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The Lost Sheep and the Online Congregation

  • Sam Peters
  • Feb 3
  • 5 min read

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders...” – Luke 15:3-5 (NIV)

Each week, I aim to write about aspects of church life that smaller congregations grapple with as we strive to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Today, I want to address something that often goes overlooked by many churches and church leaders: ministering to their online audience.

A Brief History of Online Worship

The pandemic of 2020 forced churches of all sizes to embrace an online presence, often for the first time. For many, it was a rocky start. Pastors filmed sermons on smartphones from their living rooms, sometimes with awkward angles and makeshift setups. The effort to replicate an in-person experience online was valiant but imperfect.

As restrictions eased, many churches eagerly returned to in-person worship, shifting their focus back to the physical congregation. Meanwhile, the online audience became an afterthought, treated as passive consumers of a broadcast rather than as integral members of the church family. For smaller churches especially, with limited resources, maintaining an online presence often felt like an obligation rather than an opportunity.

To be fair, there were exceptions. Some churches fully embraced their online audience and made intentional efforts to engage with them. However, the reality for many smaller congregations was a pivot back to their faithful in-person attendees, leaving online worshippers to fend for themselves.

Technology as a Discipleship Tool

Let me be clear: I am unapologetic about viewing technology as a tool for discipleship. The pandemic didn’t create our struggles with disciple-making, but it certainly exposed them. Many churches were already falling short in this area, and the transition to online ministry shone a spotlight on the gaps. If we are serious about making disciples, we must use every resource available to reach people for Jesus and help them grow in faith.

Later in this article, I’ll share practical tips for using technology as a disciple-making tool. But first, let me share a personal story that underscores the importance of engaging with our online congregations.

My Personal Reality

On any given weekend, I’m either in Ohio or Kentucky. In 2024, my wife and I purchased a future retirement home in Kentucky with my mother-in-law, Diane. The plan was to eventually retire, sell our Ohio-based business, and relocate permanently. But life took an unexpected turn. In November, Diane fell and broke her hip. Suddenly, our plans changed. My wife moved to Kentucky full-time to care for her mother, while I commuted between states as my schedule allowed.

Most weekends, I now find myself in Kentucky. We discovered a wonderful church near our home, but since Diane’s accident, we haven’t been able to attend in person. Instead, we’ve been worshiping online with several services each Sunday. We don’t just watch; we actively worship. Best of all, Diane can join us from the comfort of home.

This experience has reminded me of a crucial truth: engaging online worship can be a lifeline for those who cannot attend in person. Online participants are not second-class parishioners. They are disciples of Jesus Christ who long to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

When Jesus spoke with the woman at the well, He offered a profound insight into true worship:

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:23-24 (NIV)

This passage challenges us to think beyond physical spaces. Worship isn’t confined to a building; it’s a posture of the heart. When we neglect our online worshippers, we fail to recognize their sincere efforts to engage in worship. Through technology, we have an unprecedented opportunity to connect with people in meaningful ways, and it’s our responsibility to steward that opportunity well.

Embrace the Tools You Have

As a small church leader, I want to encourage you to embrace every tool available to share the Good News of Christ. You don’t need to be a tech expert to connect with your online audience. What matters most is authenticity. Speak to them, engage with them, and remember they are there on the other side of the camera. They are just as much a part of your flock as those sitting in the pews.

In the following section, I’ll share practical tips and techniques to help you connect with your online congregation and use technology as a tool for disciple-making. Let’s bridge the gap between the physical and virtual church, honoring every worshiper as a valued member of the body of Christ.

1. Speak Directly to Online Viewers

Make a habit of addressing online worshippers during the service. Welcome them explicitly at the beginning, acknowledge their presence during announcements, and occasionally refer to them in the sermon. This small gesture reinforces their value to the congregation. Example: “If you’re watching online, drop a comment and let us know where you’re tuning in from!”

2. Encourage Real-Time Online Responses

Engage viewers by prompting interaction. Ask questions during the service, encourage them to use the chat feature, and provide moments for online viewers to share their thoughts or testimonies. For example:

  • “What stood out to you in today’s message? Share it in the chat.”

  • “Type ‘Amen!’ if you’re with us!” or, “Hit that ‘heart’ button if you want to send an electronic ‘Amen!’

3. Create an Online Hospitality Team

Assign a dedicated team to focus solely on engaging with online attendees. These team members can greet people in the chat, answer questions, pray with individuals via private messages, and provide follow-up after the service. This mirrors the role of a greeter or usher for in-person worship but in a virtual space.

4. Offer Connection Points Beyond Sunday

Provide opportunities for online attendees to get involved during the week. This could include:

  • Hosting virtual small groups or Bible studies.

  • Inviting them to submit prayer requests through your website or social media.

  • Offering an online welcome card to collect information and follow up personally.

This creates avenues for community and discipleship outside of the Sunday service.

5. Incorporate Online-Friendly Participation Options

Design ways for online viewers to participate actively in worship. Examples:

  • Share links to digital resources like sermon notes or worship lyrics.

  • Encourage them to give online during the offering time.

  • Include a moment where they can pray along or take part in communion if your theology supports it.

6. Celebrate Online Participants as Part of the Church Family

Ensure online attendees feel as valued as those in-person. Highlight stories of life change from online worshippers, feature them in your testimonies, or even invite them to serve remotely (e.g., helping with social media or hosting). Share messages like: “We’re one church, whether we’re worshipping in-person or online.”

By intentionally engaging with online worshippers and creating meaningful ways for them to connect with the church, you’re not only valuing their participation but also fostering their spiritual growth and discipleship.


Are you ready to explore how technology can become a powerful tool for discipleship in your church? I’d love to partner with you on this journey! Visit my website at smallchurchcoaching.com or send me an email at sam.peters@smallchurchcoaching.com. Together, we can discover practical ways to extend your church’s mission beyond its walls and engage your online community in meaningful, transformative ways. Let’s take this exciting step toward making disciples everywhere—starting today!

 

If you’re passionate about connecting with your online community and exploring ways to use technology for discipleship, I’d love to hear from you!

📧 Email: sam.peters@smallchurchcoaching.com🌐 Website: smallchurchcoaching.com📱 Follow me on social media:

Let’s work together to reach your community and make disciples, both online and in-person.

 
 
 

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