DYNAMICS OF ONLINE EVANGELISM

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Online or Internet Evangelism like every other forms of Evangelism has a primary purpose of making Christ known to the unbelievers. Unlike other forms of communicating the gospel (Print, video, radio and TV), which are ‘PUSH’ mediums, the Web is a ‘PULL’ medium. It pulls in visitors – though only on the basis of a defined interest. People usually go only to pages they are searching for. This therefore present a challenge to the online Evangelist in understanding how to attract and sustain the attention of a ‘ Web Surfer’ long enough to present the Gospel message and win his heart for Christ.

 

 

Understanding The Internet Community

The Internet Community includes people from every language, religion, lifestyle and interest. Internet use is increasing for people regardless of income, education, age, race, ethnicity or gender. It is clear that there is a growing population that can be reached with the gospel through online evangelism

You will encounter so many personality types while trying to share Jesus on the Internet These personality types include:

·        The Psychopathic         -        Antisocial

·        Narcissistic                  -        Pleasure Driven

·        Schizoid                      -        Multiple Personalities

·        Paranoid                     -        Believe people are trying to harm them

·        Depressive and maniac

·        Masochistic                  -        Self-defeating, hurts others

·        Obsessive, manipulative, compulsive.

Many of these are attracted to the Internet because of the anonymity it provides.

It is also necessary to discern between those who want to fight and those want to find the truth. There are people online who just want a verbal fight. Some of them are abusive and even satanic. Prayerfully discern when and how best to interact with them.

 

Characteristics of Communicating Online

 

1.     Reduced sensations. In online conversation, we can’t see the facial expressions or body language or hear the vocal tones that make up the majority of our communication. This can result in misunderstanding.

2.     Texting.  Despite the reduced sensory quality of text communication, it is still a powerful form of self-expression and interpersonal relating. E-mail, chat and Instant Messaging continue to be the most common forms of online interaction

3.     Identity Flexibility.   The lack of face-to-face cues often have impact on how people present their identity on the cyberspace. Some assume imaginative identities or completely remain anonymous.

4.     Temporal Flexibility.  You can move between Synchronous (people sitting at their computers at the same time i.e. “Real Time” e.g. Chat rooms) and Asynchronous (does not require people to interact with each other in the moment) communication. There is stretching of time. This provides a convenient “zone of reflection”. Compared to face-to-face encounters, you have significantly more time to mull things over and compose a reply.

5.     Media disruption. No matter how complex and sophisticated our electronic tools become, there will always be moments when they fail to live up to their end of the bargain. There will be moments when software and hardware don’t work properly.

           

The Language of the Internet

Cyberspace has its own language. Here are examples of common abbreviations used on the Internet. (See Witnessing in the Chat room).

 

 

Netiquette: The Etiquette of the Internet.

 

  • If you offer your e-mail address to someone, you must check that account and respond often. It is considered to be polite and expected that you will answer e-mail programs within 24 hours.
  • Don’t type in ALL CAPS. It is considered shouting.
  • Consider creating an alternate e-mail account for online evangelistic use. This will protect your business or home e-mail from junk mails.

 

 

Writing to Present the Gospel on the Web.

 

It is harder and 25% slower to read print from a computer than on a paper. If people cannot easily read a page they will lose interest and leave. Help them by:

·        Short sentences

·        Short Paragraphs

·        Lots of ‘white space’ around text

·        Using enticing, sometimes intriguing headings, which are not ‘preachy’

·        Avoid idiom and slang from your countries which others will not understand

·        Explain references to places and situations which only those in your country know

·        Aim for simpler writing style. “We are not here to impress, but to express”

·        Assume zero Christian Knowledge.

·        Revise and edit many times.

 

Witnessing Methods. These include:

 

  • E-mail witnessing
  • Witnessing in the Chat room
  • Instant messaging
  • Message Board Method
  • Web blogs
  • Developing Special Interest Websites
  • Etc.

 Different Approaches in Communicating the Gospel on the Web

 

  • The Bridge Approach
  • The Direct Approach
  • The Permissive Approach

 

The Internet or Web Evangelism requires culturally trained and intentional evangelists. Learn as much about the people and groups online as possible. Believers need to remove barriers that prevent people from hearing the gospel and meeting Jesus. It is our responsibility to cross barriers to bring people to Jesus. We too often expect the lost person to cross every barrier.