Nick Thompson: Sacred Streaming? The Danger of Digitizing the Church [Ezra Interviews with Michael Thiessen]

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation,  Dr. Michael Thiessen interviews Pastor Nick Thompson about his book Sacred Streaming, which explores the implications of digital technology in church worship. Thompson reflects on his experiences during the COVID pandemic that led him to question the legitimacy of live streaming in worship. He emphasizes the importance of physical assembly in the church and warns against the reduction of ecclesiastical experiences to digital formats. The discussion also touches on the regulative principle of worship, the essentiality of public assembly, and the means of grace as ordained by God. In this conversation, Nick Thompson and Michael Thiessen explore the implications of digital technology on worship practices, particularly focusing on the nature of baptism, the limits of digital engagement, and the importance of public worship. They discuss the theological and pastoral challenges posed by live streaming services and the necessity of lamenting the loss of physical gatherings during the pandemic. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that honours God's design for worship while acknowledging the realities of modern technology. Get your copy of Sacred Streaming today!:US & Canada: https://ezrapress.ca/products/sacred-streaming-pastoral-warnings-against-digitizing-church;UK: https://www.ezrapress.co.uk/product/sacred-streaming-pastoral-warnings-against-digitizing-church/24; NEW!!! PRE-ORDER Dr. Boot's latest book, Think Christianly: Developing an Undivided Mind, today!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind; Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461;The WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; UPCOMING EVENTS:Spark Conference: Toronto, ON | May 20, 25: https://sparkconference.org/;Worldview Youth Academy (WYA):USA | July 11-17, 2025: https://ezrapress.ca/products/worldview-youth-academy-usa;Canada | July 20-26, 2025: https://ezra-institute.square.site/product/worldview-youth-canada/122;Family Camps:Texas | August 14-17, 2025: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstituteusa/familycamp2025-texas/593861;Canada | August 23-30, 2025: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/family-camp-canada/;Minnesota | August 24-27, 2025: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ezra-institute-family-camp-august-24-27-tickets-1203965305639?aff=oddtdtcreator; For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book, “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.