There is a mysterious word whose usages differ greatly in various settings. This word waffles through my mind often as I think of the church that I pastor. My church, Enriching Grace, does not particularly get a notable attendance each week. We have who God would have there and it is a beautiful little congregation.

But its impact online? I know is part of God’s will for our church and I like to think of it as a “proxy church.”

A proxy has been described as “a figure that can be used to represent the value of something in a calculation.” In the case of the Internet, a proxy server is something that stands between a user and their access to the Internet, providing an extra barrier to privacy. Some might call it, a substitute.

In recent years, particularly since the Covid pandemic, there has been heated debate regarding “online congregations.” Some churches went full steam ahead moving their congregations online when they felt the best option was to close their doors. Some churches got many members back inside the doors of the church, while many people opted to be faithful online attendees. Some churches refused to close their doors and their churches either grew or declined for inverse reasons.

Now, here we are years later and there are still two large groups of people. Those who are satisfied with the idea of online church and those who believe it is a mockery of the church ideal that God created. I have thought much about this going into the New Year. Many people recognize me as a pastor in the community and I often get asked something to this effect, “Jacob, how many people you got at your church now?”

When they asked this, I wanted to answer, “500+!” knowing that Enriching Grace Church gets the Gospel out and the church is much more than a building. But I know what they mean. They want a headcount of how many rear ends are in seats. So I teeter and I totter.

“Well, uh, on a good weak we have this, but if this family is out, then we got this.” I have almost apologized for being right where God wants us. A small church, that meets each Sunday, fulfills the actual role of the church (to edify/build up believers) and reaches people far beyond that which ought to be possible.

So where do I fall in this debate regarding the online church? Truthfully, I fell into a place that could be described as apathy for the entire discussion. I do not care. I do not care because I know this.

It is not the internet that connects the Church (uppercase c). It is not the shaking of hands on Sunday that defines fellowship. It is the Holy Spirit.

Whether someone sits in the seat in front of me as I preach or they sit in Thailand watching the Gospel be uplifted and in both locations, an “Amen!” arises from the heart, I call this fellowship.

1 Corinthians 12:13 tells me that this is true. Paul writes, ^“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

We as pastors, feel the need to lash out sometimes when numbers don’t rise. As people, visible numbers are visible results we can account for. However, the greatest results are things that are not seen (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Corinthians 5:6-7). This New Year, I would like to celebrate the victories not seen. I had not seen the victory Christ won on the Cross so long ago, but I know His victory is the only one that matters today. I see the fruit of this victory in my life and in the Church.

I do not want small victories any longer. Proxy church. In-person church. Yes, I have my preferences but my desire should be that all become part of the Church (1 Timothy 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). A Body “which he hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

If you would like join this amazing family, it is simple. Believe that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again so that you can be a take part in His life and you will be filled with His Spirit.

Want to know more? Message @ enrichinggraceministries@gmail.com and let’s talk about what Christ has done for you!

God bless!

If you would like to join us @ Enriching Grace Church, come and see us at 232 The Blvd. Eden NC 27288 or join our proxy church via Facebook @ Enriching Grace Ministries!