Is watching church online having church?

Not hypocritical at all.
It is not in and of itsself church, but it could an integral part of your spiritual life.
Honestly, today I stayed home and watched tv Church. I knew what my pastor was going to preach on and, well.....

 

Is watching church online having church?

YES! Many of us like myself can only get out on the best of days.

Thank the Lord for ROKU.

But be careful their are some crazies out there.

 

I vote no.

It's a great tool for members who are ill, injured, traveling, & etc, who can't otherwise make it. It's also handy for people investigating new churches to attend.

 

It's great for shut-ins, the bedridden, and the elderly.

 

Yes. But I assume the shut ins, bedridden, and elderly are still members. And that their church still has physical contact with them.

When the husband of one couple of long time members had a setback, and couldn't attend, our Sunday school class took turns going to their home to pray and study with the husband, so the wife could make it to the regular service. It was the best we could figure to do, and we did it gladly.

Now, an able bodied man who stays at home streaming services of a church he doesn't belong to? That not "having church."

 

We stream services. This is mostly for our home bound, those out sick, those fighting cancer who dont want to get out risking getting sick, etc...

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No. "Having church" is assembling and interacting with fellow Christian believers. Watching or listening is a great outlet for those unable to assemble, but those who can assemble should do so.

Back in the old days my uncle used to record our preaching on a cassette recorder and take the recording to our sick and shut-in so they could have the benefit of hearing the sermon. Today we have much more advanced ways of doing that, but it should not become a crutch for those who are able to assemble. There is more to church than listening to sermons.

 

agreed - i loved the regular fellowship and miss it dearly.

 

Watching on TV or listening by radio is great when one is incapacitated; but I remember watching FBC Dallas on TV one such day when Criswell actually had the church vote on a membership request from some lady in Oklahoma City. The church unanimously approved it!

 

To me it all depends on the reason your watching. Do you have a disability that keeps you from going? Or are you too lazy to go? Do you not trust churches and think you can follow Christ at home via you tube?....

I listen to sermons all the time but my butt is planted right up front most Sundays. Besides it’s my escape from the nasty environment I have to work and deal with m-f. It’s pleasant being around others who are nice people.

 

Can be useful those of us physically unable to attend service, or as a supplement, as in watching other teachers, but should not be a substitute for attending a local church service.

 

No, it's not the same. It's an important ministry for shut ins and can be a great supplement to church, but it isn't church.

 

Right it is not - I long to be there with them. I am there in Spirit.