The effects of the continuation of online religious gatherings post-pandemic

2020 was a year like no other, marked by the unprecedented and unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic — a terrible worldwide health emergency that killed hundreds of thousands of people and confined billions of people to their homes. The latter resulted from governmental actors enforcing a lockdown policy to stop the initially unmanageable sickness from spreading. As a result of the lockdown policy, religious followers were immediately prevented from gathering as a congregation until the government decided it was appropriate to lift the restrictions. Millions of followers of Christ around the world were impacted by this lockdown event since it made it impossible for them to continue their regular church programs. However, the church in particular fully launched its online religious gatherings for their respective denomination members, just as state actors came up with and put into action other options to mitigate the impact of the lockdown and travel restrictions by offering palliatives and other welfare packages for their citizens. Millions of followers of Christ participated in religious programs and worship in their homes thanks to this internet religious movement. It was first unsettling for those who were not accustomed to watching religious events live, but they eventually adjusted. But five years have passed after the COVID-19 incident, and different religions have persisted in adhering to this paradigm change in virtual religious communities. For example, religious organizations like Remnant Christian Network and Deeper Christian Life Ministry have increased the amount of time they spend streaming their shows live, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of viewers.

Technology platforms like YouTube, Zoom, Telegram, and others have been crucial to this ongoing online religious arrangement. For example, a well-known Nigerian pastor from Delta State recently used the Telegram app to host a prayer conference. In a similar vein, the prayer program "New Seasons Prophetic Prayers and Declarations" which was introduced during COVID-19 by Pastor Jerry Eze has reportedly attracted millions of participants worldwide and has remained consistent. According to a 2022 statistical analysis by Punch, the online prayer program, which boasts an astounding 800,000 users, became the world's most popular online prayer platform and "Daily Most Super Chatted Gospel Channel," with a record 313,768,909, or 889,627 talks every day.

Some religious programs are now purposefully designed to take place online. In order to reach a wider audience worldwide and specifically draw in young followers, aspiring young pastors are making good use of a variety of technology videoconference technologies. All of these theological realities following the pandemic have only confirmed the paradigm shift toward online religious activities, which are consistently starting to gain traction, particularly among young, aspiring clergy.

It is important to remember that the ongoing use of online religious worship has both advantages and disadvantages. Positively, it has made a significant contribution to increasing online participation in programs and drawing in a wider worldwide audience. Following up on a live service or replay, some bedridden people, whether at home or in the hospital, have experienced a miraculous healing. For example, it was claimed that in March 2021, at Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris, Vimbainashe Makwangudze from Zimbabwe was cured of a heart ailment. He had stated in his testimony, "Praise the Lord! I got healed of a heart condition when i participated in the 2021 March healing streams live healing services with Pastor Chris! And it was confirmed when I got scans, the doctor said my heart's function has improved. I'm forever walking in perfect and divine health, Glory!”. 

Additionally, a woman called Sarah reportedly testified that she was miraculously cured of a crippling sickness after simply seeing a live stream of Bethel Church, a non-denominational Christian church located in Redding, California. While viewing a live feed of the Bethel Church service, Sarah, who was bedridden due to a crippling illness, felt a powerful presence in the room. She said that after feeling better, she quickly regained her strength and proceeded to move around.

With a large internet following and millions of viewers, Christian television networks including Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Daystar Television Network, and the 700 Club have captured a wide range of testimonies during their live broadcasts. These tales include healing and transformational miracles. In extreme cases, loved ones have been able to bring the dead back to life just by connecting to a live internet religious ceremony or prayer.

Furthermore, since one may readily connect from the comfort of their home or workplace, distance is no longer an obstacle to taking part in religious programming. The ability to concurrently connect to a live religious program while fulfilling their secular obligations is another positive consequence of this persistent religious trend.

Additionally, it has been shown that holding religious gatherings virtually is cost-effective, particularly in developing nations. Live streaming makes it simple for people who might not be able to attend a religious gathering in person because of budgetary limitations to participate in the event. The current economic conditions in Nigeria, as evidenced by the administration's apparent unilateral removal of the fuel subsidy, have an impact on religion because those who own mobile cars are unable to afford to refuel their vehicles, which inevitably affects their regular attendance, particularly at weekly meetings. However, the rise of virtual religious events and the longevity of this online project have made it simple for individuals to participate in a live program and enjoy the same blessings as those who are present.

In conclusion, although there are some drawbacks to the continued popularity of online religious gatherings, such as the potential for people to forego regular attendance at their local church because it is so easy to stream religious programs live, this does not negate the fact that the benefits of this long-running online religious trend greatly exceed the drawbacks. It is a paradigm change that has affected millions of people and given its subscribers consolation and hope. Additionally, it is a persistent post-pandemic effort that is now getting traction within the Christian community.