Online Evangelism

As I write this blog, England is once again in lockdown due to COVID-19. Throughout this year churches have faced the challenge of adapting to our circumstances, which means finding new ways to evangelise. For a long time now, many churches have operated on a “come and see” method of outreach; which means that they would host different gospel events, such as evangelistic services or Sunday Schools, then they would invite people from the community to come to them. Those methods are helpful, and should indeed be used, but when the chapels are closed what are congregations supposed to do?

I would suggest that one of the best ways we can evangelise during this time (and in normal circumstances) is by engaging the mission-field that is the internet. As of July 2020, there were 4.57 billion internet users, which means 59% of the world’s population is online.[1] If we were to focus in on social media, such as Facebook, we discover that Facebook has 2.7 billion monthly active users[2].

The ability to take the gospel to the ends of the earth is now only a few clicks away. With so many people online, how can we reach them with the good news of Jesus? I would like to propose a few ideas that you may find helpful. All these methods have been field tested in the context of a small local church, so there really isn’t any excuse for people who have the internet not to be able to engage the lost.

1) Free Bible Offer

When the first COVID-19 lockdown took place, I immediately posted a picture of a box of Bibles on our church social media account. Along with the photo was an offer of a free Bible to anyone in our county who may like one. I then shared that post into different local Facebook groups, such as those which are designed for buying, selling, or giving away items.

Of course, this offer attracted a few angry keyboard warriors who wanted to rant about Christianity, but it is also attracted many people in the community who contacted our church asking for a copy of God’s Word. Upon receiving the request, I would then post the Bible to the person requesting a copy for free. Some of these requests also lead to ongoing emails and gospel conversations.

2) Gospel Video Presentation

Something we did very early on was ensure that there was a short, but engaging, gospel video on our church website and social media page. This video was then used as a tool to refer people to when they contacted the church. On Facebook, we also paid for the video to be promoted to people in our community, which meant many were able to view the message.

3) Evangelistic Zoom Meeting               

In light of all the concern over coronavirus, we hosted a special combined churches evangelistic Zoom meeting. This meeting involved a brother form elsewhere in the country giving the gospel presentation and answering questions. For our meeting, we had people from the community tune-in and listen as the gospel was proclaimed. This form of evangelism while not as personal as engaging someone physically, does provide a wonderful opportunity to proclaim Christ to those who may never come to a chapel.

4) Evangelistic Bible Study

Something I have seen used with great success is one on one evangelistic bible studies taking place via Zoom. In these studies, people have used Christianity Explored or The Word 1-2-1 to share with unbelievers who they met online, or unsaved friends and family who are prepared to study via the internet. These studies often run over several meetings, which means the person leading develops a good relationship with the person they are teaching.

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Of course, these are just a handful of ideas which can be used for gospel ministry online. In reality, we have a massive mission-field sitting before us. Together, let’s think of different ways that we can reach the lost via the internet.

Keep making much of Jesus!

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[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/#:~:text=How%20many%20people%20use%20the,percent%20of%20the%20global%20population. [Accessed: 6th November 2020]

[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/264810/number-of-monthly-active-facebook-users-worldwide/#:~:text=How%20many%20users%20does%20Facebook,network%20ever%20to%20do%20so. [Accessed: 6th November 2020]