Evangelism Enters Virtual Reality: Cru’s Mission Efforts in VRChat

Inside a virtual setting, ten figures gather, imitating a Japanese-style penthouse. Among them, a stormtrooper and a large, orange cat engage in prayer. The cat’s voice belongs to Curt Curtis, a Christian missionary from Texas. He expresses gratitude for the chance to connect with those in need through prayer. This virtual room mirrors the mission work happening.

For three years, Cru, an evangelical organization, has conducted outreach through VRChat. This platform hosts millions of global users interacting with avatars. Here, they explore diverse worlds, engage in conversation, and share their faith. Users can choose avatars ranging from anime to robots, and even human forms.

Virtual Evangelism

With more individuals forming connections online, Cru’s missionaries adapt traditional evangelistic practices for virtual spaces. Frank Kuligowski, Cru’s digital strategist, led the movement by encouraging missionaries to purchase VR headsets. Understanding the VRChat environment, Kuligowski asks, “Who visits here? What brings them here?” Their goal is to listen, share love, and offer blessings.

Once in a world, missionaries divide and converse with small groups, often complimenting avatars as icebreakers. Transitioning conversations toward faith allows them to ask, “Is faith part of your life?” or mention Bible readings. These interactions provide fertile ground for discussions on spirituality.

Nic’s Virtual Experience

Nic, a social worker from the Netherlands, encountered Cru’s missionaries during one of their outings. Preferring anonymity, Nic appreciates VRChat’s promise of privacy. Presenting as a floating cat, he joins discussions on spiritual matters. While initially involved, he later distanced himself but valued the opportunity to explore religious topics virtually.

Impactful Stories

Kuligowski recounts an instance involving a busy spaceship world, where they engaged with a woman from China. Inviting her to a virtual church, they inadvertently included another user who quietly listened. This ‘stowaway’ experienced a service and connected with a campus ministry, marking a memorable event for Kuligowski.

Founded in 1951 as Campus Crusade for Christ, Cru focused on college students and young-adult evangelism. Recent years have seen them venture into gaming and virtual reality mission fields.

Digital Religion’s Evolution

Heidi Campbell, a Texas A&M University scholar, traces this approach back to the 1990s. She notes Billy Graham’s foundation trained Christians to engage people in online spaces. Virtual environments represent new grounds for evangelism, although not without controversy.

In the VRChat subreddit, discussions about Christian missionaries sparked debates. Some worry about potential introduction of anti-LGBTQ+ ideologies. Campbell notes resistance to perceived cultural intrusion is not uncommon in digital realms. Efforts often miss understanding online culture parallels to mission work in foreign lands.

The missionary team and their experiences vary. Geoffery Powell, with thousands of VRChat hours, aids newcomers. Curtis, despite unfamiliarity, remains active in virtual missions. Powell, an artist and scientist, recognizes VRChat’s creative potential but sees prevalent issues like loneliness and explicit content.

Path to Ministry

For Stewart Freeman, meeting a VR pastor shifted his life trajectory. Amid personal lows, VRChat became an escape. He interacted with pastor Jason Poling in his virtual ‘home world,’ exploring Biblical scriptures. This encounter reinvigorated Freeman’s faith, leading to a full-time mission call.

Freeman recognized the need to explore darker spaces within VR and cultivate relationships. He now assists others through Cru’s Jesus Film Project, guiding them toward spiritual answers. His testimony emphasizes evangelism’s impact within virtual realms.