Using the Web to Our Advantage

The World Wide Web (WWW) has become one of today's modern wonders. That is especially true in the world of the academy. Information (both good and bad) is proliferating; classes are being offered; connections are being made; and people are communicating in unique ways using this new tool.

During the early spread of the gospel, one of the most effective tools that the missionaries used was the Roman Road. This road, built by the "pagans," was used to carry the gospel to all the known world. Some have suggested that the WWW is the new Roman Road.

Unfortunately, the Christian world does not have a very good track record when it comes to using new technologies. Radio during the 1900's, the film industry of the 1930s & 1940s, and television during the 1950s & 1960s are all examples of technology often initially spurned by the Christian community. After lagging behind for decades, we are using all of these to help share the gospel.

Although there are some drawbacks to the WWW, the opportunities are even greater. Let me suggest just a few positives:

1. Faculty and students use it every day.
2. What is on the WWW is available to the whole world.
3. It encourages people to read, not just look at images.
4. The message of the gospel can be creatively presented in hundreds of formats.

Next week we will discuss how you can personally use the WWW to identify yourself as a Christian and help point people to excellent resources on the Web. If you haven't already done so, let me encourage you to check out one of the best examples of using the WWW effectively for ministry. It is our very own Leadership University. You can find it at www.leaderu.com.

Scripture: Romans 10: 17,18 - " Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

Action Point: Check out the over 6,000 searchable articles located at Leadership U at the web address above. They offer some of the very best thinking and resources around.

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