The wide world of the internet has taken the way we interact by storm.
At one point, it was primarily an “information superhighway.” Today, it is also used as a primary connection tool—a way to share thoughts, ideas, and memories in an online space used to interact with one another.
According to recent data, the average American spends 7 hours online daily. The opportunities we have online to share the hope in Jesus we’ve found are numerous (1 Peter 3:15). The only thing standing in our way is us.
If you want to minister to men online in your ministry, here are 5 ways you can do it.
The opportunities we have online to share the hope in Jesus we’ve found are numerous (1 Peter 3:15). The only thing standing in our way is us.
1. Share things that inspire.
Utilizing social media to share positive messages is a great way to engage with men online. Avoid sharing political or divisive materials. Share bible verses, inspirational quotes, or videos. Share the Impactus daily devotionals. When you share something, add your own thoughts or comments on why you think it is important. Adding your personality or perspective to the things you share helps personalize an otherwise impersonal environment.
2. Make your own inspirational content.
Creating videos and sharing them on Instagram or TikTok is a great way to make your own inspirational content for no cost. All you need is a phone and the app. Simply set the phone up in a nice location and share a thought that would encourage others. My friend Tim shares a thought after he goes jogging, which he calls “Jogging with Jesus.” What a great way to interact with people online and share the message of Christ! It doesn’t need to be in-depth; simply make a comment or share a verse and talk about it. My friend Ken is in his 70s and has his grandkids help edit his videos. His “Thinking Thoughts Out Loud” inspires hundreds of people.
3. Use group text.
This is an easy way to communicate prayer needs and thoughts to the men in your group. The average open rate for texts is 98% higher than the open rate for emails. Apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, or Signal are great tools to get a bunch of guys talking to each other. Be careful not to overshare or spam, but set clear rules and utilize the group text to share prayer requests, encourage each other, or set up times to meet. It’s important to moderate these types of platforms so they don’t become a place of gossip, negativity, or sharing divisive opinions. Members have to abide by the rules of the group chat. However, it can be a great and easy way to communicate and stay connected if you can do this.
4. Engage with video morning prayer.
It may be that many of us are all “Zoomed out” post-COVID. However, if you can keep a meeting to 25 minutes, you can gather 4-6 guys and pray in the morning before work. This can be easier than asking them to come to a physical place. The online option is always good as sometimes men are away or ill. Praying online needs to have a strong structure where you start on time, get into prayer right away, pray for one another in smaller groups by using the breakout room function, and then end on time. The chit-chat can happen after prayer for those who choose to stay. Doing this once a week or for a season is a great way to get men “in the room” for prayer who might be unable to make it otherwise. Don’t make prayer meetings about your agenda; make it about seeking God and praying for breakthroughs.
5. Don’t forget about the younger generation.
Discord, Twitch, and Snapchat are all tools that Gen Z (age 10-25-ish) and millennials (age 20-35-ish) use pretty regularly. It may be foreign to you, but find ways to utilize these by engaging the younger generation to help. These apps are tools to interact, share, and connect. These are great ways to invite guys into a group for a purpose. For example, Discord is often used to play video games or watch movies as a group online. There are ways you can utilize these tools to help build connections and share the message of Jesus.
Embrace the online aspects of your ministry to men. You don’t need to be an expert, and it can be challenging to keep up. Ask for help from younger men in your church. There is a great opportunity for you to engage and connect with men online and share the message of Jesus with those around you.
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