Even though most online discipleship doesn’t take place in real time, it is no less real. The Internet allows us to connect with people where they are and help them take the next step to where God wants them to be.

Real people. Real connections. Real growth.

We aren’t physically present but that doesn’t hinder our contacts from sharing about their lives or working through spiritual matters.

Presently, nearly all of our online communication is written.

Responses may take a bit more work and time, but they can also be thoughtful and growth producing.

That hit home on Easter Sunday morning when I received an email from a new participant in our online discipleship community.

I want to share it. She mentioned you.

Dear Gordon,

Thanks for your wishes.  May Jesus bless you and all those around you, especially your loved ones.

Let the risen Christ cherish your heart, mind and soul and give you lots of wealth and prosperity.

I thank my dear Jesus for dying on the cross for us. He alone wrestled with Satan without any army or ammunition, but only with patience and silence.

He conquered heaven and earth and defeated Satan and his evil empire. Jesus opened the gates of heaven for us and called us as His own dear children.

Oh, what a great reward for all of us. Long live the holy name of Jesus.

Happy Easter!

Love and Regards,
Luisa, Kuwait

They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you.
1 Corinthians 16:18

Online ministry may not be easier than traditional discipleship methods. It may even require more commitment to stay with it.

It is so worth the effort.

The best part of being an online missionary is when you get to see the work of the Spirit in another person’s life, particularly when she is in a country where Christianity is a minority religion.

Then there are the times, like Luisa’s Easter email, when the Lord uses the person you were sent to disciple … to encourage you. That, my friends, is an entirely unexpected wonder of online discipleship ministry.