As we explore the intersection of ministry and the Internet one issue we must discuss is real-world vs online relationships. Over time, we'll probably get into things like virtual church (which I have some concerns about), Social Networking, Second Life communities and Orality. But for today, I think it valuable to just get some basic terms and ideas on the table like "real-world" and "life-on-life" relationships. The question - are these the same?

Real-world relationship are important. We are social creatures. We seem to need others. And the Bible encourages us to care for others. A simple hand on your shoulder. A long time friend to provide a swift kick in the rear. Someone to walk with you through difficult times. These have huge impact. And with my passion for Spiritual Formation and explorations into what it means to be "church" I'm becoming more and more convinced of the importance of real-world connections with others - read Christian community. And thus, part of my mindset with the bible.org ministry is always thinking about how to help get people connected with a local community.

Life-on-life relationships are important. And life-on-life relationships occur in real-world communities. But I also think they can and do take place in online situations (though I'm not at all suggesting online relationships should replace real-world relationships). I can trade emails with my friend Pat and we can encourage, challenge and shape one another (with limited real-world contact or no real-world contact at all). An individual in a remote African village for example can build life-on-life relationships through the Internet with an American 9 time zones away. This is one of the exciting opportunities in the 21st Century. Emerging distance education technologies and practices are enabling life-on-life relationships that were never before possible. Sure, Biblical training can be completely disassociated from students (simple videos online) or teachers can have a vibrant, life-changing life-on-life relationship with a student including instruction, discussion and prayer together over the Internet.

The Internet enables kindred spirits to connect across geographic and political barriers. Mentoring, teaching, discipleship and even evangelism are possible online and in new virtual worlds.

And while there are times when allowing an individual to hide behind an anonymous user name and ask questions about Jesus, Marriage or Internet pornography, which may help facilitate a discussion that would have never taken place in the real-world, I really want to encourage those of us involved in the intersection of ministry and technology to remember that we need to be intentional about pointing people towards life-on-life relationships and real-world Christian communities.