Foundations of Faith: The Online Churches, Sermons, and Worship That Shaped My Journey
A Reflection on the Digital Ministries That Guided Me in the Early Days of My Walk with Christ
Growing up churches were big drafty buildings with bible reading and messages I didn't understand and seemed to have a lot of pomp and ceremony that I also couldn’t make sense of. I have no idea if I asked, or if it was ever explained to me, but the older gentleman standing in the pulpit above us, seemed to think himself as better than us. The pews were cold and uncomfortable, and I was always admonished for fidgeting.
So, when I was beginning to explore the possibility of becoming a Christian in the late summer of 2019, as an adult I searched Google for ‘online sermons’ and looked at the results. I clicked on some links that took me through to YouTube and watched a few to see what they were like.
Through this search, certain online churches, sermons, and worship ministries became foundational in shaping my early understanding of Christ and what it means to follow Him. Through their messages and music, they provided a roadmap that helped me navigate the beauty and challenges of faith.
Searching for Answers: My First Encounter with Online Churches and Sermons
When I first started exploring Christianity, I wasn’t sure where to begin, and walking into a physical church felt intimidating. So after searching Google and YouTube for online sermons to watch and get an idea of what the Christian Faith was now, and to see if I was drawn to any specific one.
Steven Furtick (Elevation Church), Michael Todd (Transformation Church)*, and Louis Giglio (Passion City Church) were the ones I began watching to see what they were like and if I not only resonated with them but if they helped me to understand the Bible in a way that was relevant to me.
Online churches and sermons became an unexpected yet powerful source of guidance. At first, I was simply curious, but over time, I began to feel drawn to the messages, sensing that God was speaking directly to me through these digital platforms.
Voices of Truth: The Online Pastors Who Spoke to My Soul
Image from Google
Out of these three that I remember watching one stood out to me above the others, and that was Steven Furtick of Elevation Church. He makes the bible relatable in today's world and helps me to see it simply, which is easy to understand as a new Christian.
The first sermon I have notes from is When the Battle Chooses You, from June 2019, but I watched it in November of that month.
The accessibility of online church services meant I could tune in anytime, rewinding messages to truly absorb their meaning. And I could get a gauge on if I was interested in learning more, of if it was possibly a passing interest.
Melodies of Grace: Worship Music That Moved Me Closer to God
Music played an integral role in my spiritual exploration, especially through worship streamed from online churches. One of the first songs I remember speaking to me was My Testimony, and See a Victory, by Elevation Worship and Raise a Hallelujah, by Bethel Music.
I began a playlist of this music to stream when I wanted to listen to music to help me learn the lyrics, and before long it was all I was listening to. Other playlists I'd made of other artists, were left forgotten about, as I was drawn constantly to worship music.
Whether through high-energy praise or intimate acoustic worship, these songs created moments of reflection and connection with God. But, being a country and rock music fan at heart, I find myself drawn to certain artists and songs more than others.
Lyrics That Spoke to My Heart: The Worship Songs That Became My Prayers
Some of these worship songs became more than just music—they became my prayers.
Zach Williams at Red Rock - CCM Magazine
Lyrics from songs like Graves Into Gardens by Elevation Worship, Way Maker by Leeland, What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship, Tremble by Mosaic MSC, and Rescue Story by Zach Williams, all resonated deeply with me, expressing emotions and thoughts I struggled to articulate.
In moments of doubt or seeking, these songs served as a bridge between my heart and God, reinforcing the truths I was learning through online sermons.
The Turning Point: When Online Church Became More Than Just a Stream
I began watching sermons every few days and making lots of notes during everyone, and there came a moment when I realised I wasn’t just casually listening—I was truly resonating with the message and applying what I learned. That led me to begin thinking about finding an in-person church to attend near me, so I went back to Google and found a few around the area to try.
This shift marked the point where faith became personal—no longer something I was merely exploring, but something I was ready to embrace and live out.
Even now, these digital ministries continue to strengthen my faith as I grow in my walk with God.
But, I needed more, and to get that, I needed to do more than sit in my house and watch sermons, I had to get out into the big wide world and visit an actual church and see if I had the same response.
A Continuing Journey
While these online churches, sermons, and worship ministries were instrumental in my early walk with Christ, my journey is far from over. As I continue to grow, I am always discovering new voices that challenge, encourage, and inspire me. Yet, I will always be grateful for those who laid the foundation, pointing me to the ultimate source of truth—Jesus Christ.
Who are the online churches, pastors, and worship ministries that have shaped your faith journey? Whether through live-streamed services, worship music, or digital discipleship, God uses many voices to draw us closer to Him. May we always be open to learning and growing in our pursuit of Him.
* I was unable to find a Wikipedia link for Michael Todd.