How do Internet Ministries Spread the Word ?

by: Kelly Hunter

The internet is not just a powerful communication tool that helps people from all different nationalities and regions of the world get in sync but it is an effective means of spreading the gospel. The internet has revolutionized the way churches are thinking about evangelism and many churches, regardless of denomination, are turning toward internet ministries as a way to reach more people on a global level. Every year a conference is held, the Internet Ministry Conference, to help churches take advantage of all the features of internet evangelism comes with.

How is internet ministry done? Internet ministry isn’t restricted to just one online medium but it instead uses a variety of different communication tools. One of the most basic internet tools that many ministries take advantage of is the blog. Blogs serve as an online journal for many pastors or ministry leaders who want to reach a younger generation. Nowadays many people, especially in the 30 and under demographic, get their news from blogs and other people to people ways. Blogs typically come with comment areas so when a ministry leader writes the gospel message they can actually have real- life communication with those who read it, wherever they may be.

Instant messaging is also becoming widely used by many internet ministries because it is instant and it is effective. Nearly all high school and college aged students have instant messenger, whether through AOL or MSN and they are on it constantly. By instant messaging people an internet ministry is able to reach a wider array of people that they would normally never get a chance to talk to.

Electronic newsletters are a pretty popular medium for internet ministries as well. In the past, before the internet was utilized, a ministry would send out a tangible paper newsletter. These newsletters would get sent to churches around the globe but there are a few problems with this sort of newsletter. First, a paper newsletter costs money to make and distribute. Second, a paper newsletter cannot be distributed to very many people, mainly churches. Electronic newsletters solve both problems because they are both free to make and free to distribute but they can be sent to as many people as you want! There is no limit to as many e-mail addresses you can come up with and not only will you be able to reach churches, but you’ll be able to reach individuals as well.

Churches and ministries that are serious about reaching a greater population for Christ are turning toward the internet for help. Since younger people are internet savvy and are turning there for all of their news/ entertainment it makes sense that internet ministries would pop up and jump in the game.

Internet ministries are especially focusing in on areas of the world that people are being persecuted against just for being Christians. They are being encouraging and Christ-centered.

Internet ministries are the new way to reach others for Christ in a new world of communication.