Full frontal church: LiveChurch.tv

In contrast to some of my other reviews, I'm going to state my opinion of this on right up front. I don't like it. I don't even think I really have a good reason. I just don't. I do not believe that online-only church can really offer the fullness of relationships and incarnational connection that happen when we occupy the same space as one body. I'm not suggesting that it has to be exactly a brick and mortar church, but that there are some experiences of church, worship and otherwise, that I believe can only really offer meaning and relationship and yes, incarnation, in the physical presence of other people sharing in and participating in the same experience. Now, that said, I've shown my prejudices. And LiveChurch.tv doesn't really live down to them. I mean it; it's not as bad (I think) as I feel about it. LifeChurch bills itself as "one church, multiple campuses". Live worship experiences are offered online (you can even get yourself e-vited) weekly, and the same worship service is broadcast by satellite to the 12 campuses nationwide (and on Second Life) that make up its congregation. The site is easy to navigate, with comprehensive "frequently asked questions" and and links to basic information. All that sounds pretty good, right? But: there's no real interaction. Yes, I can receive the "What's Next Kit?", a bible, t-shirt, cd and dvd. I can click through a contact link and even find an area to volunteer. But the language seems a bit exclusive to me: unlike Church on the Net's intentional use of non-church language, terms like worship, salvation, mission are given without reference. In addition, it's hard to see how twelve separate bodies are going to feel connected to one another via satellite broadcast, nor how any individual congregation will feel like much more than a spectator. They do offer the whole package: children's and youth programs, LifeGroups (local small groups) and global missions from the brick and mortar campuses. But I just don't feel it. It's not a web church; it's a slick invitation to a pre-packaged worship service. The web version leaves a lot of room for visitors to observe at a remove, and never engage. Even the physical campuses seem to lend more towards watching and less toward participating. The MRI variables all seem to be there, and one would think this would be a technological solution that works for me. Instead I find it canned and sterile, uninviting.