Meeting Together in the 21st Century: Exploring the Possibility of a Virtual Confessional Lutheran Congregation

Abstract

This paper explores the possibility and feasibility of a confessional Lutheran congregation existing virtually. This paper addresses three main issues surrounding a virtual congregation. These three areas are worship, community, and the Lord’s Supper. This paper covers these three topics by turning first to what Scripture has to say about these three important issues. Once the Biblical principles at hand have been established, the paper will explore what the Lutheran confessions have to offer on the issues.Then, the paper will look at possible shortcomings that a virtual congregation may face in these areas, and finally the paper will look at possible solutions for how these issues might be solved virtually.