5 Important Steps to Becoming an Online Missionary

Center for Online Evangelism

The Center for Online Evangelism is a missionary project devoted to developing online mission stations.

Every follower of Jesus Christ is called to be a missionary.

For many of us, when we hear the term “missionary,” we imagine traveling to a third-world country, living without the usual comforts of home, learning a tongue-curling language, and fighting an epic battle against mosquitoes. But that is not the only form of mission work.

Mission work is the act of intentionally sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This means that we can use everyday devices like our laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras to help someone know of the hope that we have. 
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If you want to be a missionary online but you’re not sure how to go about getting started, here are five important steps to help you:

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​Step 1: Write down your project and stick to it.

Your project is a God-given assignment – a task that the Holy Spirit will equip you to complete. Your project or mission work will be based on your gifts, talents, skill set, and experience. But, don’t try to do everything.

Examples of mission projects:

• Creating an animated video series explaining the relevance of prophecies in Daniel and Revelation
• Writing a blog geared toward gaining victory over pornography
• Launching a weekly online Bible study on a video conferencing platform
• Starting a podcast answering the most popular questions people have about the Bible
• Managing a Facebook page sharing stories of how people came to know Jesus Christ
• Recording a WhatsApp Cast with daily devotional thoughts
  
  

Digital missionaries must choose a target area to work in, the same way that traditional missionaries choose a country. For example, your focus area might be Facebook or WhatsApp or YouTube.
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The object of online evangelism and mission work is to reach people online and share content that will encourage, inspire, and point them to Christ.

We may speak words of encouragement to those whom we meet. “A word spoken in season, how good is it!” Souls are perishing for the lack of personal labor.– E.G. White, Letter 151, 1903.

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Step 2: Register as an online missionary.

Being a part of the Database for Online Missionaries will connect you with other digital disciples and online workers. This database can provide a support system and give you access to resources that could help you serve more effectively. 

The Center for Online Evangelism is creating a directory for online missionaries. Individuals who intentionally use the internet to share the Gospel are invited to sign up for the directory. Donors and mission supporters can also view this database and back a project. To register, email [email protected] with the subject line "Register for Online Missionary Database."

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick: Luke 9: 1,2 NIV

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Step 3: Choose a prayer partner and pray

Your prayer partner will be the person who believes in what God called you to do and they are willing to stand in the gap for you. This is the friend or relative who will pray with you regularly and encourage you when you are tempted to give up.

Praying is the highest work of a missionary.

It is not a means to an end but the end of our work because it brings us directly in contact with God. Prayer equips us with the strength needed to do the task given by God. A prayer partner helps us formulate specific prayers and plays a crucial role building on our holy faith.

As we make Christ our daily companion  we shall feel that the powers of an unseen world are all around us, and by looking unto Jesus we shall become assimilated to His image (Pr. 82.1).

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Step 4: Create a content strategy

It’s important to have a plan. That plan comes in the form of a content strategy.
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A content strategy is like creating a blueprint or a map for your work. This documented plan encompasses the planning, creation, publishing, distribution, and management (of feedback) of your content. It also includes:

• A description of your target audience
• Goals
• A content calendar
• How you will measure your success

Download a guide to Digital Evangelism for Ministries. 

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Step 5: Improve your skills

Whether you will be writing a blog, producing videos, preaching, or recording a podcast, you need resources that will help you get better at what you do.

Assuming that you know it all hinders the work of the Holy Spirit in you. Here are a few things you can do to enhance your proficiencies: 

1. Subscribe to newsletters
2. Sign up for webinars related to your interest
3. Attend conferences
4. Watch tutorials
5. Join Facebook groups
6. Ask other missionaries and ministry leaders for guidance
7. Visit our resource page often for content related to your area of focus

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​Conclusion

By taking these simple steps, you can be on your way to starting your work as an online missionary. Remember, this is not like a class project or a hobby; this is a sacred work and should be regarded as such.

If you bear in mind the magnitude of your mission task and the significance of sticking with it, you will find that you won’t easily give up during trying moments. Christ commissioned you to do this work. He will also empower you and provide the means to be successful.

Sometimes, online mission work can get out of control. Read this article about how digital missionaries can balance online work and spiritual health.

Are you interested in being an online missionary? Email [email protected] to register for our Online Missionaries Database.

Reposted with permission from centerforonlineevangelism.org.