Why In-Person Church Will Grow in a Digital Age

We live in the most digitally connected era in history, yet many people are discovering that online connection is not enough. Across society, there is growing evidence of a renewed desire to gather in person, build relationships face-to-face, and share experiences with others. That trend has important implications for churches.  In this article, I want to show how several sociological trends are closely related to the future growth of in-person worship. The same forces drawing people back to concerts, restaurants, workplaces, gyms, and other gathering places are also affecting churches. In-person worship will not become obsolete in a digital age. In many ways, it will become more valuable as people rediscover the importance of presence, community, and simply being together. People are rediscovering the limits of digital connection.  Digital technology has given us remarkable ways to communicate. We can text, email, video conference, watch church services online, and stay connected A