As we’ve explored AI’s potential for enhancing ministry, we must also clearly acknowledge its limitations. Certain aspects of pastoral ministry remain irreducibly human and spiritual, beyond any algorithm’s capability. Understanding these boundaries isn’t about fearing technology but about preserving what makes ministry truly transformational—the mysterious intersection of human relationship and divine grace. The incarnation—God becoming […]
Wesley identified the means of grace as channels through which God conveys preventing, justifying, and sanctifying grace to believers. These ordinary practices—prayer, Scripture study, communion, fasting, and Christian conferencing—become extraordinary when met with faith. As ministry increasingly includes digital dimensions, we must thoughtfully consider how technology can facilitate access to these means of grace while […]
Day 10 of the UMC General Conference 2020(4) began with the commissioning of global missionaries during worship, highlighting the core of Methodism as a missionary movement. The celebration of the Mission Bicentennial emphasized that mission belongs to God, and we are all invited to participate in it. The afternoon session started with the final portion […]
A Conversation about the Meaning, Symbolism and Responsibility of Baptism One of the great privileges that I have as a United Methodist preacher is offering the sacrament of Christian baptism to individuals and families connected with the local church. I like to meet with the individual or family in advance of the service to hear their […]
I recently came across the proposal for a Twitter Communion service and its subsequent cancellation. As Pastor of Resurrection Online, I have spent a good deal of time considering how sacraments are made available for those that worship online. I am still working on articulating clear guidance for Resurrection Online attender. This proposal is particularly […]
Several months ago, I received a copy of several articles that explore the intersection of religion and the internet. I want to record some of my notes on the articles and at the same time share them with you. “Believe It or Not: Virtual Religion in the 21st Century” [PDF Link] by Susan E. George […]
Click in Remembrance of Me is the title of an article that was published in Newsweek on November 3. I invite you to check it out as it provides my first exposure to online church or internet campus being addressed by what I would interpret to be a mainstream media outlet. While having previously found […]
While reflecting on the sacraments for an internet campus several weeks ago, I wrote, “I am not willing to suggest that sacraments could be administered online or remotely in any way.” I had thought that this would be a common response for leaders in mainline congregations. I was wrong in at least one case. I […]
This is a collection of questions and responses to various questions about internet campus. I invite you to read each post and add any comments on that post or by emailing me directly. Thanks! iCampus – Why start an internet campus? iCampus – What about the sacraments? iCampus – What about the Book of Discipline? […]
This is a series of responses to questions about an internet campus from a previous series of posts. Do you have any other questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments and I will try to respond to each one. Thanks! What about the sacraments? This is a serious question and one of the […]
This wraps up the series on the benchmarking trip to LifeChurch.tv to look at their internet campus. I want to make sure you know where we have been and where we are going on this series. First, previous posts in this series: Introduction Is Not New Staff Care Live Terry Storch Next week, I am […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 