Digital Pulpits and Virtual Praise: Redefining Black Church Worship in the Digital Age
Digital Pulpits and Virtual Praise: Redefining Black Church Worship in the Digital Age

Author(s): William Triplett
Subject(s): Pastoral Theology, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Scientia Moralitas Research Institute
Keywords: digital church; Black Church; online worship; theology and technology; virtual ministry;
Summary/Abstract: This paper explores how the Black Church is re-priming worship in the digital era by embracing virtual space, live streaming, and the digital environment. Through narrative-based qualitative research and analysis of documents, this work will discuss how congregations establish sacred online spaces, maintain communal life during social rupture, and use technology to develop spiritual intimacy. In-depth case study examples of Hosanna Community Church, Trinity United Church of Christ, and Metropolitan AME Church help understand theological adjustment and pastoral approaches toward digital ministry. The findings capture the role of moral imagination, Ubuntu theology, and sacred resistance in informing innovative virtual congregational worship experiences. This study adds to the emerging body of knowledge in digital theology and provides practical recommendations to faith leaders who strive to find their way in a hybrid and fully online ministry in a post-pandemic world. By doing so, the study also brings to light opportunities and challenges, such as digital equity, community authenticity, and generational engagement. It further places the Black Church in the wider discourse about theology and technology, illustrating how its experience is a source of inspiration to other faith communities facing similar processes of digital transformation.

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