As it relates to the discussion of virtual church versus brick & mortar, I don't understand why we, as Christians, are pitting two goods against each other. It's both/and, not either/or. So your Christian brother/sister attends a virtual church. So what? Do they no longer have the saving grace of our Father? I'm dismayed this is as big a deal as it is.

I don't buy the premise that "physicality" or one's proximity to other believers makes a church or worship service. Why can't an online attender mingle/hang out/fellowship with folks from a brick & mortar church? Does not attending the worship service preclude them from the activities of another church? Are they disqualified to participate in outreaches or mission trips put on by the church down the street because they don't attend their services? Or is it for members only? What if virtual church attenders in the same neighborhood got together for a service project or mission trip, does it not count because they attend a virtual church? In the end, both virtual & pew-sitting church attender have the same after-service dilemma: why can't our friends, family & us agree on where to eat after church?

I can't help to wonder if it simply boils down to what's your corporate worship style preference: do you prefer to worship in a concert setting or do you prefer to worship in front of your computer screen? For me, I'll take the brick & mortar church.

As adults it's easier for us to understand that relationships, and community, can be had in more "virtual" places (although nothing can replace a physical, human relationship), but children and teenagers? I don't think so. I look at the small children at church playing on the playground, and having fun with their peers, while learning truths about God, and how He loves them. This is so important. I wonder how you replace that having church online?

This is one of my main concern about church online, we are made in the image of The "imago dei", and thus we are in need of physical, real, community, and relationships – it's in our DNA.

Thankful that we can dialogue about this, as we attempt to see people become who God has created them to be.

Yes you can say that it each parent's choice but in some cases its even expected so that the adults can receive instruction without distraction. In reality it comes down to the value that a church places on its children not just through their statements and beliefs but their actions as well.

Thus I would have to suggest that its not online church's vs. non-online churchs that need to be discussed, as much of the composition of where and how people choose to connect with the global body of Christ. Yes if they simply consume instruction and Godly teaching and do nothing beyond that, then yes every concern should be raised. In how many cases is this true of so many of us today, in real flesh and blood church services though.

If however this couple is connection with Life Church and ministering alongside other believers in the local community, then maybe we should give this concept some additional thought.