Better Together for Nerds & the Church

Talking About Nerd Ministry on a Bigger Stage

Every so often, a conversation comes along that reminds me why I started Checkpoint Church in the first place.

Recently, I had the joy of joining The Better Together Podcast with Roz and Callie Picardo to talk about something that’s been at the core of my calling: building a spiritual home for nerds, geeks, and gamers.

Roz and Callie didn’t just toss me a few softball questions about “What’s a digital church?” or “How do you stream a sermon?”—they dug into the heart of why I believe the church has something profound to offer in these digital-first spaces.

We talked about the origin story of Checkpoint Church—how it began as a dream for a Comic-Con-based ministry and became an entirely online, Discord-centered community when the world shut down in 2020.

We explored the three main groups we reach, from long-time Christians who never felt their “nerd” identity belonged in church, to burned-out pastors looking for fellowship, to those carrying deep church wounds from the “Satanic Panic” era who can’t believe a pastor might bless their love for D&D or anime.

But what made this conversation special is that it wasn’t just about what we do—it was about the bigger “why.”

The Myth That Digital Isn’t “Real” Church

One question Roz and Callie asked me (and one I hear often) is: “How can you be the church if you’re not physically together?”

It’s a fair question—especially from folks for whom “church” has always meant pews, potlucks, and passing the plate.

But for our community, the digital space isn’t a substitute. It’s the place we’re most ourselves.

We gather on Discord not because it’s easy or trendy or convenient, but because it’s where digital natives—people who live, work, and form identity online—are already building meaningful relationships.

We live together in an always-on, neo-monastic rhythm. Prayer, conversation, and friendship flow through our server at all hours. It’s Communion—a shared life.

Meeting People Where They Are (and Staying There)

The temptation for many churches is to use digital platforms as bait—to get people to show up on Sunday in a physical building. That’s not our model. We go where people are and stay there.

Jesus did the same. He went to the places where folks had gathered—wells, hillsides, fishing boats—and He met them in their own language.

Roz and Callie got this instantly. They saw that our work isn’t just a “digital version” of traditional church—it’s a reimagining of what it means to be present and incarnational in a culture where the “town square” has moved online.

Why This Conversation Matters Right Now

I’m not naïve. I know there are still plenty in the broader church world who see digital ministry as, at best, a side project and, at worst, a gimmick.

But every time I get the chance to share Checkpoint’s story with people like Roz and Callie, I’m reminded that there are leaders out there who believe that new forms of ministry are necessary for the Kingdom work that the Church is called to.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your passions—whether for video games, anime, comics, or any so-called “niche” interest—can intersect with your faith, I hope this conversation is an encouragement. You’re not alone, and your love for these things is not separate from your spiritual life.

You can listen to the full episode here:

And if you want to see how we live this out day-to-day, you can join us on Discord, catch our nerdy sermons on YouTube, or explore the reflections and resources I share at Pixel & Pulpit.

Because whether online or in person, we are better together.

World 3-22 Complete

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