Tony DeWeese (XP Church) on Sharing the Gospel with Gamers
Nov 20, 2024
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Tony DeWeese, Connections Pastor at XP Church, shares his passion for engaging gamers with the Gospel. He reflects on his own struggles with disability and loneliness while advocating for community building through gaming. The conversation dives into how platforms like Discord and Twitch can foster spiritual connections among gamers. Tony emphasizes the need to dismantle stereotypes around gaming culture and the importance of parental involvement in children’s gaming interests, encouraging shared experiences for deeper conversations about life and faith.
XP Church utilizes gaming events and platforms to build community, redefining faith integration within the gaming culture for connection and growth.
Tony DeWeese emphasizes the importance of understanding gaming as a vital part of modern life, encouraging parental involvement to foster meaningful conversations.
Deep dives
Gaming as a Community Building Tool
Gaming is viewed as a medium for community-building rather than an inherently negative pastime, redefining how faith can be integrated into the gaming culture. XP Church acknowledges that many gamers feel isolated and misunderstood, often stigmatized by their interests. By engaging gamers in their environment, such as through gaming events and online platforms, the church strives to show them the love of Jesus. This approach aims to foster connections and create a supportive community where gamers can experience fellowship and growth in their faith.
The Role of Online Platforms in Ministry
Online platforms like Discord and Twitch serve as essential tools for building relationships within the gaming community, facilitating interactions that are both meaningful and supportive. These platforms allow church members to engage in gameplay together, fostering trust and opening avenues for spiritual conversations. By integrating church services into Twitch and offering spaces to connect afterward, XP Church transforms digital spaces into modern church environments. This setup creates a sense of belonging while also demonstrating that community can thrive outside a traditional church building.
Understanding Gamers and Expanding Connections
It’s crucial for parents and communities to understand that gaming is a significant part of modern culture and provides numerous opportunities for connection and personal growth. The average age of a gamer is 33, and many use gaming as a way to relax and engage with others. Parents are encouraged to participate in their children’s gaming experiences as a way to bond and initiate important conversations about life and faith. By showing interest in their children's hobbies and supporting their passions, parents can foster deeper relationships and understanding.
Welcome to The Culture Translator podcast. Today, we are posting an interview with Tony DeWeese from XP Church. XP Church exists to help share the gospel with gamers around the world, equipping them to know God, experience community, discover purpose, and make a difference. Growing up, Tony attended church but viewed God as just an apathetic overseer of his life. He also faced significant challenges in his early childhood, grappling with a physical disability and deep loneliness. Drawing from his own story, Tony is passionate about helping gamers find community and discover their purpose. Tony serves at XP Church as the Connections Pastor, hosting events, and helping gamers get connected and plugged in.