By Ekpor Temple
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, from Asia to Europe,
America to Africa, religious activities has really been impacted in various ways. In Nigeria, the
pandemic has necessitated various regulations and directives by the government which trickles down to
cancellation of the worship services of various denomination, revocation
of pilgrimages surrounding observances
and festivals.
As the outbreak
continues to escalate, government clamor on social distancing and
the consequent lockdown which in some state has restricted movement of members
to even partake in segmented worship; it became eminent and compulsory that for churches,
synagogues, mosques, and temples in Nigeria to survive and reactivate the
spirituality of her members, heightened alternative measures needs to be adopted.
Some churches, have offered worship through
livestream using social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube and websites, among
others, to relay spiritual messages. As part of contribution to the society,
welfare departments of some of our religious organisations have offered monetary donation,
dispatched disinfection supplies, powered air-purifying respirators, face
shields, gloves, coronavirus nucleic acid detection reagents, ventilators,
patient monitors, syringe pumps, infusion pumps, food to affected areas and
prayer for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic especially for those affected
by it, as well as for wisdom for physicians and scientists to combat the
disease.
But beyond all this, have our church leaders learnt to invest hugely on
media worship?
Let’s imagine that this corona virus doesn’t end this year, what will
be the surviving hope of some members who needs steady technological means to
keep their spiritual wellbeing alive?
How much of a role should media have in worship
services?
We live in an increasingly
technological age, and media of all types are playing an ever-growing role in
church worship services. How large a role should modern media play in the
churches in Nigeria?
Over the years media
worship hasn’t got the top mark acceptance by majority of churches in this part
of the divide, may be due to geographical, environmental, cultural and economic
rationale and belief system.
Meanwhile, on the
flips side…it’s like a way of life for Christians in the western countries.
Arguably worship sessions in the civilize climes will continues to blossom even
if members stays at home without stepping their feet in their various worship
auditorium.
Covering Distance with God’s
word
There is nothing sinful about modern technology.
Using a device to project lyrics on a screen is not wrong. Acquiring digital
equipment’s for make worship lively like a good camera, data for live
streaming, zoom, skype applications and
good speaking systems etc
One good thing about
re-inventing our worship lifestyle is the because of its extended coverage.
Media worship has no barrier to its viewership or listenership; all that is
required is to get equipped with modern facilities that can enhance and uplift
the souls of members.
Our worship is to be
God-focused, and it follows that everything in our worship services should be
designed to promote a focus on God. While a cutting-edge video may really grab
an audience, sometimes a less-is-more approach is more appropriate. After all,
the goal of using media in a worship service should be to promote true worship,
not just to stir emotion or to make an impression.
Let
me sound a caveat that media live streaming and digital ministry, is not buying
the most expensive c piece of equipment or using a specific platform.
No, the secret to a good live stream is simply this: it’s all about our relationships towards
heaven and creating a lasting online experience.
However,
how you go about inventing an online experience that ministers to members,
fosters relationships with people in your community and deepens existing
relationships within your church body is solely dependent on the height you are
working towards and the targeted point.
It is important we
understand what the purpose of worship is. Summarizing from the Bible
guidelines in Hebrews 10:19–25: our church worship
sessions should:
1. Draw us near to God with a sincere heart, in
full assurance of faith
2. Hold fast the confession of our hope
3. Consider one another to promote “love and
good deeds”
4. Encourage one another
These should be the basic qualifiers for media
in worship. If media can draw the church closer to God in faith, remind
individuals of the hope that lives in them, encourage them to serve others, and
generally exhort God’s people, then it is appropriate.
When Covid-19 wades off…
Whether we shall jettison these digital
devices that have helped us to reach out to our members during this period of
covid-19, it’s a matter of sustainability. let’s remember that things around us
will surely never , ever be the same again.
Therefore,
I am encouraging churches to go live in low production environments and make
their digital experiences very relational and converse with people.
Give
people time and permission to chat in the comments.
Do
acoustic sets that feels like the worship leader is with you in the living
room.
Have
the pastor feel more like a small group leader.
Provide
a platform for conversation and prayer.
The church always adapts our
worship to the cultural context and setting. We just need leaders to realize
the platform just went through a major shift. Don’t just try and “do church”
how you did it, but now online.
As we prepare to minister to
people on media platforms, . Do well to provide a platform for connection that won’t
keep viewers or listeners bored but interactive. Let’s be consistent in
building these online worship centers even when we feel some members don’t
share or show interest. Let us not feel discouraged. Get the rich and inspiring
content and the right presenters to deliver them. I sure that It will get to a
time when many who originally were not in support of financing this dream will
be begging to be part of our building it up.
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