Same Call, Different Methods

Who doesn’t like to receive a personal message from a loved one? Words of affirmation are high on my list of “love languages.” Whether peeking into my mailbox on my front porch or pulling out my phone to check my email or text messages, I am always on the hunt to get past all the junk mail to read something thoughtfully written just for me. 

Imagine how people in the early church felt when news spread quickly that a letter had arrived for them, written by an apostle who knew them, loved them, taught them, and prayed for them. I can just imagine the happy tears and smiles that spread across the faces of Timothy, Phoebe, and Onesimus as they were mentioned by name. The encouragement that disciples of Jesus received as they heard words of encouragement and exhortation from their shepherds must have been deeply moving. 

As time passed, the channels of communication changed. From handwritten letters carried by foot, boat, or beast to digital messages sent to us on our cell phones, tablets, and computers, the channels have changed, but what they accomplish is the same. While what is considered “modern” has changed, God’s people have always been eager to use whatever means necessary to communicate good news to the people God has called them to reach. 

That is true of you, too. You are not thoughtlessly blasting out messages to the masses. You care deeply about the people you are trying to reach. You pray for them, weep for them, and sacrifice for them. You also learn new skills like good content strategy and new technology like AI so you can be more effective in helping them know Jesus and follow Him. 

Do not be deceived. Technology is not evil. The church has used modern means of technology throughout history. Motivated by love for Jesus and love for people made in His image, keep using modern communication channels to share this good news. As you press “send,” pray that the love of Jesus will melt the hearts of those who receive it, their faces will be transformed as they realize this message is meant for them, and their lives will be changed for eternity as they set aside the passing things of this world to respond with their whole lives. 

The vision of making Jesus and His mission accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere is possible, by God’s grace, with digital strategies.

Together with you,
Cheryl

If Paul were alive today, where would he preach the gospel?

Paul boldly declared in Romans 15:19 that he had fully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. But what did that mean? He didn’t speak to every person individually—rather, he strategically ensured the gospel would spread through multiplying churches in key cities.

Paul’s method was intentional:

• Go to the most influential cities: He reached people where culture was shaped.

• Plant multiplying churches: These churches ensured the gospel would continue multiplying.

Because of this, Paul could confidently say that he had fully proclaimed the gospel in a region.

A Strategy That Adapted

As Paul traveled, his approach changed. In Jewish regions, he preached in synagogues. But as he moved into Gentile areas, he shifted to public marketplaces (agoras)—gathering spaces where people debated philosophy, politics, and faith (Acts 17:17).

Paul met people where they were. He didn’t wait for them to enter religious spaces—he stepped into their world and engaged them in meaningful conversations.

Where is the agora Today?

The world has changed, but human behavior hasn’t. People still gather to discuss culture, identity, and beliefs—but now, those conversations happen online, especially on social networks.

With over 60% of the world’s population engaged in social media, the digital agora is here. The same discussions that once took place in first-century marketplaces now unfold in digital spaces.

Same Call, Different Methods

Some hesitate to see digital conversations as real ministry. But Paul’s approach reminds us: The mission has never been about location—it’s about proclamation.

If Paul had access to digital platforms, would he use them? Absolutely. He leveraged every available method to spread the gospel. We should do the same.

Imagine what could happen if every believer saw digital spaces as a mission field instead of just entertainment:

• Gospel conversations happening online daily

• New believers being discipled through digital platforms

• Faith communities forming online and offline

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have an opportunity no generation before us has had. Like Paul, we can step into the spaces where people are already gathered and proclaim Christ.

The methods have changed, but the mission remains the same. The agora is digital. The mission is urgent. The harvest is ready. Let’s go.

If Paul were alive today, I have no doubt he’d be using every digital tool available to spread the gospel. His mission was clear: “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). He used letters, public forums, and strategic travel to win, build, and send others in faith. Today that means meeting people online and equipping them to share the gospel digitally.

In 14 years at Jesus Film Project, I’ve seen firsthand how digital strategies can win seekers, build their faith, and send them out to reach others. That’s why we developed NextSteps, a platform designed to help people move from curiosity to commitment—and beyond.

Paul’s Digital Strategy for Win, Build, Send

Paul won people to Christ by meeting them in public spaces, engaging their culture, and speaking their language (Acts 17:22-34). Today, digital tools allow us to do the same. Through social media, YouTube, and digital gospel presentations, we engage seekers where they already are.

He built believers by writing letters and mentoring disciples like Timothy and Titus. Today, NextSteps provides structured faith journeys that move people from watching a gospel film to taking action—whether that’s exploring scripture, connecting with a mentor, or joining a small group.

Finally, Paul sent leaders to plant churches and spread the gospel. Today, digital platforms equip believers to share their faith. I’ve seen NextSteps users invite others into a gospel journey, share interactive content, and guide new believers in their spiritual growth.

Lessons from the Field

Many were skeptical about digital evangelism, believing it couldn’t be as effective as in-person ministry. But I’ve seen God use these tools to reach the unreached, build faith communities, and empower believers to become disciple-makers.

• In Bangladesh, over 37,000 people have engaged with gospel-centered NextSteps journeys.

• In Russia, churches use NextSteps QR codes on flyers to connect seekers to local ministries.

• In Malaysia, 120+ churches are mobilizing believers to share their faith digitally.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re real people encountering Jesus and sharing Him with others.

The Digital Great Commission

Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:19-20 to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Paul adapted his approach to reach more people faster—and today, digital tools allow us to do the same.

Digital ministry isn’t just about discipleship—it’s about equipping believers to win others, build them up, and send them out to reach more. NextSteps was designed as a strategy for multiplication.

I never imagined that after 30 years in the tech sector, I’d be building digital tools for global missions. But just like Paul, I’ve learned that God calls us to use every tool, every method, and every opportunity to bring people to Him.

The question isn’t whether digital ministry is effective—the question is whether we’re willing to step into where God is already moving.