Internet Evangelism

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1 Internet Evangelism
2 WEB EVANGELISM BULLETIN

[edit] Internet Evangelism

Although many Christian organizations and churches use the Web to communicate with their own constituencies, there are relatively few websites specifically designed for non-Christian readers. Pray for more Christians to realise the Web’s potential for cutting-edge outreach.

With over 1 billion users in 2008, Web usage is projected to double within several years. These 'second billion' users will be almost entirely in the non-western world, in the 10/40 Window. There are also more than 3 billion mobile phones in use - i.e. over half the world's population. There are more mobile users in Africa than USA!

The potential for outreach, using both the Web and mobile devices, is staggering. Yet many opportunities are not being taken, by either the mission world, national churches or the wider Christian community.

[edit] WEB EVANGELISM BULLETIN

learning from each other :::

Every two or three weeks there is WEB EVANGELISM BULLETIN with many details and suggestions how to handle Internet Evangelism.

It can be ordered through: To join, send a blank email to: mailto:bulletin-subscribe@web-evangelism.com

If you prefer to read this issue on the Web: * [1]

[edit] Introduction

"An incredible new technology enables the transmission of text on a worldwide basis. It rapidly reduces production and distribution costs and for the first time allows large numbers of people to access text and pictures in their own homes."

You've guessed it. The invention of 'movable type' by Gutenberg - the printing press. It transformed education, learning, evangelism and communication. It laid the foundations for the Renaissance, the arts, sciences, and the world as we know it today. The digital revolution is bringing about a similar huge change in evangelism, Christian discipleship and community, in ways which are only just beginning.

"Using a computer for online religious activity... could become the dominant form of religion and religious experience in the next century." Professor B Brasher, author: Give me that Online Religion (Jossey-Bass)

Although the Internet first grew in USA and northern Europe, it is now no longer a toy for the rich West. Users in China are expected to reach 100 million in 2003. Only one country in the world bans Internet usage - N. Korea.

Figures for worldwide Internet usage by language
Overall user figures
Countries where Internet access is difficult

There are Christian 'future-watchers' who can help us to see the trends in society, culture, and the Internet revolution: Teaching IT and Web skills is therefore becoming an effective way of sharing the Gospel.

Eministry - newsletter from Andrew Careaga
Future Church - Tom Hohstadt's occasional newsletter on the way the church is changing
Global Change - views of the world from Dr Patrick Dixon
Research links - detailed analyses of the effect of the Internet on the church and evangelism, plus Web Evangelism conference reports

The needs of the world remain as great as ever: see the Unfinished Task counters clicking up. The Internet is a powerful and God-given medium to help us fulfil the Great Commission. Even its name reflects the nature of the fishing net which Jesus spoke of in Matthew 13:47 and elsewhere.

This Introduction is taken from *[2]

[edit] C o n t e n t s

of the website about Internet Evangelism:

Introduction 1. Old story about the Old Story, see *[3]

2. Push or pull? see *[4]

3. How people become Christians, see *[5]

4. Web strategy to reach millions, see *[6]

5. Church pages that work, see *[7]

6. Top evangelistic sites, see *[8]

7. Writing and language, see *[9]

8. Page usability/webmaster resources, see *[10]

9. Follow-up, see *[11]

10. Witness without webpages, see *[12]

11. Getting site visitors, see *[13]

12. The future, see *[14]

Evangelism resource links, see *[15]

Let us pray that many more people will hear the Gospel through Internet evangelism.

See also Guide Network

[edit] An Open Letter from Internet Evangelism Day about Web Ministry Training

To Bible College and Seminary Principals, Deans of Study, Training Administrators, Evangelism Tutors
“Training students in online evangelism is strategic and crucial for this new digital century.”
See the whole letter Open Letter, please read and study this letter, thanks!