Evangelism in a Post- Literate Culture

Defining “Post-literate Culture” In the developing world illiteracy is a huge problem. –Up to 70% of the world’s population is functionally illiterate. –Successful outreach must include non-print media to reach those who cannot read the printed word, or live in oral cultures.

Defining “Post-literate Culture” In the developed world “post-literacy” is the growing trend –Increasing dependence on non-printed communication 74% of adults carry cell phones (up 24% from 2000) 90% of Americans carry some form of wireless communication (pagers, phones, PDA’s, etc) 85% of Americans have a computer and 67% have Internet access from home

Defining “Post-literate Culture” Increasing dependence on non-printed communication –75% of Americans subscribe to cable or satellite TV. –The average American watches 45 movies per year, mostly in their homes. However, “movies on the go” is a growing phenomenon through pod-casts, laptops, etc.

Defining “Post-literate Culture” We have become a “sound bite” society. –News channels and programs are the fastest growing form of video “entertainment” –We now watch events unfold in real time –We demand instantaneous information in short bursts. in the 1800’s news took days to travel. In the 1940’s news took hours to travel In the 1960’s news took minutes to travel Today, we watch it in real time

Defining “Post-literate Culture” A post-literate society is a culture that depends primarily on non-print and non- traditional means of communication for the exchange of information related to commerce, politics, religion, news, etc. Post-literacy is an issue the Church must respond to in order to be seen as relevant.

The Emergence of the Internet as an Outreach Tool Early to mid-90’s – Internet becomes mainstream to culture –Use in Commerce –Use in Communication –Use in information exchange –Use in spirituality

The Emergence of the Internet as an Outreach Tool Church slow to respond in viewing the Internet as an opportunity –Many Christians see the “evil” in the Internet –Many Christian ministries prohibit use of the Internet by staff –Internet vastly viewed as the new “Tower of Babel”

The Emergence of the Internet as an Outreach Tool 1990’s - Some ministries grasp the vision of the Internet as a credible outreach tool –Emergence of Gospel Communication A vast ministry alliance for outreach resources –Emergence of Crosswalk.com A leading leadership and discipleship oriented site –Emergence of IBS.org A comprehensive site for Scripture resources

The Emergence of the Internet as an Outreach Tool The ministry community and churches begin to catch up –Para-Church ministries begin to catch the vision for the power of Internet in: Communication of their vision Fulfillment of their mission Acquisition of donors In commerce where appropriate

The Emergence of the Internet as an Outreach Tool The ministry community and churches begin to catch up –Churches begin to catch the vision for the power of Internet in ministry to their congregations and communities. Communication of community outreach Online sermons and resources Ministry involvement

Online Spirituality 1 billion people globally now online (1 in six people worldwide have Internet access) –Research indicates that 23% of Internet users are will likely or definitely use the Internet to express or shape their spirituality* * Source – George Barna Research

Online Spirituality –The Internet has become a “spiritual buffet.” Truth is a relative term based on user definition. Definition of truth – from the Internet: –Conformity to fact or actuality. –A statement proven to be or accepted as true. –Sincerity; integrity. –Fidelity to a standard [regardless of the source of the standard] –Truth is a comprehensive term that in all of its nuances implies accuracy and honesty.

Online Spirituality What about truth? –The word “truth” brings up more than 300,000,000 items when you Google it! –It involves more than just a definition Philosophical problems –Who decides? –How do they know? Truth theories –Is something true because it’s true or just because we’ve decided to agree on it? –Is it really just semantics?

Online Spirituality Types of truth –Subjective vs. Objective –Relative vs. Absolute »Want to go nuts? Do a study on truth using the Internet! –If Biblical truth is the real deal, what are we going to do about it?

Online Spirituality So how do we respond? –Flood cyberspace with biblical truth –Point others to that truth distribution—It’s fast and effective Website referral for those struggling with issues

Online Spirituality So how do we respond? –Create your own websites, chats, blogs, forums, online studies, etc. (The Net has no borders) –Create church websites and radio stations –Use the Net and non-print resources in reaching out, teaching and discipling

Online Spirituality So how do we respond? Finally – Pray for those who are seeking truth online. –Parts of the Internet are a bastion of truth –Parts of the Internet are open deception We must pray that ultimately God leads them to His truth

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6