Leveraging Technology for Church Evangelism and Outreach

After Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and before He ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples a pretty powerful command.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Often called the Great Commission, this was the moment when Jesus officially commissioned His followers to teach others to follow Him and obey His commands. No small task, this has been the heartbeat of the Church ever since–to reach others with the love, truth, and power of Christ. For two millennia, communities of Christians have been using various methods and strategies to complete this command: Biblical literacy, education, preaching, relationship-building, and service ministries are core pillars of historical Christian outreach.

However, the Church has fallen short in one method of outreach: technology.

That’s a missed opportunity, of course. Technology has the ability and power to spread the message of Jesus at unprecedented speeds to an unprecedented amount of people.

In the following article, we’ll talk about why the Church has fallen short in this area, and how Christians can shift. Namely, we’ll explain powerful ways that churches can use tools like social media, email, and more to reach outwards with the message of Jesus.

Why the Church Has Lagged on Evangelizing Through Technology

The reasons for this lag in adopting technology for evangelism are multifaceted.

For one, there's a prevailing notion that technology and the digital realm are not inherently Biblical or holy, leading to skepticism about their use in the Church.

This skepticism is often compounded by a fear of the unknown. Technology, with its rapid evolution and complex interfaces, can be daunting and confusing...especially when we’re dealing with nascent trends in artificial intelligence.

Finally, a general lack of skills with technology among church leaders and congregations can turn what should be an opportunity into a perceived insurmountable challenge.

Some Amazing Examples of Technology Outreach

Despite these challenges, there are inspiring examples of technology being used to spread the Gospel far and wide. Social media platforms have become modern-day marketplaces where ideas are exchanged, and here, the Word is no exception. This even includes tools used to reach individuals in unreached places, or in countries where it’s forbidden to share the Gospel.

Televangelism, while not without its critics, has demonstrated the power of broadcasting to carry the Gospel into homes across the globe, reaching those who might never step foot in a church. Moreover, the rise of influencers for Jesus–like Sarah Jakes Roberts, daughter of T.D. Jakes–on platforms like TikTok and YouTube showcases how individual believers can share their faith with vast audiences.

Finally, the Chosen TV Series has leveraged live streaming and crowdfunding to reach people all over the world with an excellent televised adaptation of the Gospels. By embracing these technologies, the stories of Jesus have now been viewed by more than 200 million people worldwide.

There are Christians out there who are using technology to reach the lost. But to be fair, many of these individuals already have significant resources and influence they are using to accomplish this mission. How can the average church–especially a small to medium-sized church–use tools like social media, video, and other kinds of digital content to do outreach?

How Churches Can Use Technology for Outreach

One of the driving forces behind greater technology adoption among churches–especially smaller churches–was the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the world navigated the challenge of limiting in-person meetings, the church adapted by offering online services. This transition to digital not only kept the church community together but has also opened new avenues for evangelism, reaching out to those who may be exploring faith for the first time.

In the wake of greater technology adoption, churches are increasingly recognizing the importance of having a dynamic church website, using church management software to streamline their operations, and engaging their community through live streaming services and podcasts. Church apps are also on the rise, allowing for personalized engagement with a church community anytime, anywhere.

In short, church leaders are now recognizing the potential of technology as a powerful tool for church growth, spiritual growth, and more effective community engagement. Online church has become pivotal in reaching a wider audience, creating a sense of church community, and furthering the church’s mission–to engage people with the love of Jesus.

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5 Ways to Use Technology for Outreach in Your Church

#1: Social Media

Social media platforms present a dynamic way for churches to connect with their congregation and reach potential new members. These spaces offer a unique blend of accessibility and immediacy, making them an essential part of church outreach in the 21st century.

Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok provide churches with a free platform for connecting with people, sharing Scripture, and teaching the Gospel.

#2: Livestreaming

Livestreaming services extends the church's reach to anyone with an internet connection. Livestreaming is a powerful way to build a bridge with people who may be interested in Jesus, but who aren’t yet ready to take the leap to coming to a church. It’s also a wonderful way to stay connected with church members who can’t attend in person!

#3: Email Campaigns

Email offers a direct and personal way to keep the congregation connected and up-to-date. By sending out regular newsletters, churches can share important announcements, inspirational devotional content, and detailed information about upcoming church events such as worship services, Bible studies, and community outreach.

Including multimedia elements like photos from recent events or video messages from church leaders can make these emails more engaging and impactful. 

Finally, segmenting the email list based on interests or demographics ensures that the content is relevant to the recipients.

#4: Text Messaging

Text messaging cuts through the clutter and offers a speedy, direct channel for churches to communicate with their congregation. Sending out Bible verses is a simple but powerful way to encourage church members. 

Text messages are also perfect for sending timely reminders about upcoming church activities, such as service times, special events, or meetings for various groups within the church, ensuring members are well-informed and feel personally invited to participate.

#5: Awesome Website

A user-friendly, informative website can serve as the digital front door of your church, welcoming newcomers, providing resources, and sharing the church's mission and values. A website can also act as the “landing place” for social media content, email campaigns, and even QR codes. In other words, your church website is where you’ll drive traffic from all other channels.

How Breeze Can Help You with Technology Outreach

Technology outreach can feel immensely overwhelming for the already-heavily tasked church leader or staff member. But there’s good news: An affordable, all-in-one digital solution like Breeze can help your church navigate outreach by making it simple to:

• Build an awesome church website
• Send text messages and email campaigns en masse
• Organize your contacts for targeted outreach
• And more...

To learn how Breeze can help you level up your church tech–without destroying your budget–click here.