By Matt Brown

The past few years have shifted how many people have attended church.

While it is best to attend church in person for a number of reasons, some people have not been able to for health reasons, or out of fear. In the US, some states allowed churches to open after a few months, and others made it difficult for churches for several years to feel they could safely re-open.

All of this has been hard on local churches, and the politicization has been hard for pastors as everyone has different opinions, and pastors often have to help people emotionally in seasons like this.

One great thing that has come out of it all though, because God turns everything bad for good, is that lots of churches have emphasized their online service which has led to millions more people having access to attend church and be encouraged spiritually online. It reminds me of when persecution came to the early Church in the book of Acts and believers spread out and began to spread the gospel wherever they went. I read one stat early on in 2020 that said while less than 1% of the UK attended church in person, more than 30% reported attending church online. This is the opportunity we have when we make ministry available online where anyone can experience it anytime.

I don’t know your circumstances or why you may be interested in watching Church online. Maybe you have a reason you cannot attend church physically at the moment, maybe your job results in you traveling a lot, maybe you are new to the idea of Church and just searching for encouragement and hope, or maybe you just like to watch additional church services/podcasts throughout your week in addition to attending your own local church. Whatever your reason, I hope this list will encourage you in your faith in big ways.

Lastly, before I share this list, I do want to encourage you in the importance of attending church in person. There are many good reasons the Bible calls us to attend church in person. This is going back thousands of years since the beginning of Jesus establishing the local church through his disciples. There is incredible power in gathering together weekly, worshipping and praying together and hearing the preaching of the Word of God together. You cannot replace this with online church, a podcast, a book or your personal devotions. We need, and are called to gather together with other believers for worship weekly. This community is irreplaceable in our spiritual lives. So while you may be encouraged by these online church services, please do look for a local church you can be part of as soon as you are able as well.

1.      Bethel Church, California

Bethel Church is a charismatic church in California. The worship is powerful and beautiful and will touch your heart. They have a great passion for Jesus, and for the power of God in their lives.

You can watch Bethel Church here.

2.      Eagle Brook Church, Minnesota

Eagle Brook Church is a Baptist church in the Twin Cities with a large weekend attendance. They have great worship, and clear and actionable biblical teaching. There is a humility about this church even though it is very successful.

You can watch Eagle Brook Church here.

3.      Free Chapel, Georgia

Free Chapel is based in both Georgia and also Southern California. It has spirited worship, and very faith-filled preaching from Jentezen Franklin. It is hard to watch one of their services without feeling very encouraged.

You can watch Free Chapel here.

4.      Longhollow Baptist Church, Tennessee

Longhollow is a large Baptist church near Nashville. The worship is great, the church has been experiencing revival, and the pastor Robby Gallaty is one of the greatest teachers of the Bible alive today.

5.      Harvest Church, California

Harvest Church is a Calvary Chapel church in Southern California. It is very large and influential church. They have nice worship, and a very down to earth and kind pastor Greg Laurie. The sermons are very practical and encouraging.

You can watch Harvest Church here.

6.      Best online church for your kids: Passion City Church Kids, Georgia

You will be hard pressed to find a better online church for your kids to enjoy than Passion City Church in Georgia. This is the church of Pastor Louie Giglio. Their children’s church is creative and sweet, and your children will love it.

I know there are many good churches to watch online. You may have many churches you would add to this list. I would encourage you to enjoy watching these services and others online when you have free time throughout your week. In addition to your local church, you will greatly enjoy these services. 

I also encourage you to get into a habit of sharing great online church services on your social media accounts, or by texting powerful services to friends who might be encouraged by it. This simple act can help share spiritual encouragement and the gospel with people who probably need it. You can be part of helping people find fulfillment in God.

You can watch Passion City Church Kids here.

Matt Brown is an evangelist, author of Truth Plus Love, host of Think Eternity with Matt Brown, and founder of Think Eternity — a ministry sharing powerful faith content through podcasts, blogs, videos, outreaches and more. Matt and his wife Michelle have four children and live near Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can follow Matt at @evangelistmatt