More methods, more reach
W
hile traditional methods of communication must continue to be utilized, we also need to embrace new media and methods for reaching out to share the good news of salvation. No one method or platform will reach everyone. And as the media landscape becomes more complex and cluttered, we must plan our communication carefully.
people in our community and all over the world. For the church to remain relevant—and stay connected to our members, friends and neighbors—we must learn to utilize these communication tools. Used correctly, they can be major instruments of evangelism and provide more cost-effective ways to do ministry in both rural and urban areas.
We live in a world of emails, texting, websites and social media which have become major instruments in connecting with
In Matt. 28:19-20 God provides us a communication mandate: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Bible instructs us to go and teach. We have a number of technologies available today that allow us to go all over the world, but also just down the block. Some technologies and platforms come and go, but one that seems to have stood the test of time is Facebook.
Facebook: Friend or Foe of Mission Since its inception in 2006, Facebook has steadily grown. According to a 2019 Pew Research Center study, the share of U.S. adults who say they use popular online platforms or apps is statistically unchanged from where it stood in 2016, even amidst the long stretch of controversies over privacy, fake news and censorship on social media. Here are more stats:
Facebook is the most used platform in the U.S.
7 74% in
At the end of 2018, Facebook had over
2.32 billion monthly active users
10
U.S. adults use Facebook.
of Facebook users visit the site daily.
Look around you. Someone you know is on Facebook. The Bible compels us to be a light in this digital mission field where millions of people spend hours of their day online. Matt. 5:16 states, “Let your light so shine before people, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We can use Facebook safely and responsibly. Follow our digital missionary series at outlookmag.org or on our Facebook page to learn how.
