The Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Worship for an Online Era

Can Church Really Be Hybrid?

The Hybrid Congregation is a groundbreaking exploration of how church worship practices are evolving in our digital age. Written by seasoned church musician and scholar Michael Huerter, The Hybrid Congregation guides you through a detailed account of how congregations are adapting to digital mediatization, enriched by interviews with leading scholars and practitioners. Discover vibrant online communities that thrive through digital life together, challenging traditional notions of participation and embodiment.

The Hybrid Congregation explores how technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and how it is impacting religious practices in unexpected ways. With the rise of online platforms, including social media and video conferencing tools, the concept of a physical church space is being redefined. The virtual world is now an extension of our physical reality, blurring the lines between what is considered ＂real＂ and what is not.

Whether you’re a music minister, theologian, or a curious layperson, The Hybrid Congregation invites you to rethink worship in a hybrid world, making it a must-read for anyone invested in the future of church ministry.

Michael Huerter (PhD, Baylor University) is a pastor at Holmeswood Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, where he leads worship and works to build community and connection. As a lifelong church musician and digital native, he is interested in engaging with and contributing to scholarship that bridges the gap between research and practical ministry.