In the digital age of communication, the internet is a crucial platform for evangelism – particularly for younger generations who spend over 15 hours a day online but also for those who are isolated, housebound, or far from home. Together, we seek to understand, explore, and innovate around what it means to be followers of Jesus in digital space.
Are you a digital pioneer or innovator?
New Places for New People are new Christian communities springing up in local communities, and online too. In 2023 the Methodist Church launched a small community of support of church planters and pioneers who are exploring forming new Christian communities online.
The group includes diverse digital practitioners, from podcasters to gamers and everything in between. The group was recruited initially through District Chairs, and more will be added
Funding
There is funding available for Digital New Places for New People, using the same process as onsite NPNPs, but with money located in the God for All digital stream.
Your idea does not need to identify as a New Place for New People to join the community of practitioners, and there is no requirement to apply for funding. If you think you'd benefit from joining the group, do get in touch. We'd love to hear from you if you’re passionate about any of the following: experimenting with digital evangelism; planting online Christian community; or creating original digital Christian content. Email Ali Johnson to let him know what you’re up to.
Up to £10,000 of exploratory funding is available for those who join the Digital NPNP community/network. This funding helps pioneers and teams explore new ideas and test their potential in the digital space before applying for larger district or circuit funding. This funding is specifically for starting new communities and cannot be used for ongoing digital initiatives.
To request funding, pioneers need to follow the funding process in their geographical Methodist district (contact your district NPNP Lead to find out about this, or if you don’t know who this is ask Julian Bond - Funding Officer - for information on the current NPNP funding situation in your district). This involves working with district representatives to ensure the proposed NPNP aligns with local priorities and submitting through the district’s established NPNP funding process. The goal is to give pioneers the chance to experiment, refine their ideas, and strengthen their submission for full funding.
Process and Criteria
- All digital NPNP exploratory submissions should have district chair sign off. We recognise that the digital space allows for engagement beyond geographical boundaries. However, for accountability, sustainability, and the potential for further funding through the NPNP circuit process, it’s important that District Chairs and leaders—along with Circuits where appropriate—are consulted early in the exploratory funding submission. Their involvement ensures the project aligns with strategic and budget planning at these levels. The submission form is attached.
- This funding is intended for every district (so far five districts have received funding for nine digital NPNPs). It is additional to the main district/circuit NPNP funding programme.
- It will be helpful for digital innovators to familiarise themselves with the Circuit Funding process Section 6: How are NPNPs funded?
- Funding is available now until all funds have been allocated, or until 31 August 2026 when the funding will expire.
- Submissions can be made twice a year (the deadlines are 15 May and 15 October) and there will be a rapid turnaround after the deadline (except where there are eligibility queries) - within five working days. Priority will be given to districts that have not yet received this funding. Draft submissions can be sent at any time for feedback from the Funding Officer.
- Criteria – as for main NPNP programme (see funding chapter via hyperlink above), but also there should be proven skills and ability in the digital space, the pioneer might not be a digital ‘expert’ but there should be a skilled digital person in the team.
As well as the Funding Officer, the Digital Evangelist and Pioneering and Church Planting Officer will be fully involved in your decision-making process.
Social Media and Digital Training
In these changing times, social media and online presence have become vital forms of communication for many churches and communities. In a new series of modules, we explore topics such as the foundations of social media and developing content and digital identity through to copyright, digital strategies and online evangelism. The training is offered as pre-course work, videos and live online sessions. See Getting Started Online.
Digital Evangelism - resources
Are you wondering what digital evangelism is and how you can do it? To equip the whole church for mission online, there are resources here:
What is digital evangelism? (Downloadable PDF)
What methods can be used for evangelism online?
This webpage looks at the various methods for online evangelism (i.e. websites, blogs, apps, etc) and includes good news stories about how Methodists around the Connexion are using them effectively.
There are also the following downloadable guides on these specific areas of digital evangelism:
Guide: Using church websites for evangelism
Guide: Using church Facebook pages for evangelism
Guide: Using Instagram and Twitter for evangelism
Guide: Using your personal Facebook profile for evangelism
The Methodist Church on Social Media
One easy way to get involved in the digital world is to share content produced by the Connexional Team. Check out the social media channels from the Methodist Church and retweet, share and like the content you think is great!