Spiritual Discovery in the Digital Space
We believe Christ changes lives. The ministry of soma.digital uses gaming tech (such as VR headsets and flatscreen interfaces) for spiritual discovery in the digital space, augmenting individuals and Christian communities using devotionals, teaching moments, testimonials, spiritual practices, and so forth, building an online immersive faith engagement.
Episodes “transport” people to various locations via VR headsets—also viewable on flat screens with less immersive capabilities—in which the host leads participants in scripturally based experiences of God at work in those places (e.g., the Portland Rescue Mission, the Sea of Galilee, Notre Dame Cathedral, Yosemite, etc.). Think docuseries format: “Rick Steves meets VR for spiritual life formation.”
soma.digital moves from telling the story to living the story
Background
The word “soma” is the Greek word for “body” used in the New Testament to describe the faith community as the Body of Christ. Worship attendance, faith, spiritual formation, and connection through Christian communities have dropped dramatically in recent years, due in part to the pandemic’s impact but also changing societal, cultural, and spiritual norms, bringing isolation, loneliness, and absence of faith, all negatively impacting our wellbeing.
Therefore, the immersive online ministry of soma.digital meets this need head-on by reaching the body of people who “live” online. Our mission is to proclaim Christ in that context using gaming technology such as VR and XR as well as on mobile devices and flat screens. This venue is the immersive and interactive context of digital natives, the spiritually curious, and those unable or unwilling to attend in-person church.
The Tech
This immersive engagement is done by employing a 360/3D video of the host (Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith) leading in a given location as participants experience that place virtually as if they were physically there. Following that experience, there will be the option for fellowship or small groups in a virtual interactive space for further spiritual formation (this second stage is under development).
Each episode costs thousands of dollars to create, so if you would like to see this ministry thrive, please click “support” to empower the mission!
IN A NUTSHELL:
Think: Rick Steves meets immersive VR for spiritual formation
