Whether you lead a small group, serve on staff, or simply care about how your church makes disciples, you have likely noticed a shift. More and more churches are recording lessons, posting them online, and asking members to watch at home or in small groups. The reasons are understandable: video is convenient, scalable, and can look very polished. But as followers of Christ, we must ask whether our methods align with the heart of discipleship—a process that God designed to be deeply personal and relational.
The Bible shows us that God’s plan for making disciples has always involved presence. Jesus called twelve men to be with him (Mark 3:14). Paul mentored Timothy not only through letters but through shared life and travel. Even after the ascension, the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship—face-to-face, in homes and in the temple (Acts 2:42–46). While technology can aid our mission, it must never replace the relational core of discipleship.
Three Questions to Guide Your Decision
As you evaluate whether to use video teaching in your next class or group, consider these three questions. They are not meant to give a simple yes or no, but to help you discern wisdom in your unique context.
1. Does This Method Prioritize Personal Presence?
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God spoke through prophets long ago, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son—God in the flesh (Hebrews 1:1–2). The incarnation is the ultimate example of God’s commitment to personal presence. If the Creator of the universe chose to dwell among us, how can we think that recorded lessons alone are sufficient for spiritual formation?
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, ESV)
Video can serve as a supplement—especially for foundational content that is repeated often, like membership classes or doctrinal overviews. But if video becomes the primary mode of teaching, we risk losing the spontaneous questions, the shared laughter, the prayers over real needs, and the accountability that only happen when people are physically together. Ask yourself: does this approach create more opportunities for face-to-face interaction, or does it replace them?
2. Does This Method Build Up Local Leaders?
One of the greatest dangers of relying on video teaching is that it can unintentionally sideline the development of local teachers. When a small group simply watches a video from a gifted speaker, members may miss the chance to see how a fellow brother or sister wrestles with Scripture and applies it to their own lives. Paul’s instruction to Timothy was clear: “what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV). This pattern of multiplication requires that we raise up teachers, not just consumers.
Consider using video as a tool to train your own leaders. For example, you might record a lesson from a pastor, then have a trained facilitator guide discussion and application. Better yet, let the video be a model that your local teachers can learn from, eventually teaching the content themselves. The goal is not a polished product, but equipped disciples who can pass on what they have learned.
3. Does This Method Foster Genuine Community?
Discipleship is not merely the transfer of information; it is life-on-life transformation. The early church met together not just to hear teaching, but to share meals, pray, and care for one another’s needs (Acts 2:44–47). When a class is reduced to a video watched individually, the communal aspects of learning—discussion, disagreement, encouragement, and mutual accountability—can easily be lost.
If you choose to use video, design your groups to maximize interaction. Have members watch the video beforehand, then gather to discuss questions that go beyond “what did the speaker say?” and into “how is God speaking to us through this passage?” Ensure that the facilitator is equipped to guide conversation, not just play the video. Remember that the Holy Spirit works through the body of Christ, not just through a screen.
Practical Ways to Use Video Wisely
Video is not inherently evil. It can be a wonderful tool when used with intentionality. Here are a few suggestions for integrating video without undermining relational discipleship:
- Use video for content that is primarily informational (e.g., church history, theological foundations) and reserve relational topics (e.g., marriage, parenting, spiritual disciplines) for live, interactive teaching.
- Limit the length of video segments to 15–20 minutes, leaving ample time for discussion and prayer.
- Train facilitators to be more than video monitors. Give them discussion guides and encourage them to share their own stories.
- Rotate teachers so that multiple members of your church have opportunities to teach, even if they are not as polished as a professional speaker.
- Evaluate regularly. Ask participants: Are we growing closer to God and to one another? Are we being equipped to make disciples?
A Final Reflection
As you prayerfully consider your church’s approach, remember that the goal of discipleship is not efficiency or production value. It is to present everyone mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28). The methods we choose should reflect the personal, patient, and present nature of our God. Let us not settle for a substitute when the real thing—life together in Christ—is what our souls truly need.
Take a moment to ask the Lord: In what areas of my church’s ministry might I be relying on convenience over presence? How can I take one step this week toward more relational discipleship?
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