- With many ministries moving online,

Regent University isalso on top of the trend,

and here now to talk more about it

is the Dean of the School of Divinity

at Regent University, Dr. Corne Becker.

So how are churchesand ministries adapting

to this change in our world regards

to social media, online, and so forth.

- At the moment, it's alittle bit of a mixed bag.

Good morning.- Good morning.

- Yes, some churchesalready have been online

for quite a bit, and certainlyare ahead of that curve,

and so they've done an extraordinary job

at transitioning not only their services,

but their meetings online.

Other churches are playingcatch-up at this point in time.

- Any advice to thosechurches playing catch-up

in this critical time?

- A number of things that they can do.

Look at the free platforms.

Indeed, Facebook is awonderful platform to use,

but there are otheropportunities out there.

But what I would encourage,

churches that are doing this very well,

reach out to the smaller churches,

teach them how to do this.

We are a body of Christ.

- Indeed.

Now, it's especially important right now

because there are so many people,

especially older people who can't get out

because of the orders to quarantine.

- It's of tremendous importance,

but what we have to remember as the church

is that we've been here before.

So technology is not a danger for us.

In actual fact, technologyis an opportunity.

Think for a moment just aboutthe Protestant Revolution,

the Reformation, startedbecause the printing press.

Maybe this is, indeed, the beginning

of a transformation of thechurch, then we'll be ready.

- Indeed, indeed.

College and universitiesalso adapting to this trend,

offering classes and even degrees online

in online ministry, correct?

- We are so excitedabout this, yes, indeed.

About a year ago, we launchedthe brand new concentration

in our Master of Divinitycalled Cyber Theology;

in essence, online ministry,preparing ministers,

pastors, and missionariesto do ministry online.

- How can someone find out more

about that particular program?

- Very quick, very easily.

They can just go to www.Regent.edu

and look for cyber theology,

or they can just look atthe School of Divinity.

- Now, I'm thinking in terms of those

who've been in ministry along time and may be watching

who are adverse to technology,

feel like they can be overwhelmed,

and this is so new to them.

- Yes, so one of the thingsthat I would say to them is

that remember that the same spirit

that connected us with Christians

that are 2,000 years removed from us

can help us to connect with people

that are just on the other side of a door,

or on the other side of a building,

or the the other side of town,

or the other side of the world.

So, folks, this is very easyto learn, not difficult.

- Not difficult.

People watching, also,who are watching all this

play out in our world,and it can be frightening.

As we see the news and the numbers change

day in and day out, whatwords would you say to them?

- Christians have always done very well

during a time of crisis.

This is our opportunity to, indeed, shine.

There's a wonderful book that was written

a number of years ago called"The Rise of Christianity,"

and this author, from asociological perspective, says

that during time of pandemicsin the last 2,000 years,

Christianity grows, the church grows.

For such a time as this,we have been created.

- Indeed, indeed, amen to that.

Dr. Corne Becker, the Deanof Regent University's

School of Divinity, muchappreciate your time.

Thank you so much for being.