Christian Chat Groups Surge: Beware Spiritual Dellusion, Return to True Fellowship

A picture of hands holding smartphones
A picture of hands holding smartphones (photo: Canva.com)
By Mu XinSeptember 19th, 2025

Social media is not only reshaping modern life but also influencing the spiritual journey of believers. Many Christians' social media feeds are filled with faith-based chatting groups, ranging from praise, prayer, and sermon groups to Bible memorization and other private chat groups.

However, does participating in more group chats lead to greater spiritual maturity?

Online group chats were originally intended to foster convenient connections and mutual encouragement. In praise groups, believers share hymns and reflections; in prayer groups, members intercede together for those facing difficulties; and in sermon or Bible study groups, busy Christians can engage in fragmented learning, keeping spiritual nourishment within easy reach. From this perspective, such groups have indeed brought convenience to spiritual life.

Yet as the number of groups grows, this "quantitative change" has not produced a "qualitative change." Instead, it has given rise to new challenges, chief among them a kind of "spiritual delusion." Many believers log in daily, forward messages, and respond mechanically with "Amen." This appearance of busyness and devotion is, in fact, superficial. This "spirituality at your fingertips" risks reducing faith to a hollow performance—dispensing with quiet meditation on Scripture or real-life application of truth in favor of the fleeting comfort of a group-generated "spiritual atmosphere."

Even more concerning is the prevalence of "sermons" shared by some believers across multiple groups. These are not systematically recorded messages but fragmented 60-second-long voice clips. Many are delivered by volunteers without systematic theological training, resulting in content that lacks sound biblical grounding and is frequently colored by personal opinion. This not only risks misleading other believers but, over time, can also leave the sharers themselves exhausted and spiritually drained.

The openness and complexity of online groups also provide space for the infiltration of heretical movements. Some believers, lacking discernment, join unfamiliar groups indiscriminately and even stumble into cult organizations such as "Almighty God." Other groups, though outwardly presented as faith-based, have long been infiltrated by heretical forces that quietly disseminate distorted teachings.

In addition, "social etiquette" has become an obstacle for believers in managing group chats. Believers may recognize that certain groups are disorganized or problematic, yet feel reluctant to exit because they were invited by a fellow brother or sister, remaining in the group out of politeness.

More seriously, the proliferation of online groups has fostered an overreliance on virtual connections, diminishing the irreplaceable value of in-person fellowship. On-site gatherings provide not only information exchange but also face-to-face interaction and the mutual nourishment of spiritual life. As many believers become absorbed in online activity, their participation in in-person fellowship declines, leading to a virtualized faith and increasing alienation from the church community.

In response to the challenges posed by group chats, Christians should make proactive adjustments in several key ways.

First, streamline participation and focus on core needs. Believers should commit to one or two high-quality groups, where they can study Scripture more deeply and engage in genuine fellowship. This returns group chats to their intended purpose of serving the life of faith.

Second, remain rooted in biblical truth and strengthen discernment. A solid foundation in Scripture equips believers to distinguish truth from heresy. When questionable teachings are encountered, they should be reported promptly to fellow believers and church leaders to stop the spread of error at its source.

Third, balance online engagement with in-person fellowship. Believers should actively take part in church gatherings, supporting one another and growing together through face-to-face interactions. Online chats can serve as a supplement, which is useful for sharing announcements or expressing care, but true spiritual growth and community life must be grounded in real relationships.

Finally, return to the essence of faith and resist formalism. Christian faith is, at its core, a personal relationship with God, expressed through a life transformed by truth. Believers are called to devote themselves to Bible reading, prayer, drawing near to God, and practicing His word. Whether online or in person, Christians should remain anchored in Christ, allowing the power of faith to be manifested through their daily lives.

(The article was originally published by the Gospel Times, and the author is a pastor serving in Jiangsu Province.)

- Edited by Katherine Guo and translated by Poppy Chan

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