The 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing that followed changed how First Church utilized the video system in our Sanctuary—one that had previously only served to record portions of the service to be offered online later in the week. In May 2020, First Church began livestreaming the entire worship service. Nearly three years later, over 30 percent of those who worship with First Church do so via livestream. I have listened carefully over the years as people have spoken about our online option, many describing how they engage with our livestream by saying they “watch” online. A small number have said they “worship” online. Whichever word people use to describe their livestream experience, I am inclined to believe them.

My experience with virtual worship has illuminated the struggle some have in staying engaged with three-dimensional worship coming through a two-dimensional screen. These experiences have affirmed my conviction that in-person worship provides a stronger worship and relational experience than virtual worship—a topic on which I will teach in the future at First Church as part of my doctoral studies.

When you find that online worship is your only option, let me offer some suggestions that may move your virtual experience from watching worship to truly engaging in worship.

Have a routine: We have many routines associated with in-person worship. Often these start the night before: we prepare our clothes, or perhaps preset the breakfast table for the next morning. On the morning of worship services, our routines may include showering, making coffee, getting in the car, and parking in our favorite parking spot. How we enter the building and the Sanctuary are all part of our worship routine. In what routines can we engage to prepare for online worship that will enhance our experience? Here are a few ideas:

  • The night before, make the same preparations as if you were worshiping in person. Think about what those are for you and your family and incorporate what works for virtual worship.
  • Get dressed on Sunday morning! When you worship at First Church you see the choir and acolytes in robes and the pastors in suits. I have yet to see anyone arrive in their  pajamas on Sunday morning.
  • Do something special that you might only do when you worship at home. It could be as simple as adding a little cinnamon to your coffee or taking the time you would have spent driving to walk around the neighborhood and prepare yourself for worship.

Participate: Worship is active and participatory. How can you participate?

  • When the acolytes light the candles, choose your favorite scented candle to light in your home.
  • Sing, speak, stand, pray, and take notes. If possible, physically do all the things you would do if you were worshiping in person and the things the worship leaders
    ask you to do.

First, disconnect: Remove distractions.

  • Disconnect by putting your phone or device in “do not disturb” mode and removing other distractions.
  • Don’t multitask by doing laundry or cleaning.

Then, connect: We are not called to worship alone.

  • Worship with family members, neighbors, and community members. Do what you can to worship with someone.
  • Write a note, email, or text message to someone with whom you have worshiped in person and share your thoughts on what inspired you during the worship service.
  • Invite others to worship with you by sharing the livestream link.

Worship is our response of gratitude for God’s saving grace. Worship is a sign of our love for our God who loves us completely. If worship is our response, it must be something we prepare for, actively engage in, and do to maintain our fellowship in the body of Christ. You can creatively move from watching to worshiping, and when you return to church, we have a seat waiting for you!

by Sacred Arts Director Jeff Faux