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 a 2024 cohort is currently being recruited. 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 project 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.
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!