Thinking About Internet Ministry
I’m working on a post on the subject of internet ministry. Several weeks ago, I was asked to write a post for another website. Since then, I’ve been thinking about how to approach the subject.
As I’m writing the post, I thought I would ask my readers about their opinions as well. So, that’s what I’m doing here…
What do you think about internet ministry? What are the benefits or detriments? Are there limitations? What concerns do you have? What media or sites offer the best/worst options for internet ministry?
I would appreciate any feedback that you’d like to offer.
I guess my first question would be: what is internet ministry or what do you mean when you use that terminology?
Dan,
That’s a fair question. To me, “ministry” is “service,” and service is always directed toward people. So “internet ministry” would be serving people through online media.
Does that help?
-Alan
1. I think many people have internet ministries. Black, Knox, Sido and others who blog frequently challenging the minds and hearts of Christians.
2a. The benefits are we can help and receive from people who we may have a hard time getting to logistically. It can be cheaper than long distance also.
2.b The detriments is that this could be the only way some people are receiving when they have people around them who they can see face to face and this could be use to satisfy some things that I think should happen in person.
3. Yes there are I mentioned the fact that I think face to face is the best way. However, Paul wrote to some people he never saw as far as I can tell, or at least before he saw them. This is no different. We can communicate needs and blessings faster.
4. I think blogs, where discussions are held are the best, especially. I think call in radio spots are nice also. Maybe someone who is talking meeting with others like a panel or so with calling in to ask questions.
A really important ministry in the NT was providing for the widows and orphans, providing for those in need, so I guess we should ask if this is something we can do in the online community and if not than we need to ask ourselves if we have abandoned these important ministries because we are involved in “internet ministry?”
It seems like the internet is (or at least could be) a great network for raising support and funds for those in need
At the same time it seems like the most poor and needy are probably struggling to eat so I’m sure they aren’t getting online.
This is obviously not an “either…or” scenario, but we should probably ask if internet ministry helps, hinders, or is irrelevant to this issue.
I agree with what Lionel said about internet as ministry. On a personal note, his point #1 has played huge in my life. Before the net, I was confined to what my personal church or denomination preached on Sunday, and whatever books and theologians were promoted. Once I approached things with an open mind, things really opened up thanks to all those who were on the net. Iron sharpens iron, even over the internet. I would never see it as a substitute for real people, though.
Thank you all for what you’ve shared. Your thoughts are very similar to my own.
-Alan
If you’re just talking about using Internet (I don’t understand why we have to capitalize that word) technology, Voip services like skype and oovoo are great for long distance discipleship meetings.