Inside a Virtual Prayer Meeting

Ten figures gather in a Japanese-style penthouse within a virtual realm. A stormtrooper and a large orange cat stand side by side. As they bow their heads, the cat speaks in the voice of Curt Curtis, a Christian missionary from Texas, leading the group in prayer. Though the setting is virtual, their mission is real.

Father God, thank you for this opportunity to reach people who need you.

For three years, Christian missionaries from the evangelical organization Cru have been meeting on VRChat, a social platform where users interact through avatars. Members chat, play games, and now, some receive spiritual guidance.

Adapting Traditional Evangelism Practices

Cru’s digital strategist, Frank Kuligowski, explains their mission to connect with users in virtual worlds. The idea began with purchasing VR headsets to explore new spaces. Each Friday, missionaries use virtual maps to find worlds with around 20 users, offering the right balance of engagement without overwhelming chaos.

Once inside, they approach small groups, initiating conversations casually. They may comment on avatars and gradually steer discussions toward faith. Nic, a social worker from The Netherlands, encountered the missionaries in a tranquil Japanese garden world. He appreciated their calm demeanor and continued meeting with them.

Challenges and Concerns in Virtual Evangelism

Not everyone supports the presence of missionaries in VRChat. Comments on the platform’s subreddit reveal concerns about anti-LGBTQ+ views and changes to the online culture. Heidi Campbell, a professor studying digital religion, notes that missionaries should adapt to the culture of virtual spaces, similar to foreign country missions.

Some users, like Geoffery Powell—a multimedia artist—see the diverse community as an opportunity to address loneliness and other social issues. After understanding the challenges users face, Powell felt a calling to evangelize.

Transformative Impact on Individuals

Stewart Freeman, another user, found his life changed after connecting with Jason Poling, a pastor. After struggling with personal issues, Freeman began exploring the darker aspects of VRChat. He credits the pastor’s visits to his virtual home with rekindling his faith and ultimately leading him to pursue full-time evangelism with Cru.

Freeman emphasizes the importance of entering challenging spaces and building relationships with individuals searching for answers.