In the past week and a half I have had two encounters with this concept of online evangelism. The first was a phone call to the church office by a gentleman who described himself as an "old crusader," referring to his involvement in the initial movements of campus crusades, who wanted to recruit me or one of my "tech savvy" youth to post an evangelism video he had created and used to lead thousands to Christ, "to a website and then direct people there through myspace, facebook, chain e-mails" (though not one's with "blessings or curses for those who act or don't act") and so forth.
The second encounter came through my e-mail box in a bulk newsletter sent out by youthministry.com that I peruse every so often. It was promoting a concept called an "online mission trip" where students use the avenues they already plugged into on facebook, myspace, world of warcraft, or wherever, to begin to talk about God and share their faith for two weeks in February. This "mission trip" would be preceded by my training my students to share their faith and how to do it in this medium and then providing new believer follow-up and discipleship in my youth group for those who become Christians.
Truthfully, I am torn over the topic. I am always excited about new ways to help my students learn to share their faith. I also am a big fan of helping them to minister in their current spheres of influence and not have to have an event or youth pastor do it for them. I struggle, however, with the lack of intimacy in the forum. I don't doubt that God can use it, but is it the way he wants us to be salt and light? Will this produce people who come to Christ out of relationship and love, out of being served and experiencing the love of Christ? Or out of a dry conversation? Will these be lasting disciples or flashes in the pan? Is it okay to use a "shallow" method to help people to make the first step toward what might be a lifelong, deep relationship with God and with others? Is it possible to take the concept and make it better? Or should I just go a different route because of my misgivings? Maybe I should even have these misgivings!
Can you see my dilemma? I'd love to hear your thoughts?
Random April
7 years ago
you know I love the idea but the one flaw I see in it is this. the word bombard, he uses it a lot and I honestly don't like this form of sharing the gospel. I believe God gives a person the moment to share Christ with someone when the unsaved person is ready. but its a cool idea I just see some holes in it.
ReplyDelete