural pressure which is stopping them from going to church or reading a book to find out about the gospel, they can go online anonymously, and ask their questions quietly anywhere in the world."
David is seeking to reach people like this through Christianity.net.au, the evangelistic website of the Diocese, by allowing visitors to ask their questions, and receive answers within seven days.
"Broadcasting the gospel on the Internet is cheaper than publishing a book or producing a TV program," he says. "And at the same time, I can invite people to interact with me personally. It provides an incredible opportunity for engaging people in the gospel."
The main challenge facing David on Christianity.net.au is encouraging a continuing discussion.
"There are about a half dozen valid questions a week, but we're not getting a lot of repeat questioners," he says. "I'd like people to feel they can debate with us over their issues."
David hopes churches will use Christianity.net.au as somewhere people with questions can go for more information.
