The Church’s Response to Technology

Dear Friends:

It is quite interesting to me that the greatest communication tool in the history of the world, the tool that connects individuals globally in unmatched ways, is the very tool that divides us and causes an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. The Internet and now AI are amazing tools but when engaged too much, causes us to lose our humanity and our very reason for being created.

For example, in an article last week, it was stated that young people are disengaging from their parents in alarming numbers because they believe that they found community online. They receive encouragement and support through social media, videos, and chat rooms. They go to AI and share the matters of their hearts because AI will tell them what they want to hear, it never has a bad day, and it will provide advice and encouragement on some level.

So, what can be the Church’s response?

My thought is that this is the exact time that we must double down on standing firm in the proclamation of Truth and living lives that honor Christ in vibrant Christian community. I will not take the time to expound on this but I will share how this impacts the ministry of Network211.

We are leveraging the Internet and AI as tools of the Gospel. Our WhoJesusIs.com site is in eleven languages and proclaims clearly the message and life of our Savior. We do not water it down to be more appealing, we do not base it on a political view, we are not tearing down others in an attempt to build up ourselves. Just biblical Truth. Truth that changes lives. It is due to your faithful prayer and financial support that we are enabled to share online. Here are some responses from WhoJesusIs.com:

• A woman from Zambia wrote, “Does Jesus still want a sinner like me. U know I have tried many times to change but I always find my self going back to sin. And that’s really shameful and makes me wonder if Jesus Really and still wants me. Please I really need help.”
• A woman from Equatorial Guinea wrote, “I need to surrender my life completely to Jesus. What can I do?”
• A man from Colombia wrote, “I need you to help me encounter Christ.”
• A woman from Ecuador wrote, “I want to change my life. I do not want to be like this anymore.”

 

Your partnership enables us to go further in relationship with those who write to us. We have real people responding, people who love Jesus, are Spirit-filled, and who share Scripture and pray. Regularly, we receive subsequent responses from individuals who are amazed that a real person replied and was there for more conversational interactions.

With your help, we can provide more online content as water to quench their spiritual thirst. Our journey with them continues as we do our best to connect them with a local church. We request their contact details so that we can request a local pastor visit them and invite them to church. Placing people, so matter where they are in their spiritual journey, into a local church is vital. People need personal human interaction.

I believe that the Church is situated strategically to have her best days! We offer exactly what the world needs: Truth and Community.

Thank you for your partnership to enable Network211 to go beyond using the tools of today to being a vibrant ministry. Together, we are seeing lives changed and people go from “Searches to Churches!” All is for God’s glory!

Blessings,
Mark

Dr. Mark Flattery
Network211 President