Mission trips are going to the final frontier. River City Church, based in Vancouver, Washington, has announced this August they will embark on the first-ever “mission trip to the metaverse.”
“In this age of technological innovation and digital connections, it’s time for the Church to step into a new frontier,” the church shared on its website. “The metaverse is a digital space where individuals from all over the world can come together to socialize, learn, play and explore. As believers, we are called to bring the light of Jesus into every corner of our world, and the metaverse is no exception. This mission trip will empower you to engage with a diverse group of people, foster genuine connections, and demonstrate the transformative power of the love of Jesus.
“This groundbreaking experience transcends the boundaries of time zones, physical limitations, and traditional mission fields, providing a unique opportunity for believers to unite and spread the love of Jesus in the virtual realm.”
Exactly how will this work? According to the church, participants will need to watch “pre-recorded on-demand missions training” to prepare for the mission and then commit to spending five to 10 hours per week for one month being “extra intentional in online interactions in sharing Jesus in virtual reality spaces.”
What “extra intentional online interactions” means s really up to interpretation. The metaverse is an open space of users from around the world to come together and discuss any aspect of life, culture, and apparently now, faith.
“By leveraging the power of digital technology, we can create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone,” the church said. “By embracing this new frontier, we can pave the way for a new era of evangelism and discipleship that leverages the power of technology to bring the hope and love of Jesus Christ to a world in need.”
The mission trip is available to anyone who wants to join, for the low, low price of $500, or only $150 if you already own your own VR headset.
