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.