By Dr. Tim Orr

The digital age has brought unparalleled opportunities but has also created significant challenges. The average American is exposed to 4,000 to 10,000 advertisements daily, receives 121 emails and 46 phone notifications, and spends over five hours daily on social media and streaming platforms. These staggering numbers reflect a culture saturated with noise—a noise that often drowns out the still, small voice of God calling people to Himself.

This presents a crucial question for missionaries: How can we effectively share the gospel in a world so inundated with distractions?

My friend Erik Scott, founder of One Village, has helped me wrestle with this question. His ministry is rooted in the conviction that missionaries must embrace modern tools to expand their reach. One Village’s simple yet profound mission—“We help missionaries use modern tools so they can share more Jesus”—has profoundly influenced my approach to ministry. Social media is an optional platform for missionaries and an essential mission field.

The Noise We Must Overcome

To appreciate the value of a social media presence, we need to understand the barriers missionaries face.

  1. Competing Messages: Advertisers, influencers, and entertainment platforms are all vying for attention. In this digital crowd, the gospel can seem like one voice among thousands. Without a deliberate strategy, our message can easily get lost.
  2. Digital Dependency: For many, especially those under 40, smartphones are the primary way they engage with the world. Whether it’s learning about current events, asking spiritual questions, or seeking community, much of life now happens online.
  3. Cultural Barriers: In countries with restricted access to the gospel, the internet is often the only way to share Christ’s message. Social media has become a tool for evangelism, discipleship, training, and encouragement.
  4. Global Crisis of Trust: In an age of skepticism, people are less likely to trust institutions or strangers. A consistent social media presence allows missionaries to build relationships and credibility over time.

How Social Media Transforms Missions

Social media is more than a marketing tool; it is a ministry platform with the power to transform missions. Here’s how it helps missionaries break through the noise:

  1. Authentic Storytelling: People are drawn to stories, and social media allows us to share ours in real-time. Through videos, blogs, and posts, I’ve been able to share how God is moving in ministry, and these stories resonate deeply with people looking for authenticity in a chaotic world.
  2. Relational Connections: Social media allows missionaries to connect with individuals long before meeting them. Whether engaging with seekers, encouraging believers, or collaborating with local leaders, these platforms build bridges that prepare hearts for the gospel.
  3. Equipping and Discipleship: Online platforms are invaluable for training leaders and disciplining believers, especially when physical meetings are impossible. Through webinars, video calls, and shared resources, I’ve seen how social media can empower new leaders and strengthen their faith.
  4. Global Influence with Thought Leaders: One of the unexpected blessings of a strong online presence is the ability to engage with thought leaders globally. Whether it’s theologians, pastors, or ministry innovators, I’ve had opportunities to contribute to critical discussions that shape the future of missions. These conversations often start with a simple blog post or video and grow into meaningful partnerships.
  5. Access to the Unreachable: Social media is a lifeline for those in closed countries or marginalized communities. It allows us to bypass physical barriers and bring the gospel to people who might never hear it.

The Role of One Village

A good chunk of what I’ve learned about maximizing social media for ministry has come from Erik Scott and his team at One Village. They understand that while the message of Jesus is timeless, the methods we use to share it must evolve. Their training and resources have enabled me to expand my reach, refine my message, and engage more effectively with those I serve.

One Village’s mission encapsulates what I’ve come to believe: modern tools like social media aren’t just helpful for missionaries; they’re vital. They allow us to steward the opportunities God has given us in this digital age.

A Shared Mission

Your support has enabled me to embrace these tools and enter this new digital mission field. Through your prayers and partnership, I’ve created content that reaches people across the globe, engages with thought leaders who shape global ministry, and connects with seekers in ways that weren’t possible just a few years ago.

But this is just the beginning. The harvest is plentiful, and the mission field is larger than ever. Social media and digital tools allow us to reach individuals and entire communities, even in the most challenging environments.

I invite you to join me in praying for this aspect of ministry. Pray that the content shared online will break through the noise, touch hearts, and lead people to Jesus. Pray for missionaries worldwide to use these tools wisely and effectively. If you’d like to learn more about how One Village equips missionaries for this work, I encourage you to visit their website at One Village.

We can ensure the gospel is heard above the world's clamor. Thank you for partnering with me in this essential work.

Tim Orr is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, the University of Tehran, Islamic College London, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.

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