During the pandemic, Manassas Baptist Church (MBC) began engaging online with its congregation, neighbors, and friends for worship and Bible study. Small groups formed on various digital platforms. It was a fascinating time, yet one that many of us are glad is behind us. But is it time to abandon our online platform entirely?

When MBC resumed in-person gatherings, they maintained their online community. On Wednesday evenings, a group at the church met for about 45 minutes before connecting online with those in the Facebook Bible study community. They have continued this practice ever since.

Five years after the pandemic, their in-person group comprises about 50 active participants, while the online community includes roughly 150 people, yet they receive over 1,400 views each week. The reference to “150 people” is the number of individuals who engage. By engaging, they comment on the video either live or after the event. In one way or another, they take action that goes beyond merely scrolling past the video. These aren’t just church members who prefer not to attend in-person study and fellowship. They receive engagement from across Virginia, throughout the U.S., and around the world.

Here are some additional facts that might interest you. In 2023, three of their biggest donors were online-only attendees. In 2024, Pastor David flew to Texas to perform a wedding for a family that attends online. Last year, he also conducted three funerals for individuals who engaged only online.

Real ministry continues to take place through online platforms in meaningful ways. Are you interested in exploring what an online ministry might look like for your church? We would love for you to join a Zoom call with Pastor David Donahue on Wednesday morning, April 23, to discuss how to leverage online opportunities to foster authentic and engaging connections for the Gospel.