Reshaping Evangelism in the 21st Century

Simon Diercks • December 13, 2024

What if evangelism could happen with a single swipe?

Imagine a world where reaching out to the unreached has no physical limitations. Digital missions are transforming outreach, turning the digital landscape into a dynamic mission field.  We explore how digital missionaries are not just adapting but thriving in this new frontier, connecting with individuals who might never step inside a church.


The mission field is now online

Missions often mean long journeys, but what about the millions just a click away? Meet Rose. She's a missionary making an impact through Tiktok with a following of approximately 70 000 followers. 


Her live streams allow her to engage in conversations with those who may not otherwise consider visiting a church. It's truly remarkable how these interactions spark discussions about faith and inspire viewers as they witness her connecting with people in real-time.


What happens next is a game-changer. Rose’s team shares resources, bible verses, and invites followers into online and real-world communities. This is the heartbeat of digital missions, creating thriving spaces for faith to take root online.


Building real connections online

Doro uplifts women online who face chronic illness or exhaustion from life's challenges. She uses Facebook to build a community where these women can discover meditations and take a break from their daily battles. Her method is personalized as she meets the needs of her audience while leading them towards faith and unity, through a church community.


Take Claudia, for instance. She felt isolated due to her child’s autism, believing she could never be part of a church community. Thanks to Doro’s digital outreach, Claudia found a place where she could engage with faith and contribute to a community that understands her circumstances. This is what digital missions are all about—meeting people where they are and providing a sense of belonging.


Actually embracing digital platforms

Digital missionaries are utilizing platforms such as Whatsapp, Instagram and Discord. By showing up to connect with a range of people and by embracing the distinct cultures of these platforms, they are interacting genuinely with users. Discord, in particular, is creating a fresh way to reach gamers, blending connection and spiritual growth.


When we engage with these platforms we should also take into account the subtleties and ways of communication that connect with users. The aim is to express belief, in a manner that seems organic and easy to relate to within these environments.


The future of digital missions

The potential for digital missions is immense. We stand on the brink of a revolution in how we think about outreach. With the right tools and strategies, we can reach people who have been left out of traditional church experiences. Digital platforms not only connect us but also empower us to build communities on faith and mutual support.


As we move forward, let’s not forget that the heart of digital missions lies in our ability to foster genuine relationships and provide spaces for spiritual growth, digitally. The opportunities are endless, and they are just a swipe away.


Questions you've been asking

  • What are digital missions?

Digital missions refer to evangelistic efforts that utilize digital platforms and tech to reach and engage individuals with the message of the gospel, creating communities that support spiritual growth.


  • How can I get involved in digital missions?

Start where you are—social media. These platforms allow you to express your beliefs openly and even launch your own digital outreach projects to spread hope online and genuinely connect with others to spark meaningful discussions about faith.


  • Are digital missions effective?

Sure thing! Digital missions have shown their effectiveness in connecting with people who might not typically interact with physical church environments. By reaching out to individuals in the spaces they spent most of their time and building connections with them, we can guide them towards embracing the gospel through community.


  • What platforms are best for digital missions?

Social media platforms like Tiktok and Instagram provide opportunities to connect with online communities; engage with their audiences and tailor your strategy to fit their preferences.


  • How do digital missions differ from traditional missions?

While traditional missions often involve physical travel to distant places, digital missions leverage tech to reach individuals across the globe—instantly. It’s about creating connections in a digital landscape that reflects the diversity of today’s growing online world.

What do you think? Share your ideas on Discord or on social media.


Through the.Church.digital, we are helping physical and digital churches better understand the discipleship process, and helping churches and church planters understand this and other decentralized mindset shifts. By taking this quick assessment we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily. 

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