Let’s Start A Revolution!
Larry (one of my ministry partners) said to me the other day, “Why don’t we start an online revolution in Christian ministry?”
Larry has been talking with ministry leaders across the U.S. about internet technology, and its potential use for worldwide ministry. He has talked with seasoned veterans in ministry who are quite passionate about new technology.
Most of these guys work in strategic positions in large Christian non-profit organizations. Some are pastors; others are speakers at major conventions. The point is that these guys recognize the needs of the Church and the apparent challenges that face leadership.
They are strong advocates of change, progress, and growth. They are also practitioners of effective models in ministry. They believe that an unprecedented opportunity awaits churches and ministries who are ready to embrace new technology and harness its power.
This is especially true of internet technology. All of the ministry leaders that Larry has talked with have emphasized the importance of using the internet for reaching people for Christ.
Greg (another one of my ministry partners) was telling me the other day that he has encountered a lot of people turning to the internet, looking for fellowship and community. Some of our research suggests that over 100 million Christians are now turning to the internet for social networking.
Do I see online community replacing face-to-face community? Absolutely not. But I am seeing new ways for people to connect and build relationships using the internet. It makes a lot of sense; especially for young people who are growing up in a techno-savvy culture.
Whether we like it or not, the internet is here to stay! So, why not take full advantage of its rapid growth, enormous popularity, and economical cost. Let’s harness its power of communication and influence. Let’s start an online revolution in Christian ministry that young people can rally behind and effect change in the lives of their peers.
History has proven that God has used innovative tools (like the printing press) in sparking spiritual awakening, renewal, and revival. I believe He is now using the internet for new paradigms in ministry applications. He is using it for prayer mobilization and evangelism.
The online revolution that I am talking about is a “back-to-the-basics” organic approach in reaching out and touching people’s lives with a message of hope – the good news about Jesus Christ. We have the technology to do this, and quite well, through online community development.
So, let’s start an online revolution in Christian ministry. We might even find ourselves tapping into a powerful “revolutionary tool” that God has ordained worthy and very effective for ministry usage, worldwide.
Perhaps the internet (instead of television as previously suggested) will be the instrument in God’s hands to reach the globe for Christ and usher in His Second Coming.
