Today, numerous articles online suggest that we are experiencing a digital reformation. Over the past decade, online media have become established tools of communication and influence across many industries. This trend has also affected the church, for which the digital age is akin to Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. This innovation facilitated a social and religious revolution by enabling faster dissemination of information. Undoubtedly, debates still rage around the faithtech and churchtech industries, but one thing is clear: churches that effectively utilize online channels and various tools are attracting more followers worldwide, especially since the pandemic hit.

For instance, according to analytics firm App Annie, top Christian meditation apps in the U.S. saw a 325% increase in downloads from March to August 2020 compared to the same period the previous year. Regarding church attendance, studies indicate that using digital platforms can help grow an online audience, sometimes even more than in-person attendance. This trend is also reflected in the startup market. Whereas venture capitalists previously shied away from the industry, the situation is gradually changing in response to trends where technology increasingly transforms religious practice. In the U.S. market alone, venture funding for religious apps has tripled since 2015.

These developments have been significantly influenced by various demographic and cultural trends in recent years. A survey conducted by Pew Research in the U.S. revealed that about a quarter of adults in the country consider themselves spiritual rather than religious, and this number is growing. Such reevaluations of church authority and attitudes toward religion only accelerate the evolution of digital religion. So, what exactly has changed in the approaches of the church and the beliefs of individuals under the influence of technology?

Let’s start with the Bible. Today, there are numerous apps available that allow users to read it online. One of the most well-known is YouVersion, which offers 2,062 versions of the Bible in 1,372 languages. The app also features audio and video versions along with a multitude of other functions. For example, users can create reading and prayer plans, bookmark passages, share quotes, find communities and nearby churches. There is even a dedicated category for prayers, such as the popular app PrayerMate, which provides planning and statistics, the ability to create prayer groups, track prayer requests, and access a library of quality prayers.

But that’s just the beginning. There are apps for every taste and demand, including online radio and podcasts, daily meditation, and verses of the day. There is even a Netflix-like platform for Christians called PureFlix, offering thousands of shows, movies, and videos. It’s important to note that similar programs exist for various religious traditions. For instance, Al Quran for reading the Quran, Ramadan Legacy for tracking achievements during Ramadan, Siddur and Zmanim as an online prayer book for Jews, Buddhify for a collection of mindful meditation practices for Buddhists, and the list goes on. In our market, the segment of apps for believers is just beginning to develop. One such example is Eden, a dating app for Christians.

But that’s not all. Let me provide a few striking examples of devices. In 2019, the Vatican introduced the electronic rosary eRosary, which consists of agate beads and a smart cross. How does it work? The device connects to a mobile app called Click to Pray via Bluetooth. To activate the eRosary, you need to make the sign of the cross using the rosary. Its functions include praying the rosary and other themed prayers, providing religious content, and serving as a fully functional fitness tracker.

Another case is the recent launch by the Qatari company Thakaa Technologies, which has opened pre-orders for an educational prayer mat for Muslims. This personal assistant uses voice prompts and an LED display to show the correct prayer positions and helps users memorize new verses from the Quran.

As we can see, modern technologies enable believers to practice their faith independently of the church. Consequently, religious education, habits, and approaches are gradually changing, as digital tools allow churches and clergy to be closer to contemporary followers. A few years ago, the Vatican hosted a conference titled “The Common Good in the Digital Age,” where Pope Francis expressed the view that “a better world is possible through technological progress accompanied by an ethics inspired by the vision of the common good.” We are witnessing a significant shift among church representatives towards the idea that religion and technology are inseparable.

Yes, the concept of the “digital church” is gradually becoming established, utilizing all possible digital channels and tools. This includes social media, online video and audio services, and more. The age of the audience is also taken into account, with separate channels created for teenagers and younger followers. Among these are mobile games. In the U.S., the Catholic evangelical group Fundación Ramón Pané launched the app “Follow JC Go!”, an analog of the mobile game Pokémon Go. Players walk around and catch saints and biblical characters to form an “evangelization team.”

Delving deeper, we can see how churches worldwide are beginning to adopt comprehensive marketing strategies. They are considering their mission and values, their target audience and its needs, and the tactical tools that can help attract people to the church both online and offline. On a national level, entire reform programs are being established. In the UK, there is the “Renewal & Reform” program, where a dedicated digital team develops approaches and practical systems for the internet, social media, and broader technological innovations for the Anglican Church. The cases they have created over the years have won 20 awards at various international festivals, highlighting the success of their initial efforts to transition to a digital church.

In conclusion, the development of faithtech and churchtech on a global scale indicates that religion and the church are gradually keeping pace with the times. While this shift might still provoke resistance and negativity among some clergy, it is largely beneficial for parishioners. It is undeniable that in a few decades, the “digital church” will become a completely normal phenomenon, aligning with broader societal trends. Therefore, it is essential to start adapting and preparing for this transition now.