The news: Author and church health expert Thom Rainer has released a new book, The Revival of the Analog Church: Why Your Church Should Be Personal and In-Person (Tyndale Momentum, 2026), arguing that churches must resist the pull of digital-only ministry and reinvest in face-to-face relationships. The book grew out of questions raised during the pandemic about how many people would return to physical worship.
Why it matters for church leaders: In India, where community and personal relationships are already deeply embedded in culture, this is a timely reminder that the local church has a natural advantage. Many congregations drifted into WhatsApp groups and YouTube streams — but digital tools work best when they support real relationships, not replace them.
The takeaway: Audit one ministry area this week and ask honestly — are we using digital tools to strengthen in-person community, or to substitute for it?
Source: Christianity Today
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