Transforming the Digital World: The Call to Be Online Missionaries

We live in a different world!

The world around us has changed drastically. The internet and modern technology have opened new horizons across the globe. People today can now talk about a world “before the internet” and a world “after the internet.” This new era of hyperconnectivity presents many challenges and opportunities for the church today.

This new digital world offers us opportunities we must seize. Our online interactions have immense power—every comment, every post, and every private message can be an opportunity to share the love and hope we find in our faith. Given this opportunity, the question we must ponder is, how can we, as believers, become digital missionaries in our daily online interactions?

1. Live your faith openly.

Let’s not be afraid to share our faith on our social media profiles. Post Bible verses, spiritual reflections, and personal testimonies. By doing so, you not only strengthen your own faith, but also inspire others to seek a deeper relationship with God. As Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

2. Be an example of love and respect.

The online world can be a place of conflict and negativity. As believers, we are called to be a light in the darkness. Respond with love and respect, even in heated debates. Your behavior can be a powerful witness to the peace and grace that come from a Christ-centered life. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

3. Share spiritual resources.

Use your online platforms to share resources that can help others in their spiritual journey. This can include links to sermons, inspirational articles, and other resources for the edification of people. Before sharing, verify that the information is truly edifying, as there is a lot of misinformation on the internet, including erroneous doctrines disguised as truth. By providing edifying resources, you are equipping others to grow in their faith and encouraging them to do the same. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

4. Pray for your online interactions.

Before posting or responding to a comment, take a moment to pray. Ask God for wisdom and discernment so that your words are uplifting and reflect his love. Prayer can transform your interactions into divine opportunities to impact lives. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

5. Connect with other believers.

Seek out and join online communities of other believers. These groups can offer support, encouragement, and opportunities to collaborate on digital mission projects. Together, you can have an even greater impact in the digital world. Hebrews 10:24–25 exhorts us, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

6. Be authentic and transparent.

Authenticity is key in the digital world. Don’t be afraid to share your struggles and how God has helped you overcome them. Your vulnerability can resonate with others who are going through similar situations and can be a source of hope and strength. Second Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Conclusion

Being a digital missionary does not require a special title or a massive platform. Every believer has the potential to impact the digital world in a meaningful way. By living our faith openly, responding with love, sharing resources, praying for our interactions, connecting with other believers, and being authentic, we can transform our daily online interactions into opportunities to share God’s love. Accept the call and be a digital missionary today!

BISHOP RICARDO HINSBIS ESPINOZA | PARAGUAY NATIONAL BISHOP

Ricardo Hinsbis Espinoza was born in 1979 in Talara, Peru. He studied Theology at the Unversidad Seminario Bíblico Andino and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. He, his wife Estela, and daughters reside in Paraguay, where he serves as the national bishop for the Church of God of Prophecy.