Biblical Worship Biblical Worship: Towards a Framework of Digital Worship in Africa

Edivaldo de Jesus Abel; Pavel  Zubkov; Douglas Sepang

doi:10.35974/isc.v11i7.3541

Authors

Edivaldo de Jesus Abel Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies
Pavel Zubkov Andrews University
Douglas Sepang Universitas Klabat

https://doi.org/10.35974/isc.v11i7.3541

Keywords:

Digital Worship, Framework, Case Study, Africa

Abstract

Digital worship is conceptualized as strategies religious organizations use to conduct online religious activities. The growth of digital worship has advanced over the last two decades as communication technologies become part of society’s day-to-day activities. This is where individuals can access worship services on their gadgets at a given time. They access worship programs and watch them in the comfort of their couch – wearing home clothes – while driving, eating, and studying. There is a shortage of substantive knowledge on how individuals’ digital worship should guide people to worship. Hence, three main research gaps have been identified: knowledge, population, and methodology. Subsequently, the study aimed to explore digital worship conduct and propose a framework that enhances adequate online worship. This single case descriptive study used communication theory to propose a framework for the digital worship of Africans. Purposeful sampling was employed to select 8 participants, composed of students from a faith-based organization who voluntarily participated in the study from different African countries. The data was collected using in-depth interviews through WhatsApp calls, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. The data was analyzed using HyperResearch, a qualitative data analysis software, by coding and grouping codes into categories and themes. The themes that emerged comprise digital fellowship, virtual connection, active participation, hybrid worship, online platforms, worship mindset, evangelism tool, flexibility, preparedness, distraction, expensive, less human connection, creative content, outreach ministry, and spiritual responsibility. Digital worship should be used in a hybrid form where individuals would praise and adore God with a worship mindset that despite less rigor of attire, the worshippers should be in tune with God. Digital worship provides flexibility for views. However, it might have costs and significant health issues for viewers. Further studies should conduct a quantitative multiple regression in different faith-based contexts to test the framework.

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