ASSESSMENT ON THE USE OF ONLINE PLATFORMS FOR WORSHIP PRACTICES IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN CHRISTIANITY

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study The integration of digital technology into religious life has revolutionized worship practices across the globe, particularly in the context of African Christianity. The proliferation of internet-enabled devices, coupled with increased access to broadband connectivity, has catalyzed a shift from traditional in-person worship gatherings to dynamic and highly interactive online platforms. Online worship platforms encompass live-streamed church services, virtual prayer meetings, Bible study sessions on Zoom, sermons on YouTube, and religious discourse on social media networks such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where Christianity remains a dominant religious force, the convergence of faith and digital innovation is reshaping spiritual experiences and religious expression. The COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated physical distancing and lockdowns, further accelerated the adoption of online worship platforms, prompting many churches to develop digital infrastructures for religious engagement (Adedibu, 2021). In the African Christian context, worship is not merely a personal spiritual practice but a communal, performative, and embodied experience deeply embedded in cultural identity and social interaction. The shift to online platforms thus raises critical questions about how these digital experiences are reshaping traditional notions of fellowship, sacredness, and communal worship. While some scholars argue that online worship platforms democratize access to religious content and foster spiritual growth among dispersed congregations (Mpofu, 2023), others express concerns about the commodification of religion, reduced spiritual intimacy, and digital fatigue. Moreover, religious leaders have had to adapt to new modes of digital communication, digital liturgies, and audience engagement strategies, creating a new hybrid culture of worship that blends physical and virtual realities. In this light, it becomes pertinent to assess the implications of these transformations on doctrine, discipleship, and church authority. In Nigeria and other African countries, internet-based religious activities are increasingly influencing theological interpretations, altering the aesthetics of worship, and transforming the spiritual habits of believers. Online tithing, virtual altar calls, live testimonies, and comment-based intercession have become hallmarks of digital Christianity. The question arises: Are these platforms sustaining, transforming, or undermining the essence of Christian worship? This study seeks to provide a scholarly assessment of how online worship platforms are impacting contemporary African Christianity, with a focus on both the opportunities and challenges posed by this evolving digital ecclesiology. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Despite the rapid adoption of online worship platforms in African Christianity, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, scholarly inquiry into the theological, cultural, and social implications of this shift remains limited. Existing studies have explored digital religion in Western contexts, often focusing on how churches use social media for outreach and evangelism. However, little attention has been paid to how these platforms affect liturgical practices, congregational cohesion, and spiritual formation within African ecclesial spaces. In Nigeria, where churches are both cultural and spiritual powerhouses, the transformation of worship practices through digital platforms presents new challenges and opportunities that warrant rigorous academic investigation. The central problem is the lack of empirical data and critical analysis on how online worship influences the spiritual depth, communal bonds, and liturgical fidelity of African Christian communities. Are digital platforms enhancing participation or merely fostering spectatorship? Are they reinforcing or diluting theological tenets? Without adequate assessment, church leaders, theologians, and policymakers risk misinterpreting the long-term effects of online worship on Christian identity and practice. Thus, this study seeks to fill the gap by providing an in-depth assessment of the use and influence of online worship platforms in contemporary African Christianity. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The main objective of this study is to assess the use of online platforms for worship practices in contemporary African Christianity. The specific objectives are to: 1. Identify the most commonly used online platforms for Christian worship in African contexts. 2. Examine the impact of digital worship on liturgical practices and congregational engagement. 3. Analyze the perceptions of church leaders and congregants toward online worship. 4. Explore the theological and cultural implications of the digitalization of worship. 5. Recommend strategies for integrating online platforms in ways that preserve core Christian values. 1.4 Research Questions 1. What are the most commonly used online platforms for worship in African Christianity? 2. How have online platforms affected liturgical practices and spiritual participation? 3. What are the perceptions of clergy and congregants regarding online worship? 4. What theological and cultural issues emerge from digital worship practices? 5. How can online platforms be effectively integrated into African Christian worship without compromising doctrinal integrity? 1.4 Significance of the Study This study is significant for several reasons. First, it contributes to the growing field of digital religion by providing empirical and contextual insights from African Christianity. Second, it informs church leaders and theologians about the opportunities and challenges of integrating digital technologies into worship. Third, it offers guidance for congregants seeking meaningful spiritual engagement in virtual spaces. Lastly, the findings will be valuable to policymakers, religious educators, and communication scholars interested in the intersection of faith, culture, and technology in Africa. 1.5 Scope of the Study This study focuses on Nigeria as a representative African country with a vibrant Christian population and high digital engagement. The research will include various Christian denominations such as Pentecostal, Anglican, and Catholic churches. Geographically, the study will target congregations where digital worship is actively practiced like Lagos State. The study will cover a range of digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook Live, Zoom, WhatsApp, and church-owned mobile apps. 1.6 Operational Definition of Terms Online Worship Platforms: Digital tools and services used to facilitate religious worship, including streaming services, social media, video conferencing, and church websites. African Christianity: The expressions and practices of the Christian faith as contextualized within African cultural, social, and religious settings. Liturgical Practices: Structured forms of public worship, including prayers, sermons, sacraments, and music. Digital Ecclesiology: The theological study of church practices and community in digital environments. Congregational Engagement: The active participation and involvement of church members in worship, fellowship, and other religious activities.