There is a movement toward greater engagement in online missions, specifically by those using the Web and New Media to reach the world with the Gospel. The Internet could be “the ultimate mission field.”
I’ve witnessed the missionary zeal of online ministry enthusiasts for the unsaved and unchurched. There is an awesome power in the shared beliefs of the churches, ministries and individuals engaged in online missions.
Ten Shared Beliefs
1. Above all, people engaged in online missions are passionately committed to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
People engaged in online missions also believe:
2. The Digital Revolution represents a global shift (in everything). Every institution is being affected — businesses, the courts, schools, churches. It’s changing how we communicate, how we influence and how we relate. Responding to this massive shift will take changes in organizational structure, operations and tactics. They believe having a cool website isn’t enough.
3. Connecting the entire world online represents a God-given opportunity. 1.8 Billion people are online now, representing 26% of the world’s population. 67% of the world’s population are mobile subscribers. By 2015 there will be WiFi everywhere on the face of the earth. God has brought forth the tools to reach every man, woman and child on earth with the gospel. They believe it is their responsibility to take advantage of the opportunity.
4. Online ministry is a priority. Web and New Media platforms are considered a critical part of ministry activity and the future. They believe good programs may have to be discontinued to free up people and resources for new online initiatives.
5. Millions of people are searching for God online. The data says two million people a day are searching the Internet for answers to spiritual questions. Many are not being reached with the truth about Jesus Christ, leaving seekers vulnerable to other well-organized and well-funded religions also online. They believe spiritual warfare extends to online ministry and are determined to see that no seeker is left in the water unreached.
6. Anyone can go to the online mission field on any day. Witnessing to people in every country on earth no longer requires major fundraising, immunizations, passports or plane trips. Intentional outreach strategies bring people to the front door. They believe God has created a pathway perfectly suited for every believer to share their faith and to get better at it.
7. Technology has made it possible to conduct effective discipleship online. Discipleship websites and mobile sites, homegrown or brought in house through partnerships, help share the basics of Christian growth to new and recommitting believers, in multiple languages. They believe in using these tools to help people grow in their faith and to get them physically connected with a local group of believers.
8. The Internet gives a new way of targeting specific groups on a worldwide basis. From unreached people groups around the world, to teens in the U.S., a large number of them can be reached online. The pull nature of the Web (pulling down the information wanted), allows content to be created that will interest each target group and answer felt needs. They believe this paves the way for a clear and understandable presentation of the Gospel.
9. Working together and combining resources will accelerate growth of the Church online. There is always the challenge of working through denominational differences, strategy and ministry preferences and personal styles. The rallying cry is, “We can fulfill the Great Commission in our lifetime.” They believe that greater cooperation on evangelism is possible as Christ leads and unifies.
10. The mission of the local church must extend to the world online. They do not believe the mandate to “Go into the whole world and preach the gospel” stops at the digital border.
Those involved in online missions understand that the changes taking place in global communication are going to continue. I would imagine some of them believe the church is at risk for falling further behind without greater engagement.
I can hear a plea for churches, ministries and individuals to pray and to ask God if He’s calling them to engage in online missions.
Review the list again.
It still may be a challenge to take it all in. But there is an awesome power to be found through the shared beliefs of those already engaged in the battle through online missions. Particularly so, when those beliefs originate out of a common Christian heritage and are executed in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
Question: Do you share in any of these beliefs? What other beliefs about online missions could be added to the list?