Global evangelization online is accelerating. Helping new followers with spiritual growth and discovery of local churches and movements is the next great challenge for pioneers of Internet ministry.
The fact that large masses of people can be reached anywhere online still amazes me.
It is a God-given means of outreach that should be fully embraced while the doors are open.
The world witnessed again the possibilities for Internet evangelism during last week’s historic two-day online crusade staged by Global Media Outreach.
The numbers are so staggering they are almost incomprehensible.
Phenomenal milestones in online outreach
In forty-eight hours:
- 2,594,731 visitors to GMO websites
- 252,360 indicated decisions for Christ
- 29,204 email requests for follow-up from an online missionary
Participating in this historic event was a wonderful experience. Again we saw what can happen when the Internet’s power is harnessed through God’s power for reaching people in all corners of the earth.
It was a “Wow” moment, but “Now” …
And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Acts 4:20
Wouldn’t it be great if churches and groups could adopt a vision for both evangelism and discipleship? First, for introducing people to faith in Christ online. Then for discipling them. And finally for bringing those the Holy Spirit prepares into a local community of faith.
Outreach oriented ministries are leading the way in online evangelism. In my mind, they are paving the way for churches to create an array of online discipleship strategies. Individual and group prayer. Personal counseling and leadership. Bible studies. Discipleship groups.
All these can take place online first. As individuals respond to personal care, they can be moved into local fellowships when ready.
We must keep on emphasizing the importance of the local church follow-up to global and local online evangelism efforts. No group is better equipped than the local church to disciple new believers that have been reached for Jesus through Internet ministry.
Joining the digital ministry juggernaut
There are essentially only two ways to get involved with online evangelism and discipleship. Create your own program. Or, develop strategic partnerships with others who are already engaged in these new ministry methods.
Either way, we must also keep repeating that the need is urgent. The globalization of communication is only going to pick up speed.
It is being forecasted that by 2020, the number of mobile users will reach 6 billion and the number of people accessing the Internet will reach 4.7 billion—primarily through their mobile devices.
Make no mistake, cults and false religions are aggressively staking out territory online for converting people to their point of view.
Internet won’t change everything
Said many times and in many ways, the Internet is changing everything and everyone. Generation C (those born after 1990) will be connected, communicating, content-centric, computerized, community oriented, always clicking
What will not change is their need for Jesus and for being connected to a local body of believers. “It was he who gave some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” Ephesians 4:11
Will local churches be online to meet Generation C at their point of need?