Digital Discipleship

Navigating Faith in an Online World

Sep 11, 2024

❤️ of the Matter:

We’re living in a time where our lives are intertwined with technology. From morning routines to evening wind-downs, the digital world is constantly in our hands. And as Christians, we have a choice: to view this as a distraction or embrace it as an opportunity for discipleship. Digital discipleship—using technology like social media, apps, and online communities to spread the Gospel and grow in faith—offers a way to extend our reach beyond the walls of our churches. But how do we make sure that in this digital age, our focus remains on Jesus?

It’s easy to get lost in the noise, to scroll endlessly, and to feel disconnected despite being so “connected.” The challenge for us is clear: how can we use these tools intentionally to deepen our faith and help others find theirs? Digital discipleship offers both opportunities and challenges. We can reach the unreachable and build new communities, but we also risk superficiality, distraction, and distorting the Gospel. The goal is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and use these tools wisely to advance His Kingdom.

The BIG 📸:

Opportunities to Leverage

Reaching Beyond Borders: Digital discipleship allows us to connect with people all over the world instantly. It’s like Paul writing letters to early believers—but on a massive scale (Acts 1:8). A sermon posted online or a devotional shared on social media can reach someone across the globe, offering them hope and truth they might not have access to otherwise.
Making Faith More Accessible: The Bible app on your phone, the sermon podcast you listen to during your commute, or the online prayer group you join—all these digital tools make it easier to stay rooted in God's Word daily (Psalm 1:2). For those who can't attend church regularly, whether due to illness, distance, or circumstance, this is a lifeline to staying connected to their faith.
Fostering New Forms of Community: Digital platforms open up new spaces for community. Online Bible studies, prayer chains, and faith-based social media groups create ways to connect with others. In a world that often feels isolating, these digital communities can provide much-needed fellowship, encouragement, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Challenges to Navigate

Overcoming Digital Distractions: Digital discipleship isn’t without its challenges. The very devices we use to read Scripture can also distract us with notifications and noise. It’s easy to lose focus and forget the call to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). We need to find ways to quiet the digital noise and make room for true reflection and connection with God.
Guarding Against Gospel Distortion: With so much content available online, not everything is doctrinally sound. Some messages get diluted or distorted to gain likes or followers, which can confuse or mislead believers (2 Timothy 4:3-4). We need to be vigilant in ensuring that what we consume and share aligns with the truth of Scripture.
Creating Genuine Connections: Digital discipleship must acknowledge that it cannot fully replace face-to-face fellowship. Jesus discipled His followers by living life with them, sharing meals, and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations (Mark 3:14). Digital platforms should complement—not replace—the personal, relational aspects of discipleship.

Strategies for Keeping the Focus on Jesus

Intentionality Matters: Be purposeful with your online engagement. Every post, comment, and share should reflect a desire to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Digital tools are most powerful when used intentionally to share truth and build others up in faith.
Cultivate Discernment: Not every piece of content labeled as “Christian” is necessarily biblical. We need to "test everything" and hold on to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance, stay grounded in Scripture, and seek wisdom in all digital interactions.
Use Tools to Deepen Faith, Not Distract: Leverage apps for prayer reminders, join virtual accountability groups, and engage with online teachings that challenge and grow your understanding. The goal is to sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), using digital tools to strengthen—not weaken—our spiritual walk.

The 🍞 of Life:

Reaching the World: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Daily Devotion: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

Building Community: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Finding Stillness Amidst Noise: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Guarding Against False Teachings: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Living in Community: “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:14)

Glorifying God in All We Do: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Testing All Things: “But test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Sharpening Each Other: “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Becoming All Things to Save Some: “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)

Take a Deeper Dive 🌊:

Check out how I started using YouTube for digital discipleship where I pursue righteous and love through art and enterprise here!