The World Wide Web has become the hottest place to build a church. A growing number of congregations are creating Internet offshoots that go far beyond streaming weekly services.
The sites are fully interactive, with a dedicated Internet pastor, live chat in an online “lobby,” Bible study, one-on-one prayer and communion. (Viewers use their own bread and wine or water from home.)
On one site, viewers can click on a tab during worship to accept Jesus as their savior. Flamingo Road Church, based in Cooper City, Fla., twice conducted long-distance baptisms through the Internet.
Critics say that true Christian community ultimately requires in-person interaction. They deride the sites as religious fast food or “Christianity lite.” But advocates consider the Internet just another neighborhood where real relationships can be built.
