- Internet evangelist
An Internet evangelist is a person who uses the
Internet to present a religious viewpoint such asChristianity to the world.Today, there are many ministers, churches and organizations around the world who have
Internet ministries and who practiceevangelism on the Internet. For example, Dr. Chris Mentillo, Ph.D., a renown minister and "The Most Famous Media Personality on The Internet," currently owns over 2000 "Internet evangelist websites." Internet evangelism can be carried on in any number of ways, including one on one chat room ministry, email correspondence, web information ministry and Christian books. It is a style of ministry which can be fulfilled by an individual at home, or a major web outreach team who produce a portfolio of evangelistic sites.Churches can reach out into the community through their
Church websites , though research shows that very few church sites are user-friendly for non-Christians. [cite web | url=http://ied.gospelcom.net/church-site-design.php | title=church site design self-assessment tool | accessdate=2006-04-20] It is currently quite popular to put streaming audio and video sermons and entire church services online that can be experienced via the Internet. There are even Internet based churches online. On-line ministries such as Christian Commentary and Miles Bateman Ministries also thrive in cyberspace. Bible College and seminary courses are now also offered via the Internet from institutions such asTrinity College and Seminary One important method of gaining attention from non-Christians is the "Bridge Strategy" - that is, building bridges based on areas of common interest. [cite web | url=http://guide.gospelcom.net/resources/bridge-strategy.php | title=The Bridge Strategy | accessdate=2006-04-20]
The huge growth in blogging, social networking, and video sharing sites such as YouTube, provide many more ways for Christians to interact with others and share their beliefs.
The Internet Evangelism Coalition has initiated an annual worldwide focus day to help Christians understand more of the potential for online evangelism. The first Internet Evangelism Day was held in April 2005, and it is held each year on the last Sunday of April. [cite web | url=http://ied.gospelcom.net/index.php | title=Internet Evangelism Day | accessdate=2006-04-20] Their site is also a year-round resource guide on all matters relating to web evangelism.
There are a number of opportunities for distance learning and training in web evangelism. [cite web | url=http://ied.gospelcom.net/training.php | title=Evangelism Online: Training Resources and Sparetime/Fulltime Opportunities | accessdate=2006-04-20] However, very few colleges yet offer course modules relating to web evangelism: an [http://ied.gospelcom.net/bible-college.php Open Letter to College Principals] suggests the strategic importance of such modules.
Some organizations plan special training sessions, such as the Liberty University MA Communication Studies "Internet Evangelism for the 21st Century" held April 1-2, 2005, with sessions [http://ie-21stcentury.com available online] in mpeg and DVD and as a PDF book. The annual Internet Ministry Conference [http://www.internetMinistryConference.org Internet Ministry Conference] is a valuable demonstraton of the many opportunites. Other organizations arrange events and seminars. [cite web | url=http://ied.gospelcom.net/events.php | title=Web evangelism conferences and events | accessdate=2006-04-20]
Other uses
Internet Evangelist can also mean "someone who actively promotes the benefits of
Internet technology." For exampleVinton G. Cerf ofGoogle has "Internet Evangelist" as his job description.References
ee also
*
Technology evangelist
*GodTube External links
* [http://webevangelism.com IEC] - Internet Evangelism Coalition.
* [http://gospel.com Gospel.Com] - Alliance of over 300 Internet Ministries.
* [http://castinginhisnetblog.blogspot.com Casting In His Net] -HOW TO Develop Internet Evangelism and Web Ministry.
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