The Smart Church, a New Normal Church in Digital Era

Abstract

COVID-19 has become the trigger to speed up churches' move to digital platform. While the world is gathering big data and operating in artificial intelligence, churches are limited in its approach to digital Sunday services. More than just an online church that airs services to replace indoor services, the smart church is fulfilling its mission to build relationships and make disciples, supported by big data as the backbone of the ministry. The goal is not filling the building back after COVID-19, but accomplishing the mission through state-of-the-art technology. The purpose of this paper is to examine the future of church that is not necessarily contained within the four walls of the church building but rather as smaller communities of disciples meeting in various locations. This paper will provide a model for a church that fosters relationships in a digital age, providing ways to invite people, discipling them, growing them as leaders, and sending them to influence the world. Research Contribution: This research will help churches to have a new paradigm to enter the digital world that is now becoming a reality. It will also provide a model for churches that promotes discipleship in the new normal.