Guest Editorial

Navigating the Inescapable:

Christian Missions and Digital Media

Ruslan Zagidulin

Published in Global Missiology, www.globalmissiology.org, April 2021

The Internet and other forms of electronic media have spread beyond news and entertainment into becoming a daily reality in almost all spheres of life. This expansion of digital media began almost unnoticed at first, but now almost everyone acknowledges—if not incessantly participates in—the world of digital media. Even those churches who once could afford to escape or ignore social media life in previous decades can no longer neglect it, particularly as they have found themselves limited in social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital media might now be considered as an unescapable reality of any church’s life.

Even so, history instructs us how Christians have reacted differently regarding how to use and participate in technological developments of their day. In the ancient Roman Empire, roads were used by first Christians for sharing and spreading the Gospel. It is easy to draw parallels between those technologically constructed Roman roads to today’s digital media as channels of Christian mission efforts. However, some Christian churches, organizations, and individuals are pessimistic and react negatively to using electronic media. Those who take a more optimistic approach urge cautious Christians to discover more information about digital media. There are various Christian perspectives that help others learn about not only threats and dangers but also the blessings and opportunities of social media life and Internet outreach. In turn, an optimistic and proactive Christian approach to media use should also be aware of the limits and far-reaching consequences of the digital side of human life.

This issue of Global Missiology devotes special attention to how Christian missions and digital media intersect. In-depth analyses, case study examples, and practical suggestions can be found here in the several articles by experienced authors. Along with the other contributions, this issue offers much that is constructive, inspiring, and thought-provoking. Our editorial team is grateful to offer this special issue for your use and enjoyment.