Due to COVID-19, everyone has been forced to get creative to reach their people. Naturally, everyone is turning to technology. However, does digital technology produce spiritual maturity? What are the dangers? Does digital really disciple?
I was struck by an amazing observation about the place of “technology” in our discipleship this past week when I was reading 3 John 13-14. John says:
I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.”
John, inspired by the Spirit, says he would RATHER meet in person than write more inspired Scripture! The letter was the “digital technology” of their day but John preferred a face to face meeting with Gaius to writing more of the Bible. He valued Gaius’ fellowship one time more than writings that would’ve benefited ALL believers for all time.
That’s fascinating!
In fact, that sentiment is repeated in many of the New Testament letters. Paul often talks about longing to see his disciples face to face. The early disciples recognized the importance of in-person gatherings, fellowship, and discipleship. They would, likewise, warn against a few dangers of digital discipleship.
Danger #1 — Consumption without Connection
My wife and I had our 3rd baby a few weeks ago. We’ve been FaceTming her ever since! Isn’t digital cool? No! Of course, not!
One of the first things the doctor talked to us about is how vital skin to skin is to a baby’s health. Without that connection, their development is hindered.
As much as my wife and I would love to digitally feed our newborn, she desperately needs that connection. It’s equally crucial for us to have “skin to skin” (that term could get us in trouble though so let’s stick with calling it “face to face”) connection with our disciples.
Without face to face interaction, our disciples will be lacking in their development. Sure, they can consume content, but they don’t get the same feedback from us. Their accountability isn’t as structured. And they don’t see us implementing the commands of Christ into our lives. It’s impossible to communicate the same level of care, compassion, and connection that new disciples need. You can’t raise a child from a distance and you can’t disciple at a distance.
Tommy Nelson told the story about a pastor who had asked, “how many you runnin’ these days?” (meaning how many people in attendance). The leader responded, “About 3000.” The pastor answered with the follow-up question, “3000 what?”
We need to be asking not if, but “what” technology is producing. Yes, we might be able to scale to reach more people online. But what is the outcome? Without that face to face instruction, all our content is producing is shallow consumers.
Danger #2 — Information without Implementation
I can hear someone say, “but I’ve grown so much from listening to sermons or meeting up with groups through zoom.” Sure, you can transfer information and content digitally, but discipleship is not content transference. Discipleship is following an example!
What separates good discipleship from bad is activity. You can talk all day long but it only becomes real when you do it together. Hands-on, in the trenches, side by side ministry makes all the difference in discipleship.
A disciple is a follower. You can’t follow a screen.
A disciple is a follower. You can’t follow a screen. Click To TweetMy kids could watch a YouTube video about how to swim. I could explain to them how to paddle over zoom. But none of that is going to help them do it. I have to actually get in the pool with them. Too much of our discipleship looks like teaching someone to swim by throwing them in the pool and then lecturing them from the edge.
Our disciples need to see us how to model Christlikeness in our lives. I would’ve never started praying had Stephen not walked with me around campus praying for fraternities. I would’ve never shared my faith on my own had Stephen not taken me with him to Moe’s burrito shop with him and modeled how to do it.
Don’t Get Digitally Enamored…
More and more I’m hearing from Christian leaders, “Digital is the future” and “We’ll never going back to normal.” My fear in this new season is that many ministries and churches would swing the pendulum too far and become technology dependent. I’m worried that our staff and disciples will become enamored with the flash of online content that produces information and consumption but doesn’t fulfill the Great Commission.
Of course, the past few months I’ve been connecting with guys over zoom and phone calls. We’ve talked. I’ve offered resources. We’ve been doing zoom 1-1s with key leaders and small groups. But I hesitate to say I “discipled” someone digitally. I see these tools as a short-term solution and not something we’d want to switch to long term.
Put it Into Practice
Leverage Digital for Face to Face
It’s great to leverage digital tools, but not rely on them. Digital media can inform. I can use technology to get the word out about upcoming events or opportunities. It can inspire. There is no question talks, trainings, and podcasts can motivate people to make changes in their lives. Media tools are efficient. I can hop on a call or a small group quickly and connect with other believers.
However, all of these produce little lasting fruit if they do not ultimately point people towards face to face, life on life discipleship with another mature believer.
That must be your ONE filter when evaluating the effectiveness of your digital content —
“Does this promote and push people towards face to face interaction?”
Churches, ministries, and leaders must not give in to the temptation to default to digital ministry alone. We must go the extra mile to figure out how to do face to face ministry this fall.
It might be time to evaluate how you are using online resources, like this article for example. Do you consume it and move on? Or do you use it to spur on growth and development with other believers?
When I listen to something online I try to pass it on and talk about it with another believer. When I learn something from an article like this I try to apply in the context of real-life ministry. Just this last week I read a book with a fellow believer and we exchanged messages back and forth about what we were learning. That helped. But what made an even bigger difference was talking about it with my co-worker on our campus. That helped me apply it even more.
Don’t settle for digital. Let’s use it where it’s helpful, but let’s prioritize real-life, face to face discipleship this fall!
