LCBC: Performing Religious Identity through the Digital

Based on my observations I believe LCBC to be of the Christian religious identity. I say this because LCBC stands for Lives Changed by Christ, which you can see from the image below. This is the first image presented when you go onto the groups’ website.

I believe they are Christians because of the messages that they communicate. For example, this next image (also on their homepage) invites us to “live the best life through fully following Jesus”.

Furthermore, their Next Steps program, which instructs people on how to become members of the congregation, also includes language referring to Jesus that backs up my claim that this group identifies as Christians.

In LCBC’s About section there is another labeled Beliefs, which clearly demonstrates that they are of the Christian religion, which is in the screen recording below. 

LCBC’s mission is to “introduce people to Jesus and together fully follow him." This mission is broadcasted on their website where they provide information about who they are and what you can expect at their church. 

LCBC’s mission is elaborated on when you click on Learn More About Our Story from the image that is above.

Based on their website, this group seemingly understands digital media as a conduit, however, their app and practices offline indicate they also see digital media as a social institution. The website tells us the groups’ mission, beliefs, the programs they offer, and the ways to give back; it includes sermons, articles, and member stories, these are demonstrated in the screen recording below.

On their app the church seem to use media as a social institution in its interactive nature; I explained this in my most recent blog post: “As you can see in the picture, the app focuses on the member and helping one keep track of what’s happening in their personal lives and within their branch.”

The app also “allows members to Check In and keep track of goals…write notes…[and share] response[s] through different platforms. The app allows for a quick and easy way to donate money and be a part of their 90-Day Tithing Challenge. By clicking on Prayer Requests you can easily ask for a pastor to pray for you by entering a few details regarding who you are and what campus you attend.”

“You can also Connect to view the different events and meetings the church holds. In the Media section you can…view the church’s album, which are on Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play. In their More section you can…view their social media channels. The ability to check in, take notes, and request prayers do not appear on the website…because the app is meant to serve as a members’ personal link to the church it’s more personal and interactive.” In this groups’ offline practices they also used digital media as a social institution and conduit to present PowerPoints, and videos, and they used surround sound systems during their sermons (https://lcbcchurch.com/sermons/a-better-way/a-better-way-week-1) to inform and interact with their members.