Is INTERNET MINISTRY Valid?

[Stacey Woods]

These days, its not hard to find out about a ministry online. Many churches have excellent web pages that can easily compete with any secular one. Thanks to myspace (and Tom) we ALL have a way to network, to fellowship, and to even be a blessing to each other's lives and ministries. Aside from myspace, there are message boards, chat rooms, internet radio shoes, internet communities, internet groups/clubs, and even internet conference calls that enable many to operate in their ministries when they would otherwise be limited to their local churches (if that). However, with the rise of all this internet freedom, are people abusing it in the name of ministry? Are ministers that hold no official title or credentials qualified to minister online? Should "internet ministers" be considered as valid ministry leaders. Should those that only hold fellowship services online be considered as legitimate leaders? After all, anyone can get a web page right? Anyone can take a picture with a robe on (with the help of digital photography and cell phones). Anyone can go create a free page, with a free banner, and a free chat room -- right? So, what separates the authentic ministers of the gospel from those who are otherwise? Is it credentials, or the anointing? Is it a website or the calling?

I can say that I am excited to hear that Internet Ministry is FINALLY BEING VIEWED AS A VALID FORM OF MINISTRY AND EVANGELISM. This should greatly encourage all those who, like myself, have used the internet as an effective tool to win souls, edify the body of Christ, and to populate the KINGDOM of God.

In August, I personally celebrate SIX years of having a successful internet ministry, beginning with the launching of my very first website that is still up and running, Stacey Woods Ministries, Inc. To date, God has blessed us to do MANY ministry endeavors but I have fond memories of A House For Prayer previously called Powerful Pentecostal Prayer.

For those of you who may be new to this, A House For Prayer's website was launched 9/11/2003. Powerful Pentecostal Prayer also had a very thriving Prayer Ministry that was hosted on Paltalk weekly in 2002. This prayer service was unique because it captured the Spirit of Pentecost while involving the innovations of modern technology. During some days we would labor through the night, witnessing to souls that would have otherwise been participants in "other ungodly internet affairs." Some times we would remain open 24 hours a day, having a staff of administrators present and alert, that would pray through the night for anyone who came in with a prayer need. It was a very effective tool, and for a number of years God allowed us the grace to remain faithful to that call. Being young in the ministry, I was excited that the internet provided a way for creative evangelism and that the nations could be won for JESUS CHRIST without me even having to leave my office! Soon, many other ministries (which now thrive) became active on the internet as a result of these technological advancements. Through these types of ministry efforts, MANY were saved online- being filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced with speaking in tongues. Others were healed, delivered, and charged with their Kingdom assignments. You can read the history, and other testimonies for yourself HERE.

I'm grateful that we can now be considered a VALID type of ministry. Through the internet, we have the opportunity to witness to COUNTLESS souls. We are able to preach to people who have been rejected, neglected, misunderstood, and even damaged by the church. Many of them have vowed to never step foot in a sanctuary again, but can click on a website and still hear the gospel and prayerfully return to the fellowship. Others can be taught in the word of God, while being encouraged to continue in the faith. While there are some who abuse this liberty of the internet, causing those that are truly called into this side of the vineyard to work even harder to maintain credibility, integrity, and character, WE ARE JUST AS VALID AS ANY OFFLINE church. Many times, we do not know the impact we are having in the Kingdom of God just by sitting at the computer and availing ourselves to posting scriptures, writing blogs, posting videos, uploading songs and sermons, and just having small chats to encourage God's people. When the traditional church doors are closed, we are open and ready to hear whatever need, pray for whatever situation, and to minister to those who need to be encouraged.

Allow me to say that I believe in accountability. I do not believe that the knowledge of being called is the same thing as being equip for ministry. Therefore, I still believe that those that are new to the ministry, and new to the things of God should use MUCH discernment when dealing with God's people online. Unfortunately, there have been those that have been severely hurt by false internet dealings with supposed "ministers" of the gospel, or even by authentic ministers that lacked experience and training in how to handle the affairs of ministry. YET AND STILL, I can assure you that internet ministry is a VALID form of ministry and one that I am humbled to be called too. I am licensed, and ordained (by God and by man) to do what I do both online and offline, and I can say that ministering on the internet is not the extent of my ministry. However, it has been an active and effective branch of my ministry for a number of years and that's something that I am honored and humbled to say.

Think about it, If people can click on ONE link, and be pulled into a world of perversion, lust, addiction, greed, and sin through the internet, WHAT CAN WE DO FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD? I choose to make EVERY effort to influence the world wide web for the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ. After all, we've been going six years strong, and technology keeps getting better and better! If not for this site along (myspace) I would have NEVER met and maintained fellowship with MOST of you all.

Therefore, I was encouraged to stumble upon this article while I was doing some research on Effective Evangelism. When I read it I said, MY GOD- for once, we are recognized (by the world) as a valid ministry. Be blessed as you READ THIS:

Internet Evangelist

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An Internet evangelist is a person who uses the Internet to present a religious viewpoint such as Christianity to the world.

Today, there are many ministers who have Internet ministries and who practice evangelism on the Internet. Internet evangelism can be carried on in any number of ways, including one on one chat room ministry, web information ministry and Christian books. It is a ministry which can be fulfilled by an individual at home, or a major web outreach team who produce a portfolio of evangelistic sites.

Churches can reach out into the community through their Church websites, though research shows that very few church sites are user-friendly for non-Christians.^[1] and would benefit from the analysis provided by a Self-Assessment Tool. It is currently quite popular to put streaming audio and video sermons and entire church services online that can be experienced via the Internet. There are even Internet based churches online. Bible College courses are now also offered via the Internet.

Methodology and strategies for Internet evangelism are explained in the Web Evangelism Guide. One important method of gaining attention from non-Christians is the "Bridge Strategy".^[2]

The Internet Evangelism Coalition has initiated an annual worldwide focus day to help Christians understand more of the potential for online evangelism. The first Internet Evangelism Day was held in April 2005, and the next is scheduled for April 29, 2007.^[3]

There are a number of opportunities for distance learning and training in web evangelism.^[4]

Some organizations plan special training sessions, such as the Liberty University MA Communication Studies "Internet Evangelism for the 21st Century" held April 1-2, 2005, with sessions available online in mpeg and DVD. The Internet Evangelism Coalition also holds regular conferences, as do other organizations.^[5