CTCR study document — ‘Online Technology in the Church: Study Materials’

Commission on Theology and Church Relations, LCMS ^ | February 9, 2026 | Subsumed

[Fester Chugabrew]

Nothing has changed the culture in the last 30 years quite like the onward march of digital technology. With each tool the industry places in our digital toolkit — the World Wide Web, streaming video, social media, smartphones, podcasts, artificial intelligence — comes new possibilities but also endless challenges.

It is no different in the church. We use digital technology for much good in our life together, but that same technology also has the potential for great ill. As a church, we must think through its use critically.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s 2023 convention asked the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), in conjunction with the Council of Presidents and the Office of the Synod President, to produce a study document to aid our congregations in using technology.

How can the church use technology for good? How can we avoid letting it detract from the ministry of Word and Sacrament to which we are called? What limits should we place upon it in our worship, study, pastoral care, and public and private communications?

This document evaluates how churches use — or are thinking about using — digital technology in five primary ways:

Livestreamed worship services, Virtual multi-parish arrangements, Online reproof and church discipline, Online-only congregational membership, and Artificial intelligence-generated sermons. The CTCR presents this document for study and discussion among the workers and congregations of the Synod.

[Fester Chugabrew]

The impact of technology from the time we gained broadcast capabilities has had a significant impact on spiritual affairs. Jesus had a band of disciples in the flesh, not a megaphone or TV presence. The Church increases not by might or will of man, but by the Holy Spirit through whatever means God chooses to dispense, always pointing to Christ the Crucified and Risen One for us and for every generation throughout history.

[deks]

Matthew 24:14

And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

[Persevero]

Basically it promotes Gnosticism.

We are corporeal and must have physical assembly and discipleship and so on. The great commission doesn’t mean simply have a live x feed.

Dramatically illustrated by the sacraments of baptism and communion.

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

There is no Parousia in the internet.

[aspasia]

I don’t know what you meant with that. Could just as well say there is no Parousia in ink.

There is no substitute for the real thing. At the same time it’s easy to underestimate the Incarnation.

[Albion Wilde]

Ping!