More Churches Upgrading Technology to Reach Cyber-Savvy Masses
by Ed Thomas
May 11, 2006
(AgapePress) - - A spokesman for a coalition of groups utilizing Internet evangelism says he's not surprised at a report that faith-based organizations are going after technology to reach the current generation in a way like never before. The Christian Post reports that several secular media sources, including the New York Times, have noted the hiring of a major advertising agency by Teen Mania, a Christian youth ministry. Founder Ron Luce says the secular ad agency was brought in to help bring the youth-targeted organization's "Battle Cry" campaign website get up to speed with all available web technology.
Because the current generation is tech-savvy, Luce observes, Teen Mania needed the best consultant it could find to help the ministry compete with MTV and other rival influences. The practical impulse behind that decision is echoed by Robby Richardson, vice chairman of the Internet Evangelism Coalition (IEC), who says when it comes to reaching young people, Christian outreach must go as far as the modern technology available can take it.
"In proclaiming the gospel, in trying to reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ," Richardson says, "we need to use the best tools available and to use them in the best way possible. And I think ministries are becoming savvy and are looking for ways to do that."
Just last weekend, the IEC organized its second annual Internet Evangelism Day, a yearly event designed to promote the use of the latest online technology for churches and faith-based groups in their evangelism. The group's vice chairman says the pursuit of technology does appear to be a rising trend among faith-based groups in general, as well as those that interact specifically with today's technologically adept teens and young adults.
For many young people, Richardson says, "twenty-five years [old] and down, maybe 30 years and down, the Internet is a first language. It is the way they communicate." Therefore, he asserts, for churches and ministries to reach these youth, "to be in front of them with the gospel or to give them opportunities for relationship and for follow-up, involves utilizing that medium. There's no question about that."
On the other hand, Richardson points out, it is still important for Christians not to become totally reliant on technology for evangelism. Ultimately, he says, coming to the faith requires a relationship with Jesus Christ and with other believers.
Ed Thomas, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
