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We are living in the digital age, where rapid advancement in technology is undeniable. Take, for example, the ability to have instant video chats with people from around the world. Whether it’s through a large screen or a handheld device, we can now hear people’s voices and see their faces in real time. These advancements would have been unimaginable for our grandparents. As technology rapid evolves and knowledge expands, we can only expect to see further developments.

Despite the potential for digital technology to be misused, it also holds the potential for great, even godly things. Given that a significant number of Christ followers are already “plugged in”, it becomes crucial to harness this potential for the benefit of the Kingdom! The importance of this was seen during the pandemic that accelerated during the Spring of 2020. Numerous educational institutions, businesses, restaurants, and even churches were shut down and unable to serve their communities in the customary manner. Faced with these challenges, each of these entities had to get creative and develop a plan to be successful in a rapidly changing world. As a result, many churches began to live-stream their services, and they used various digital tools to share the Gospel during the Pandemic, which they might not have otherwise taken advantage of.

Another area in Christianity that has been affected by the digital age is the area of discipleship and ongoing Christian Education. I have recently enrolled in Liberty University’s online program and have found the resource, Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age, very helpful. Authored by Stephen and Mary Lowe, this book shed light on the advantages of being discipled and educated through online platforms. Two specific areas discussed by the authors resonated with me, offering much potential for enhancing my ongoing education and deepening my walk with Christ.

One of the concepts they discuss in their book is under the chapter titled “Designing Learning Ecologies.” As the title suggests, the authors perceive education and discipleship as an ecology and emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of various elements within these processes. They remind their readers, “The primary function of any ecosystem—whether natural, social, spiritual, or educational—is that it is interconnective, interactive, dynamic, and mutualistic regarding the shared benefits that pass between individual organisms.”[1]

I need to apply this concept in my personal life but also take advantage of this in my ongoing education and for the sake of the Kingdom. As a student, I interact with my peers through online message boards, e-mails, and group projects. As a pastor, I can leverage the power of technology to share valuable resources with those to whom I minister. These interactions can occur through social media, mass e-mail communication, text messaging, and church management software. We are in the digital age and by using these tools effectively I can magnify my ministry’s impact and extend the reach of the Gospel.

Another concept this book discusses is the idea of developing a social network for the power of reciprocal influence. Social networks can be developed in many ways, whether through personal or online interaction. The reciprocal influence can be thought about positively as is seen in nature. For instance, animals and humans benefit from the oxygen plants and trees produce. On the other hand, plants and trees need the carbon dioxide that we produce to survive. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. Similarly, throughout the New Testament, we see the importance of fellowship, gathering, and accountability among believers. Many of these important practices can happen through social interaction, whether in person or online.

Social interaction has the potential to create a contagion-like effect.[2] Just as a virus can spread, our influence can do the same. The Lowes refer to study after study that this social interaction can be a contagion for good or evil.[3] As believers, we can leverage this massive tool for the benefit and edification of the body of Christ. We also can be salt and light those who do not know Him.

I believe we can say with certainly the digital age is here to stay and will continue to expand in ways beyond our imagination. While the enemy would love to exploit this for evil, believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, must continue to find ways to utilize this outlet for good and God’s glory.

Another crucial aspect of the digital age that can greatly benefit individuals in ministry is the accessibility of a quality education, particularly for those who do not have access to a physical seminary. Advancements in technology have made it possible for ministers of the Gospel to get a comprehensive and high-quality education without uprooting their families or abandoning their ministry. With the advent of online learning, the seminary classroom can now be brought into one’s home or office.

Maybe you have already taken advantage of the concept of online learning. In closing, I want to challenge you to take advantage of the social interaction available with your professors and classmates and be sure to remain a faithful student of the Word of God. Daniel Zacharias and Benjamin Forrest have written a wonderful book entitled Surviving and Thriving in Seminary. One of the emphases they mention is becoming and staying a student of the Word of God in both mind and heart. Their suggestions for achieving this goal are valuable and worth considering. Here are some of their recommendations, which I wholeheartedly agree with:

·       Utilize a Bible reading plan to establish consistent engagement with Scripture.

·       Develop a Bible study plan that takes you deeper into the Word.

·       Incorporate the material from your seminary classes into your current ministry.

·       Use digital media to listen to Scripture while traveling or during other free time.

·       As you read God’s Word, make intentional observations about the text.[4]

Be sure to prioritize your own spiritual health through the study of God’s Word. Just as the announcement during a flight advises passengers to put on their oxygen masks first before assisting others, we must recognize the significance of addressing and maintaining our own spiritual wellbeing. The truth of the matter is that if we do not have proper oxygen, we will be in no condition to help anyone else. The same is true with the Word of God. If we do not have a proper diet of the Word and find the spiritual nutrition, we need to be spiritually healthy, then we will not be in a condition to help others. How sad would it be to go to seminary to further our ability to help others and neglect our own spiritual health?

[1] Stephen D. Lowe and Mary E. Lowe, Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth Through Online Education, (Downer’s Grove: IL: IVP Academic, 20118), 88.

[2] Ibid., 127.

[3] Ibid., 128.

[4] H. Daniel Zacharias and Benjamin K. Forrest, Surviving and Thriving in Seminary: An Academic and Spiritual Handbook (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017), 35-36.