Online ministry has become a way of life these days. Some of it will continue on for years to come so it is important we remember key factors that relate to how God wants us to do ministry.
Tips That Serve as Reminders for Any Kind of Ministry Online
1) Remember that love “always protects” (1 Cor. 13:7).
Any kind of online ministry needs to be done safely, with cyber security in mind. In addition we must always guard people’s privacy, time, contact preferences, etc. so as to respect and protect. We need to build parameters into the kind of interactions allowed so as to minimize negative and destructive commenting, etc. which tends to happen more freely when hidden behind screens.
2) Remember that behind every screen is a live person.
- Meeting their needs matter. Sometimes it’s easier for people to mask what’s really happening in their lives through online platforms. How will you discern needs? If we rely on people to take the first step, many needs will undoubtedly go unmet.
- Relationships matter. We cannot rely solely on streaming a worship service to follow God’s design for Body life. That takes relationships. Even if you have a platform wherein people can interact, how much relationship building really happens? What are you doing to follow up with people who attend digitally? How are relationships fostered?
- Encouraging matters. We meet with the purpose of “encouraging one another” according to Hebrews 10:25. Is that happening through your online ministry? How do you know?
(Be aware that churches can fall short on the above even when meeting in person. We must always strategically work at meeting needs, building relationships, and encouraging one another but it becomes even more challenging with online ministry.)
3) Remember that it isn’t the same as meeting in person.
While meeting online might be considered connecting with other believers, the full intent of God’s command to meet together (Heb. 10:25) is that we physically gather. There are benefits of in-person that cannot happen as easily, as unencumbered, and sometimes never online. Ministry online can bridge some gaps and provide a temporary means of connecting but should not completely and permanently substitute for in-person meeting with one another.
You people let us spread the gospel more than ever before. Devil is busy planting seeds which are toxic to marriage, youth, and church itself. We are here fighting for respect in churches, homes, and other places yet the devil and its agent are very well united to take our precious crown that Jesus Christ gave to us. Read 1 Timothy 6:20. Let us arise and shine so tha darkness may leave. God bless you.
Praise God, Aturinda Newton, in Jesus we can stand firm (Eph. 6:10-17) and resist the devil (1 Pet. 5:7-10) “because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4). We can rise above it all because of Jesus who said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33) The key is that we don’t try to do it in our own strength but rather in the Lord.