North Anderson family and friends, 

What comes to mind when you hear the following words paired together: “Digital Missions”

It’s likely that many would describe those words as a bit of an oxymoron. Spending any amount of time on any of the social media platforms that we have access to and seeing the sinful content and vitriolic messaging that is so prevalent there would lead one to the conclusion that very little good could come from what happens in the digital space! 

In fact, many Christians and churches have deemed it an evil and unusable space & have written it off altogether.

Personally, I think that’s a major mistake and it leads to a massive missed opportunity. I think it’s imperative that those who are light are intentional in shining it in the darkness (Matt 5:14-16). In fact, I sincerely believe that social media is one of the greatest mission opportunities afforded to us and is easily the most accessible mission field on the planet. In fact, I am convinced that wise, kind, strategic and Gospel focused ministry online is working towards fulfilling the Great Commission! 

Before you write that off, let me make my case:

*We’ve been called to reach people and online is where people are

82% of Americans are on some form of social media today (statista.com). You read that right. Friends, that means that 8 of every 10 people you see in town today are online. The world is at our fingertips…literally!

*Social Media is a tool to be taken advantage of 

While it can be used for evil, it can also be used for good! It’s not moral or immoral, it’s amoral.  How we choose to use it determines it’s quality. 

It’s strange to me that Christians have historically used the newest technology of the day for Gospel good…but now, we shouldn’t?

Think about that: 

The Printing Press! 

Christians leveraged that unprecedented technology to get Gods Word to the masses! In fact, do you know what the first book ever printed on Johannes Gutenberg’s press was? You got it…a Bible!

Eventually, the telegraph comes on to the scene and what is the first telegraphic message ever sent? Got it again…on May 24th, 1844, Samuel Morse tapped out a passage of scripture from Numbers 23:23, “What hath God wrought”!

We could go on and on here. Radio, Television, etc. Though sometimes late to the party, we’ve utilized these tools for Kingdom work.

Why not now? What a great tool and opportunity we’ve been given! The possibilities are endless and the reach is unlike anything we’ve ever seen!

Look, make no mistake, I KNOW that the digital space, even as automation continues to evolve, can never replicate face to face connection. It’s called “virtual” for good reason. It’s not real. I’m not proposing that our missional engagement in the digital world should replace our in-person connections and evangelistic efforts…but it certainly can compliment them!

So, the big question is “What does digital missions mobilization look like?”

The complete answer to that question is still being thought through, and likely will be for quite some time. That said, I think there are a few things that we can do online right now that serves to advance the Gospel and promote Kingdom growth.

If I may, here are a few suggestions:

• Conduct yourself online in a manner that would glorify Christ. This includes not only the content that you put up but also the attitude and tone by which you communicate it. Don’t forget that what you “like” is visible to everyone else, as well (Matt 5:16)
• Contend for the truth but don’t become contentious in the process (Jude 3-4). You’ll never argue anyone into the Kingdom of Heaven. Speak the truth in love and then trust the Holy Spirit to go to work. 
• Share Scripture and what you’re learning from it. You’d be surprised how often people have seen a particular verse that I’ve posted and sent me a message thanking me because “that’s just what I needed today” or have asked me about what the verse means! (Isaiah 5:11)
• Regularly ask “How can I pray for you today?”. Not only has this granted me the the privilege of partnering in prayer with countless people, this simple question conveys sincere care and has also led to numerous Gospel conversations over the years!
• If you desire to be known as a Kingdom person, focus on Kingdom things. (Matt 6:33) Too often, instead of being known by our love for Christ, we’re identified by our political views because that’s what fills our timeline. Look over yours. Would it lead someone to think, “He’s of the Elephants”…”She’s of the Donkeys”…OR…”He/she is of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah”?
• Invite! It’s never been easier to invite your friends to church than it is right now! A quick post, direct message, tweet, etc and bam! You’ve just extended an easy, non-confrontational invitation to a person who needs to hear the Gospel!

One of the simplest ways that you can help to advance the Gospel in our digital world is by “liking” and “sharing” the content that we’ll be creating and posting through our North Anderson social media platforms. We’ll work hard to produce simple, shareable and missions minded material for this very thing! 

I know that this digital space can be intimidating at times and far too often, it’s frustrating but what an opportunity we have! The next generation is there…let’s go get them. They’re worth it!

On mission in Anderson and beyond,

Kyle