One of the most exciting aspects of digital evangelism is its global reach. The internet connects billions of people, and many of them are searching for hope, meaning, and answers to life’s biggest questions. Ministries like Global Media Outreach have leveraged this connectivity to share the gospel on a massive scale.

Example: Since its launch in 2004, Global Media Outreach has presented the gospel to over 2 billion people and seen 225 million indicated decisions for Christ through its online efforts. Through targeted ads, seekers are directed to gospel presentations in their own language, where they can learn about Jesus and connect with local believers for follow-up.

Testimony: One participant from India shared, “I came across a gospel website when I was feeling lost. The words spoke directly to my heart, and that night, I gave my life to Jesus.”

Social Media: The New Mission Field

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are modern-day marketplaces where people gather to share their lives, opinions, and interests. For Christians, these platforms represent a vast mission field, where billions of people can encounter the gospel.

What is the win on social media? Is it the number of likes and views? I don’t’ think so. Nora Jones explains:

We must become less concerned about the number of likes we get on a post and the number of views we get on a video and more concerned about the number of lives that were changed because of them.[1]

Example: Evangelist Nabeel Qureshi shared his testimony of coming to Christ on YouTube, reaching millions with his story of transformation. His videos not only explained the gospel but also addressed questions and doubts that many seekers had about Christianity.

Interactive Evangelism: Ministries like Alpha Online use platforms like Zoom and Facebook to host virtual discussions about faith, where participants can explore Christianity in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment.

Benefits of Social Media Evangelism:

Global Reach: A single post or video can be seen by thousands or even millions of people.

Engagement: Social media allows for two-way communication, where seekers can ask questions and receive real-time answers.

Accessibility: People can explore faith in a private and comfortable setting, free from pressure or judgment.

Challenges:

Distractions: The same platforms that share the gospel also compete with endless entertainment and negativity.

Criticism and Opposition: Evangelistic posts often face pushback or trolling, which can discourage Christians from sharing their faith.

Real-Life Success Stories

Liezel Freeman: Family Transformed Through Online Evangelism

Liezel Freeman, a volunteer with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's online ministry, shared the gospel on PeaceWithGod.net. Through her work, not only did she reach strangers, but she also witnessed the transformation of her own family. Her brother and mother both came to faith in Christ through the conversations she initiated online, showing how digital evangelism can ripple into personal relationships and lead to profound change.

Central California Conference: Strategy in a Tech-Savvy Region

Recognizing the challenges of evangelism in areas like Silicon Valley, the Central California Conference launched a three-step digital strategy to connect with tech-centric communities. By blending traditional outreach with digital tools, they successfully increased engagement, demonstrating the adaptability of the gospel in a high-tech world.

Life Church in Bradford: Testimonies Amplified Online

Life Church in Bradford leveraged video testimonies to share personal stories of transformation with their community. These testimonies, shared online, resonated with viewers and inspired deeper exploration of the Christian faith, drawing people closer to the church.

Youth Leader on TikTok: Reaching Millions in Seconds

A youth leader in Texas started sharing short, impactful videos on TikTok about Bible verses and Christian principles. One of his videos about God’s forgiveness reached over 1 million viewers, sparking comments like, “I didn’t know God could love someone like me. This video changed my perspective completely.”

Digital Evangelism Tools

The digital world offers a variety of tools designed specifically for evangelism. These tools make it easier to share the gospel, disciple new believers, and connect seekers with local churches. Before we look at this list, let me remind us of the goal:

For her and many others, the purpose of social media is to drive people to the building, to get “butts in seats.” For many people, church is what happens on a date, at a time, at a physical address. It’s the program that takes place between 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. It’s scripted and has rehearsals and teams and plans that are timed to the second. But herein lies the philosophical difference between a social media plan and a social ministry strategy. A social media plan focuses on getting people to the building for a couple of hours every weekend, whereas a social ministry strategy focuses on how to help them grow in their faith through social technology after they leave. You need both, and if you focus only on a social media plan, you will build an audience while stopping short of building disciples.[2]

The Jesus Film App: Offers the gospel message in over 2,000 languages, allowing users to share the story of Jesus through video.

GodTools: Created by Cru, this app equips believers with digital tools to explain the gospel in multiple languages and answer common questions about Christianity.

Bible Apps: Apps like YouVersion not only provide Scripture but also feature reading plans and devotionals designed for seekers.

Testimony: A young missionary in Southeast Asia shared, “I was able to use the GodTools app to explain the gospel to a friend in her own language. She said it was the first time she truly understood who Jesus was.”

The Role of Local Churches in Digital Evangelism

While global organizations and influencers play a significant role, local churches are uniquely positioned to combine digital evangelism with in-person discipleship.

Online Campaigns: Churches can run targeted ads inviting people to watch a livestream or attend a special event.

Follow-Up Teams: Ministries like Global Media Outreach connect seekers with local churches for discipleship, ensuring digital decisions translate into real-world growth.

Livestream Services: Many churches use livestreaming not just to broadcast their services but as an evangelistic tool, with intentional efforts to invite and engage new viewers.

Conclusion: Embracing the Digital Mission Field

Digital evangelism is not about replacing traditional methods but complementing them. It’s about meeting people where they are—online—and offering them the hope of Jesus Christ. The tools and platforms available today give us an unprecedented opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission and reach the ends of the earth without leaving our homes.

As we embrace this digital mission field, let’s remember that the power of the gospel lies not in the tools we use but in the truth we proclaim. Technology is simply the vehicle. The message of Jesus is what transforms lives.