Theological understandings

Theological understandings

Christians who become actively involved in online ministry can usually articulate a clear sense of being called by God to mission in the context of digital space. Of course, the personal conviction of being called to a particular role does not, in itself, prove that a calling exists. Traditionally, an individual sense of calling is discerned, and ministry authorized, by the wider Church. A problem arises with a sense of calling to online ministry when the wider Church doesn’t know how to test out such a calling, or even if such a calling might exist. Criticism of online ministry is often existential, in that critics do not just criticize aspects of it but refuse to accept its validity as part of God’s mission at all. Some people may even state that it is detrimental to the Church…