How the Internet is Reshaping Christian Discipleship - Mike van Goch

Churches rushed online during the pandemic—but few paused to ask what Scripture actually says about internet technology. Mike Van Goch, Canadian writer, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss what Christians get wrong about the internet, online church, and digital discipleship. They explore why treating the internet as a “place” creates theological confusion, how content replaced relationship in modern ministry, and what the pandemic revealed about our assumptions. Mike shares how his own views radically shifted after seeing churches apply ideas from his early book—and why he chose to pull the book and rewrite it. The conversation challenges common assumptions, exposes the theological shortcomings of livestreamed worship, and offers a redemptive vision for how Christians can approach technology with wisdom and integrity.Key Takeaways:The internet is not neutral—it is inherently sinful, shaped by human brokenness and structured to distort relationships and attention.Online content can inform, but discipleship requires embodied relationship, mutual accountability, and spiritual presence.Christians often mistake the aesthetics of online church for true gathering, despite Jesus’ call to worship “in spirit and truth” where people are actually present together.Subscribe nowImportant Links:Online as it is in Heaven by Mike van Goch“A Reluctant Re-write of my book "Online as it is in Heaven" YouTube videoThe McLuhan InstituteWebsite: www.mikevangoch.comTwitter/X: www.twitter.com/mike_vanGochMike van Goch is an author and speaker from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A self-described reluctant poet, Mike is a lover of books, a writer of thought-provoking works, and a seeker of answers to life's big questions. His books include Online as It Is in Heaven, An Interesting Youth Pastor, 5 Ways to Share Your Faith in the Office, Drinking With Your Bible, and The Book of Urban Prayer. Mike explores life, writing, tech, and politics through his writing and speaking.Follow this show and Jake’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.