One question that I am asked quite often is whether or not a bible believing Christian should utilize sites that obviously have no respect or concern for us. I have also pondered whether or not it was okay to use what may be considered “secular” websites to minister the gospel. Then I realized that it was more than okay. Jesus preached wherever and whenever. We travel roads and shop at grocery stores that aren’t respectful of our faith. The roads are littered with near pornographic billboards and the stores sell books and magazines that would make even some heathens blush. The bottom line is that the Father promises us that He will use all things for good. The site in and of itself is not evil. It is the person using it and what they do with it that makes it so. The same could be said of many things. The rainbow is a good example. I refuse to stop associating my Christian heritage with a rainbow just because a certain group of people have taken it and used it for promoting a lifestyle that is not acceptable to God.
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15
In some instances I also think it is better to utilize the secular sites. If you are uploading a video that ministers the gospel and your objective is to win souls for Christ then you must go where those who need to see it are visiting. They aren’t going to Christian video sites. Even if it were a video for crafting, or couponing, or cooking then I would still upload it to YouTube. Those who watch it may decide to visit my site where they would see other posts including my testimony and my faith in God. Secular sites have many features now where you can shut off ads for additional videos and products that may offend you or your readers. There is no reason not to utilize it. With that said, I can think of a couple of reasons why you should not use secular online sites for ministry. They consist of:
- Conviction. The first one would be that you have been personally convicted by God that you should not participate in these websites. If this is the case then you should absolutely obey God and you should not do it but keep in mind that this does not mean that it is wrong for everyone. I know some people who have been convicted of using cell phones because it became a false god to them. That does not mean everyone else should throw out their phones. Pray about it. Ask God what His plan is for you.
- Lack of time. The second reason would be that you lack time. To give you an idea of how long it takes to be involved in this type of ministry I’d say at least an hour a day for small ministries and up to three hours a day for larger online ministries. Of course, if you do intend to have a larger ministry then my recommendation is to bring others on board who also have a passion for that specific type of ministry and feel called to serve in it. That would greatly decrease the amount of time you would spend online. However, if you lack the time it would take to minister in this way then you should definitely wait until you do have the time it would take to dedicate to it. In the meantime you can pray for those of us who are in online ministry and when you sense God nudging you to go forward then you can join us!
Find the rest of the series here: 31 Days to Online Ministry
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- Missed BlissDom 2011? Get It Here. It’s just like being there!
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I know this can be a touchy subject, but because we live IN the world, we do have to find ways to do what needs done, and sometimes utilizing non-Christian resources is our only option. I think we can look to Christ himself as our example. He did not avoid “non-Christian” places or people. in fact, he mingled with the lowest of the low, as considered by the pious, religious crowds of his time. That is not to say He lived as they lived, but rather He lived among them. And He ALWAYS sought His Father’s will in all things, and I think that’s the way we have to live too. Good points here, Amy. Thanks for sharing this!!!