While we have no examples of digital ministry in scripture, we do have examples of “long-distance” ministry in Paul’s writings. Paul, by way of handwritten letters and messengers like Timothy, found creative ways of speaking to his distant partners.
I often wonder what Paul’s ministry would have looked like if he had access to social media, streaming services, and other digital means. What would his live streams look like? Would he run IRL(In Real Life) streams? Would he play video games? Would he make content about apologetics and call the Pharisees out on X? It’s hard to say what his content would be, but one thing is for certain: Long Distance was not enough for Paul. He had a desire to see his audience face to face. (Romans 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:17 & 3:10)
Why Face to Face?
When I read Romans 1:11, I am convinced that Paul believed very strongly that something happened when he was face-to-face with those he loved.
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong–that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Romans 1:11
It’s no doubt that I have received encouraging Discord messages (Discord.gg is a piece of software that is used for building and gathering community) and been blessed by many Twitch chats (Twitch.tv is a live streaming platform owned by Amazon). But I too have the same desire as Paul, that myself and my distant friends may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
I don’t think it’s fair to compare us to biblical characters, or events that took place 2,000 years ago, but what is it about the face-to-face that Paul wanted so desperately? He could have written these letters, provided the information, and done so with beautiful encouragement while not once making mention of seeing them face-to-face. Long distance wasn’t enough for Paul. It wasn’t enough that he would write a letter, send it by mail, and move on to the next letter. He couldn’t always make it happen, but more than once, he emphasized this desire with his audience. Obviously, there are technological advances that allow us to keep in contact more frequently than handwritten letters, nonetheless let’s continue to explore this idea of the face-to-face.
The Holy Kiss
I would wager if you’ve been reading scripture, attending church services, or you have taken part in youth camps, this is not the first time you have heard mention of the holy kiss. Throughout scripture, followers of Christ are encouraged to greet one another with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, and 1 Peter 5:14). Obviously, there is cultural relevance to explore: A holy kiss was a gesture that signified comfort, respect, love, and greeting between individuals. This kiss demonstrates belonging.
While a literal “holy kiss” might seem odd to many westerners, it loses its silliness when I experience genuine embraces from my Egyptian friends after years apart. Their strong hugs and kisses on the cheek make it clear: this gesture signifies real connection and belonging. I have zero shame in admitting that I respond to their kiss with one of my own!
I cannot stress enough my desire to see digital ministry continue. I believe it is imperative that we use the digital means as a tool, and that we view digital audiences as a necessary demographic, when discussing the Great Commission. The Great Commission cannot be limited to a geographical mission. This mission is about who more than it is about where. I encourage all who embrace the digital means as ministry to consider the power of a holy kiss. A holy kiss cannot happen unless we are face-to-face.
Yes, we can greet one another on Twitch. Yes, we can instill a sense of belonging on Discord. Yes, we can demonstrate love with our words and direct messages. However, when combining Paul’s desire to be with his friends face-to-face, and his urge for a holy kiss, it is clear that long-distance was never enough for Paul. He wanted more. He wanted face-to-face. He wanted and yearned for physical touch.
The Incarnation of Christ
If you’re still considering whether digital ministry should be supplemented by face-to-face interactions, I offer the example of Christ incarnate. Scripture tells us Jesus walked among us. God, with His divine power, had countless ways to communicate with His people from afar: He spoke through dreams, through prophets, He spoke to His people through stone tablets, through angels, burning bushes, and pillars of smoke. His desire to interact directly with humanity went beyond dreams and messages. After years of communicating in these ways, He provided the most beautiful of all communication methods: He sent Jesus to physically be with His kids. He wanted to walk among us, to hold us, to hug us, and to allow children to sit on His lap. He wanted to share meals, He multiplied loaves and fish with His hands, and allowed those with disbelief to touch His scars. He wanted to physically pull us out of the water when our faith wavered. He did not send his son due to a lack of being able to communicate with long distance technology… Our Creator wanted more than a long-distance relationship.
From the Keyboard to the Couch
What then should we do? Abandon digital ministry for physical interaction? Absolutely not.
This isn’t about digital being insufficient, but rather an encouragement to utilize the unprecedented tools we have today. Even if Paul knew about our digital age, he would still emphasize the importance of face-to-face connection, the “holy kiss,” and the joys of sharing a meal. Digital ministry is not incomplete; it offers countless ways to share the gospel. However, I encourage you to strive to meet those you reach online in person, and to play split-screen with those you’ve only played games with digitally. Plan for travel, just as Paul did. I know it can be difficult to justify travel, but let’s remember Paul related to challenges associated with travel, especially after he experienced shipwrecks.
Make every effort to greet those you are called to serve with a “holy kiss.”
My prayer is that each of us as ministers of the gospel would have opportunities to encounter the lost in digital spaces, to introduce them to Jesus Christ, and someday greet them with a holy kiss as we move from the keyboard to the couch, from the headset to the dinner table.
