by Rev. Dr. Arne H. Fjeldstad
The Great Commission challenges us to serve the Lord Jesus in a new "reality", the cyberspace. Also this new computer-based reality belongs to the Lord of all the Universe.
The World Wide Web provides new, effective and strongly personal tools for evangelism through e-mail, news groups, web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC) etc. Oftentimes you will find people surprisingly open to discuss religious issues and share their own questions and problems about life and faith.
Start by building a team for prayer and support. Try to find people with various interests and skills, and make them partners in the projec. A strong foundation of prayer support and people willing to do "follow- up" work to counsel people is a must. If at all possible, try to establish face to face follow up in the real world!
Carefully define and monitor your target group and repeatedly consider new ways to communicate with the people you are working to reach with the gospel. Keep in mind that you often cannot "control" who your audience is, for example the readers of a web page. Always try to be culturally sensitive to people from a different cultural and/or religious background than yourself.
The Internet is all about relationship and interaction. Concentrate on finding virtual places to build fellowship and community; invite to e-mail conferences, chat groups, etc.
The Net is strongly personal and, in a strange way, very emotional. Therefore, use your head and communicate to the heart! Remember, you are always a part of the message you communicate.
Aim at an open, non-judgmental dialog, not confrontation. Always encourage people to ask questions and even disagree. Then you may prevent misunderstandings about what a Christian life is all about and also give yourself additional opportunities to communicate the love of Christ to a very unique person.
As an Internet evangelist, you are commissioned to communicate Christ not only by word but by representing (even sometimes, virtually embody) Christ for other "Netizens."
Be honestly and genuinely interested in the other persons life, ideas, experiences and opinions. Help them to understand that you care about his or her life. The Internet has an exciting history of giving and sharing tools and knowledge. Continue this tradition by a humble, friendly approach.