Debrah Busingye, a Rwandan residing in Kigali, participates in livestreams with Phaneroo International Ministries. Despite her demanding 9-to-5 job, she consistently joins weekly fellowships through live-streamed services. “I joined the church two years ago. However, I’ve been attending live streams since 2019, and my experience has been positive because you can rewatch services even if you miss them,” she said. Busingye prefers virtual services, especially during exceptional circumstances, as they ensure she doesn't miss out on spiritual nourishment. ALSO READ: Beyond the pulpit: The evolution of Rwanda's church ministry in the era of social media “God is everywhere at the same time. What I’d receive face-to-face, I’d still receive virtually. God is not limited by geographical location. Thus, this means of connection helps us stay united,” she explained. Rwanda, like many nations where faith is integral to daily life, has witnessed a shift in worship practices, largely influenced by digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, and various mobile apps facilitating prayer requests and online tithing. ALSO READ: False preachers: How to spot deception at the pulpit Following the COVID-19 pandemic, daily devotionals—once conducted in physical gatherings—have transitioned to virtual spaces, with many churches adopting this approach. However, some believe that the sacredness of worship remains intact as long as the intention behind the practice doesn't change. ALSO READ: Rwanda looks to weed out impostors from churches Busingye emphasized that worship's sanctity is about being fully present and offering sincere reverence to God, regardless of the medium. “Worship is sacred when we intentionally turn our hearts toward Him and offer all our devotion with sincerity and humility. It should not be just an outward act but a deeply spiritual moment where our whole being responds to the Creator,” she added. She noted that while her spiritual level hasn't changed, virtual fellowship requires intentionality, much like attending services in person. However, Busingye acknowledges that the sense of community and engagement feels different in a virtual setting. She believes that physical presence contributes to about 60–70 percent of the worship experience, as it truly encourages a sense of belonging. Pastor Michel Zigirishunti of ADPR Gasave in Gasabo District observes that the shift to virtual fellowship has a dual effect. It can discourage individuals who didn't have a strong connection to physical church gatherings, while also providing an excuse for those who have grown tired of attending Holy Communion services. The pastor referenced Hebrews 10:25 which encourages Christians to not neglect or forsake gathering together, but rather to encourage and stir up one another in love, especially as they approach the Day of Judgment. “Virtual fellowship is gradually drawing people away from the church. They might think that it’s actually enough for them, yet community engagement, both physical and spiritual, is more important,” he said. “Worse still is the broken or inconsistent connection between church leaders and believers caused by the lack of in-person interaction,” he added. Zigirishunti pointed out that some people are no longer proud to be identified as members of specific churches, preferring to worship freely from anywhere without being tied down or adhering to specific church rules and regulations. “They don’t want to belong anywhere physically, but virtually they can join any service whenever they choose. The message can reach everyone at once. However, for someone who doesn’t belong to any church, how can a pastor follow up with them? Where do they receive spiritual guidance or participate in other essential church activities?” “This is where many fall prey to fake pastors who exploit them by exchanging tithes for prayer requests. It happens often because these individuals have no church home; they simply follow whatever serves their interests at the moment,” he said. Pastor Zigirishunti said that physical gatherings must remain the foundation of the church because churches are made up of people who grow and change. “There are vital principles that need physical presence, such as welcoming newborns, baptizing new believers, receiving Holy Communion, celebrating marriages, and more,” he noted. “The question is, who follows up with those people we assume are present online? How will they participate in the mandatory church activities? It’s quite challenging.” Jean de Dieu Iradukunda, a member of the Assemblies of God church in Nyamirambo, believes that people are adapting to the realities of the modern world, where digital connectivity has made it easier to stay connected. Many churches now have members who are geographically separated, yet they still choose to participate in services regardless of their location. “It’s more common among young people than adults. Young people don’t value traditional practices as much because most of them are digital natives. They have two options and are choosing the digital one because the tools and technology are readily available,” he noted. Iradukunda also observed that economic factors play a role in this shift. Some people prefer to attend church services virtually to avoid unnecessary spending, especially when alternatives exist. “There may come a time when everyone becomes a fully virtual member of their respective platforms. Those who used to actively participate in church activities on-site may no longer be physically present,” he said.
