Hebrews 13:5 says we should not abandon the assembling of ourselves together, so we should always maintain a physical, local church presence. But it doesn't have to be viewed as an either/or scenario, where we must choose between going in person, or engaging online. Using the Internet as a supplement to your local worship services is all the better:
1. Jesus Himself indicated we should use a network approach to evangelism. He said the kingdom of heaven is like a net that is let down to catch all kinds of fish (Matthew 13:47). He instructed the disciples to let down their "nets" to catch fish (Luke 5:4), then told them He would make them fishers of men (5:10).
2. Jesus commanded global evangelism (Mark 16:15). Using the Internet to share your faith is the easiest, quickest, and most efficient way to obey this command.
3. Social media helps keep people on the same page. Just like the Sunday bulletin, those who attend local churches benefit from having their service information printed out, recorded on video, and accessible from a common source.
4. Social media provides an opportunity for group interaction. Church members who attend the local service mostly listen during the service. The Internet gives them an opportunity to comment, discuss, and interact about the content of their worship.
5. The Internet allows people to stay in touch with their local church when they cannot attend physically. People become ill, or have to be away. The ability to access their worship service on the Internet keeps them in touch when they can't be there in person.
The Internet and Social Media are no substitute for physically attending a local church, but they are excellent supplements that promote edification and evangelism.
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