A "Phygital" Reality of the Church
We’ve seen a radical shift in our culture—from the days of only sharing physical spaces and working side by side, to an increasingly remote world that connects us virtually. But how does this transformation impact the Church, the body of believers called to gather and grow together in faith?
Both realities—in-person and virtual—come with their own strengths and weaknesses. A recent article from Axios reported that as many as 15,000 churches in the U.S. could close their doors this year due to societal changes and the growing challenges of sustaining full-time pastors (Axios, 2025). It’s a sobering reminder that the Church must discern how to faithfully respond in an increasingly digital age.
The Strengths of Virtual Gathering
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I with them.” His promise transcends time and space—He is present with us whether we gather in-person or online.
Our own community is beautifully spread across the Atlanta area, yet we’ve been able to “meet together daily” in prayer—just as the early Church did (Acts 2:46)—through the gift of technology. Virtual gathering has made it possible for us to stay united and connected in ways that would have been unimaginable a generation ago.
I’ve personally experienced the power and gift of connecting as a virtual community. After sustaining an injury that has limited my mobility over the past several months, it has been more difficult to travel or attend events in person. Being able to join daily prayer meetings and formation nights online has been a lifeline to me in this season. I’ve felt upheld by our church family as we’ve interceded together, shared encouragement, and daily prayed for one another's needs. Even my biological family–my retired parents, living in another state, have been able to join in virtually—cheering me on as I have taught Formation Nights, while also being spiritually nourished through the small group discussions.
These moments remind me that virtual community truly can deepen connection, nurture faith, and extend the reach of the Gospel.
The Irreplaceable Gift of Being Together
Still, we must ask—if virtual connection is so convenient and spiritually meaningful, why bother gathering in person at all?
Scripture reminds us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25). The writer of Hebrews was referring to meeting face-to-face—knowing the power ofproximity in shaping faith, building perseverance, and forming us into Christ through relationship with other believers.
There is something sacred and mysterious about how God meets us when we are physically present with one another. The ministry of the Holy Spirit often flows through touch, shared presence, and embodied prayer—the “laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22). Sometimes the very thing we need is not another screen, but the embrace of a friend or the shared tears of worship in the same room.
Just this past week, while working from home and struggling with physical pain and discouragement, I sensed that I needed not to be alone, and I drove to the community worship set at the GateCity Lawrenceville prayer room. As I sat in worship, tears streaming down my face, a dear friend came and gently placed a hand on my shoulder. She silently embraced me, prayed, and held me as I wept. That simple, profound act deeply encouraged me to keep going, and renewed my strength to believe that all will be well. In that moment, I needed more than a chat box text or spoken word. I needed a felt experience with a sister who could offer me the gift of her presence as the hands of feet of Jesus to me.
Why In-Person Still Matters
In-person connection isn’t just important for our spiritual health—it’s essential for our emotional and mental well-being. Research published by the National Library of Medicine found that “despite living in a highly technological world…the numerous technological devices and services available cannot replace the mental health and well-being benefits of in-person communication” (Stieger, Lewetz, & Willinger, 2023).
No matter how advanced technology becomes, it cannot replicate the warmth and joy of shared presence and the power of the Spirit together during corporate worship.
The Dance of Both Worlds
The good news is that we don’t need to choose one over the other. The future of the Church may not be virtual vs. physical, but a beautiful dance between both.
Virtual spaces allow us to stay connected and cultivate spiritual growth throughout the week. But the weekly in-person gathering—seeing faces, hearing voices in the same room, worshiping shoulder to shoulder, experiencing the corporate touch of the Holy Spirit's manifest presence together—reawakens something uniquely human and divine that we were created for.
Someone who might never join a virtual prayer meeting could be transformed when they walk into a church filled with love, worship, and the presence of God. Virtual community sustains the flame, but in-person gathering fans it into fire.
May we embrace both gifts fully as a "phygital" reality—connecting deeply in spirit across screens, yet never losing the sacred rhythm of meeting face-to-face.
References
Axios. (2025, October 3). Up to 15,000 U.S. churches could close this year as pastors - dwindle.https://www.axios.com/2025/10/03/us-churches-close-religious-shift-christians
Stieger, M., Lewetz, D., & Willinger, U. (2023). Communication mode and mental health: The psychological benefits of face-to-face interaction in a digital world. Frontiers in Psychology / National Library of Medicine.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10191089/#Sec7