This report provides extensive market research, strategic analysis, and insights into how digital strategies, technology, and experiences can accelerate the work of the Great Commission.
These are innovative times for followers of Christ and mission organizations. It is possible to advance the Great Commission faster than ever before.
The internet has changed how we communicate, shop, travel, learn, and socialize. Technological advances often happen so quickly that it can be challenging to keep up, even for industry insiders. Billions of people worldwide now use specialized digital tools; missional and global organizational leaders must be aware of current digital technologies.
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Widespread internet usage driving Christian innovation
In the mid-1990s, Christian ministries launched online as the internet became mainstream.
1993 – Launch of Bible Gateway
The original multilingual searchable Bible website, Bible Gateway was started in 1993 by Nick Hengeveld, a student at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, who had a visionary passion to make the Bible digitally accessible to everyone through the very new technology at the time called the Internet.
1995 – ChristianAnswers.net and Cybermissions
Cybermissions – Cybermissions uses computers and the Internet to facilitate the Great Commission. It began in Australia in 1994-95.
ChristianAnswers.net – One of the largest Christian Web sites—providing answers to important questions about life, faith, religion, creation, worldviews, and more
1996 – Blue Letter Bible
Blue Letter Bible provides powerful tools for an in-depth study of God’s Word through our free online reference library, with study tools that are grounded in the historical, conservative Christian faith.
2000 – EveryStudent.com
EveryStudent.com provides well-researched answers to questions that many people have about God and the value of a relationship with God.
2001 – Jesus.net
Millions of people are searching for answers online: Does anyone love me? Who is Jesus? Why should I pray? Jesus.net connects these online seekers to Jesus Christ. As a global network of online ministries, Jesus.net develops innovative tools and content to give people all over the world access to the gospel.
2004 – Global Media Outreach and Mobile Ministry Magazine
Global Media Outreach has a mission to give every person on Earth multiple opportunities to know Jesus.
Mobile Ministry Magazine (MMM) is online magazine asking questions, presenting approaches, and experimenting around stories related to the implications of faith and mobile technologies.
2008 – Network211
Network211 is a world missionary outreach focused on global evangelism and discipleship via the Internet. The outreach of Network211 extends in multiple languages to people in over 244 countries and territories.
In 2022, 5.1 billion worldwide use the internet. Every technology, language, and people group requires a customized approach.
An Overview of the Report
This report provides a broad overview of the digital landscape, resources available, and opportunities for strategic collaboration. The report surveys a wide range of digital technologies, as listed in the Table of Contents. Each of these topic comes with a brief explanation of the technology, a use case, and highlights several digital resources for the Great Commission. The topics covered in this report cover a range of technological adoption. Several technology categories reach billions, others reach millions, and some technologies are still emerging.
Apps
Artificial Intelligence
Augmented/Virtual Reality
Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and NFTs
Christian Vendors
Collaboration Platforms
Conferences
Content
Digital Outreach and Evangelism
Frameworks in Use or Development
Gaming
Learning Management System
Networks
Online Discipleship
Prayer
Research Articles and Journals
Scripture Engagement
Social Media Impacts
Theological Education
Volunteer Management
The State of Digital Technologies For The Great Commission in 2022
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A Disclaimer
As a disclaimer, this report aims to be a starting point. The research team was primarily English-speaking and many of the resources listed come from a western perspective. We recognize that there may be gaps and many resources not listed in this report. Further research and analysis are required for a fully global report covering all resources in every language and culture.
Submit Digital Strategies and Resources
Commissioned jointly by the Lausanne Movement and Indigitous. We are collecting digital strategies, technologies, and resources that can accelerate the work of the Great Commission.