As many churches navigate the both/and world of hybrid ministry, where in-person and online worship coexist, there’s a word to keep in mind: “phygital.” I didn’t invent it. It was coined in 2013 to describe creating a seamless experience that is the best of both the digital and physical realms. And there lies the goal — and the challenge — for our churches, that of creating hybrid worship where two intrinsically different environments come together seamlessly.
On Wednesday, Jan. 20, employees and friends of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will celebrate and commemorate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The service this year will be livestreamed on the PC(USA) Facebook page beginning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
While the apocalyptic genre might seem relatable in some ways during these times we’re living in, the characters I have found myself relating to most during the pandemic are those found in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s account of life in 19th century America that she writes about in “Little House on the Prairie.” Letting out the hem of last year’s dress to make do for a growing child totally makes sense now. Who needs new clothes when you never leave home? Sitting around the fire at night for a sing-along with Pa while Ma does the mending?
And then there’s Sundays.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us how vital technology in the church is. When the health crisis is over, what role will livestreaming and Zoom continue to play?
When church leaders at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania, began discussing the idea to livestream its traditional Sunday morning worship service, one of the reactions was, “Why in the world would we do that?” Some members were afraid it would be an excuse for people to stay home.
