Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

University

Lipscomb University

Publication Date

4-28-2025

Abstract

Increased digital engagement at the cost of in-person interactions has negatively impacted communal life in the Gateway City Church — St. Charles Ministry. Amid an increase in online connectivity, relational connections have suffered as church members add more and more to their already busy schedules. Research has noted multiple ways in which this significant drift from inperson engagement has brought harm to people’s overall health. The literature demonstrates a key root of this phenomenon to be widespread efforts to incorporate digital church engagement in an attempt to supply convenient access to spiritual resources. This tension between convenience and suffering relational connections has left many discouraged. This project sought to understand how Gateway City Church members would experience connectivity changes after a focused series of in-person meetings. Partnerships were formed, six face-to-face meetings were planned, and weekly agendas were given for the gathering. These meetings contained scripture reading, prayer, mutual sharing, listening, and reflection. The subsequent interaction feedback revealed a strengthening and deepening of horizontal connections between partners. Additionally, the results demonstrated a vertical strengthening of their relationship with God and increased awareness of his presence and activity. This research shows the irreplaceable value of purposeful face-to-face interactions as a source of communal life within the church.

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