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Title: Digital Evangelism-You Can Do It, Too!
Author: Michael L. White
Publisher: Brentwood Christian Press
Copyright: 2004
ISBN: 1-59581-120-6
Genre: Non-Fiction-Computers/Internet/Ministry
Book Size: 94 pages
Reviewer: Deborah Porter
Available Through:
Amazon
Barnes & Nobel
BooksAMillion
Thanks to the introduction of the personal computer in the 1970's, we are now living in the age of the information super highway, with the internet as the main thoroughfare. More and more people are using the internet as their first source for news and information, and email is rapidly replacing other forms of personal communication-even within the church.
Over the last decade, the growth of the cyber generation has moved from a trickle to a flood, and although some Christians have met this new medium with suspicion and concern (often for quite valid reasons), the wise Christian has recognized its almost limitless potential to be used for God's purposes and the expansion of His Kingdom.
One such wise Christian is Rev. Michael White, the author of Digital Evangelism-You Can Do It, Too! Michael very quickly discovered that his new hobby could be turned into "a magnificent tool for evangelism and ministry," and he is the first to give all glory to God for opening his eyes to that possibility. Since making that discovery, Rev. White has not only used the internet to communicate with parishioners, but has also used it to expand his boundaries and reach out to the world.
His enthusiasm for the ministry, the method, and the medium, spurred him on to share with others the information he gained from his own experiences, and the result is this very straightforward and down-to-earth little book.
In Digital Evangelism, the author covers ministry from both the local and international perspective, touching lightly on such topics as:
Creating a website (and why every church and ministry needs one);
Starting local and international prayer lists;
Using the computer and internet as doorways for ministry and evangelism through education and recreational programs; and
Implementing, promoting and funding mission programs.
Using very easy to understand, non-technical language, together with a number of helpful diagrams, Digital Evangelism-You Can Do It, Too is a good, basic starting point for any Christian who would like to begin an online ministry. However, the main focus is definitely on helping computer-nervous ministers and pastors take their first step onto that information super highway.
One particularly helpful feature of the book is the provision of information regarding external resources, particularly free programs that the author has found helpful himself. Many of these programs are available for download via Rev. White's own ministry website (www.parsonplace.com).
For the Christian who has been on the internet for any length of time, this book probably won't hold too many surprises, and this reviewer would not recommend it for the seasoned "surfer."
On its own, it won't turn readers into computer gurus, web designers, or IT professionals; however, as a kick start for hesitant pastors or cyber-shy ministers, it may just help them overcome their fears and give this relatively new medium a go.
Unlike most books we receive for review, this is one that will need to be regularly updated in order to remain up to the minute with the rapid evolution of the internet and technology. Although Digital Evangelism was published only two years ago, there are some aspects that are beginning to show a little wear; for example, the use of email newsletters and mailing lists. Although still a very popular option, the day of the email newsletter is, unfortunately, fast coming to an end, thanks to the overwhelming increase of unsolicited email (spam) in the last year or so. I would imagine that future editions of this very helpful little book will need to include information on overcoming the growing newsletter dilemma by discussing such new alternatives as RSS feeds.
Overall, the encouragement and basic information found in Digital Evangelism-You Can Do It, Too! are definitely still very relevant for the would-be online minister, and I believe this book will spur many on to begin exploring life online for themselves--which, I imagine, is exactly what the author intended.
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