I can talk all day long about the amazing experiences we have at Church Online. I could go on and on about why we do what we do. But today, I’ll let Gary Molander talk. I encourage you to read his whole post, but here’s a few snippets of what he wrote:
I just returned from an amazing church experience. It touched me so much, I had to blog about it.
It was very welcoming. Before the service, everyone kept saying, “Welcome. We’re glad you’re here. It’s about to start.” These comments seem to take down some of my barriers as a new person.
He went on to share about what he saw during the experience:
Bryan was asking him a ton of questions about faith. His main question was centered around God the Father. He wanted to know if Jesus (The Christian Faith) and Mohammed (The Muslim Faith) were prophets who both pointed to the same God. I listened (and watched) at how Tyler – a Christian man from the church – walked Bryan through the Christian belief about God. It was loving, and filled with grace. It was also filled with biblical truth.
Then, I heard Bryan make this comment to Tyler: “I just thank God that He loves me, even though I’m gay.” The music was getting softer, so I could experience their conversation fully.
Tyler’s response was amazing: “I used to struggle with that too. But Jesus set me free.”
Every week we have people from all backgrounds, faiths and lifestyles come to our experiences. We want to show each of them the love of God because anything less could keep them from encountering it more personally. This is why we do what we do, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
I’d love to hear from you. Can you remember your first Church Online experience? What stands out to you about that encounter? Please post your thoughts in the comments section below!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my great God in Heaven! I’m the Tyler! This is so weird but good! I praise my God for all that I went through for His glory to be shown in my life! What a humbling and awesome thing it is to be used by God. All glory to Him who sits on the throne!
my first experience was i appriciated when someone acknowledges a new person comming on line. it makes yyou feel welcome to join in. sometimes churches are so use to the same cklicks? i love encouraging people in the lord.
REALY NICE TO HERE THE WORD OF GOD AND THE CHATS IS THE REALTHAT U PEOPLE APPLIED THE REAL PSYCHOLOGY OF THE NEEDY ONE,IT WILL WORK OUT.GOOD GOD BLESS.
yes, i remember the first time i went to church online. it was amazing. it was really good.
I really enjoyed the message on the Holy Spirit. This was my first visit and I felt I found this sight by God’s design. I have not attended a church service in a long time. This filled the void within my spirit. It took me back to the days when my former Pastor was alive and teaching me so much. I was a large sponge and soaked up Gods word. I would like to experience the close relationship with my hevenly Father once again. I hope to continue to study with Life Church TV.
The first time I attended a lifechurch.tv online experience was straight after I heard Pastor Craig speak live. I was amazed at how God works in so many ways and across so many different platforms – using the internet in ministry – awesome! I loved how welcoming people are and how in this hectic world, there is a time that suits everyone to be able to attend Church online. I pray God will continue to use Church online to reach out to people and provide the welcoming and supportive experiences that it currently does so well.
What fun and exciting times in the life of the church. As a Life Church volunteer, I see the experience from both sides of the aisle, so I loved reading Gary Molander’s perspective from where he sat. Gary, don’t be a stranger to our group, and next time be sure and give a wave or a “Howdy” so we know you are there.
I remember the time I first landed at church online, it was welcoming and new and exciting, but I have to say that my experience this morning was the best. Full, interactive, engaging conversation sprinkled w/prayer & questions about faith were fun and amazing.
I was home sick today, so I didn’t go to my church, but what I love about online church is that no matter where you are from there is church that is always available. I love it.