Inside a virtual Japanese-style penthouse, avatars gather for prayer. Led by a figure resembling an orange cat, the group prays for guidance in outreach. The Christian missionary, Curt Curtis, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to support those in need of spiritual guidance.
“Father God, just thank you for this opportunity to go and reach out to people who need you,” said Curtis. ”Guide us and direct us to people who have a need in their heart.”
Connecting virtually using VRChat, Curtis and fellow missionaries from the evangelical group Cru spend time reaching out to people through avatars in various forms, including anime characters and robots. For three years, Cru has utilized this social virtual platform to spread the gospel.
Cru’s evolution in evangelism aims to adapt practices to virtual environments as increasing numbers of users build relationships within these spaces. Frank Kuligowski, Cru’s digital strategist, initially questioned the dynamics of VRChat and explored how missionaries could best engage users while being respectful and supportive.
After prayer, missionaries select virtual worlds based on activity levels, preferring spaces with about 20 users to facilitate effective conversations. Kuligowski and team members initiate discussions by complimenting avatars and gradually introducing religious topics.
A notable encounter involved Nic, a social worker from The Netherlands. Initially attracted by VRChat’s anonymity, Nic appreciated discussions related to spirituality, joining the missionaries during their outings to VRChurch. Raised Christian, Nic never fully engaged with faith until these virtual interactions. Though Nic eventually ceased participation, he valued the opportunity for spiritual discussions online.
In another success story, Kuligowski recounts a woman from China expressing longing for church. While inviting her to a virtual service, another user followed and joined the encounter, leading the individual to real-life connections and campus ministry involvement.
Cru, founded in 1951 as Campus Crusade for Christ, traditionally focused on youth evangelism. However, recent ventures include digital engagements and ventures into gaming and virtual spaces. Heidi Campbell, an expert on digital religion, traces such efforts to the 1990s when the Billy Graham Foundation pioneered online evangelism.
Cru missionaries are not universally welcomed. Discussions on VRChat’s subreddit express concerns over potential anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, reflecting common resistance when missionaries enter new cultural spaces without integrating into existing norms.
The variety among Cru’s participants includes Geoffery Powell, an experienced VRChat user, and Curtis, who devotes time to outreach. Powell’s background as a multimedia artist and computer scientist contributed to Cru’s adaptation to VRChat’s imaginative landscape, yet he reveals challenges including loneliness and explicit content within the community.
Powell noticed significant hurt within VRChat and emphasized the need to reach users looking for spiritual fulfillment. His insight into the community highlights the importance of genuine engagement.
Stewart Freeman’s transformation exemplifies virtual evangelism’s impact. Following a difficult breakup, Freeman immersed himself in VRChat’s darker aspects. Encountering Jason Poling, a pastor from California, Freeman engaged in Bible study, leading to a genuine embrace of his faith. Inspired, Freeman transitioned to full-time outreach with Cru, committed to supporting individuals within the virtual realm seeking spiritual answers.