Metaverse missionaries: Florida church steps into virtual reality alongside IMB

Animated avatar options flickered across the display like an endless stream of internet jokes, each more over-the-top than the one before. Picking a digital character to represent yourself online can be tricky — but selecting one that naturally sparks a faith conversation during a virtual reality mission experience takes creativity to another level.

Laughter filled the room when someone selected an avatar featuring a massive fish balanced on a sharply dressed man. Silly? Absolutely. But it also opened the door to talk about biblical stories like Jesus feeding the 5,000 or the historic use of the fish as a Christian symbol.

Matthew Banther removed his headset and looked around the room at Calvary Church in Clearwater. This wasn’t the typical pre-trip mission briefing. Instead of packing suitcases, participants were navigating digital spaces. Some stared ahead, hands moving midair as they interacted with objects only visible to them. At the front, a screen projected the International Mission Board’s futuristic Hope Café, suspended on a virtual asteroid. From Florida, volunteers prepared to meet people worldwide without ever boarding a plane.

While the setting looked different, the purpose remained unchanged: share the gospel with people who may never encounter it otherwise.

“This isn’t just gaming,” Banther reminded the group. “Every avatar represents a real individual we’re speaking with live.”

Over the past year and a half, Calvary Church has collaborated with the IMB’s Japan digital engagement team to develop outreach strategies inside virtual platforms that draw millions of daily users. With projections showing widespread VR use in Japan by 2030, missionary Daniel Rice recognized the urgency of entering these password-protected digital communities.

When Rice first explored VR ministry in Japan, he encountered groups rarely reached through traditional efforts — including Hikikomori, individuals who withdraw socially and spend significant time online. He also connected with busy professionals whose demanding work schedules left little room for in-person engagement but plenty of late-night virtual interaction.

A major opportunity emerged through a large-scale virtual convention known as Vket (Virtual Market). Similar to a physical expo, it features booths, social spaces and interactive environments. For Rice, it became an ideal outreach setting — but he needed support. When Calvary asked how they could help, his response was simple: join him online.

Initially uncertain about the impact of digital avatars in missions, Banther changed his mind after entering a packed virtual gathering of more than 100 participants. Behind each digital persona stood someone with real questions and needs. During that visit, he shared the gospel and saw firsthand how immersive technology could cross borders instantly.

The church organized its first VR mission trip with 20 volunteers, borrowing headsets and offering training sessions. Many participants had never used VR before, yet they quickly adapted to the experience of being physically present in a church room while simultaneously engaging in a digital world. Conversations felt authentic despite the distance.

Since then, Calvary has completed multiple trips, with more planned. Volunteer Jill Kane appreciated the flexibility — serving internationally without taking time off work. Logging in early in Florida aligned perfectly with evening hours in Japan, making meaningful conversations possible across time zones.

Preparation mirrored that of traditional mission travel: orientation sessions, safety guidance and practical training on steering conversations toward faith. Avatars often became natural conversation starters, as people enjoy explaining their digital identities. Banther, for example, chose a skeleton lifeguard avatar to illustrate spiritual renewal and his desire to guide others to Christ.

Rice and the team discovered that VR created space for deeper dialogue. Unlike hurried street interactions, participants logged in from home, relaxed and willing to talk. The anonymity avatars provide also encouraged honest questions in a culture where conformity is common.

During one December event, volunteer Troy Sirochman asked several users what they knew about Christmas. As he explained the biblical account, more attendees gathered to listen. One participant even configured his headset to auto-translate the conversation and interpret for friends nearby.

On their first trip alone, volunteers engaged in more than 130 gospel discussions and delivered dozens of full presentations, connecting with people from Japan and beyond. VR enabled outreach to communities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.

The vision continues to expand. Through Hope Café, Scripture and gospel resources appear instantly in Japanese. Conversations begun during events often move to platforms like Discord, where ongoing relationships form. Some volunteers have spent months discipling new friends through messaging.

The long-term goal extends beyond digital interaction. Rice and Banther hope to connect online contacts with local believers for in-person fellowship and church involvement. Upcoming hybrid trips will combine virtual engagement with physical gatherings in Tokyo, allowing online friendships to become face-to-face conversations.

For Banther, VR outreach is not a passing trend but a new communication frontier — one where technology becomes a bridge to meaningful spiritual dialogue across nations.

Voice Of Osiz

At Osiz, we see virtual reality missions as a powerful example of how immersive technology can redefine global communication and community building. The innovative use of VR platforms by organizations like Calvary Church and the International Mission Board demonstrates how digital ecosystems can break geographical barriers and create meaningful real-time engagement. This shift reflects the broader evolution of virtual environments from entertainment spaces into impactful interaction hubs. As a technology partner, Osiz recognizes the immense potential of VR, metaverse platforms, and interactive digital infrastructure in enabling scalable outreach and engagement strategies. The integration of immersive experiences with purposeful communication highlights how virtual platforms can drive authentic human connection. We believe this marks a transformative phase where innovation meets mission-driven outcomes. Osiz remains committed to empowering organizations to harness emerging technologies for sustainable and future-ready growth.

Source: Biblical Recorder