Prof. Oyewole Sarumi
In an era where technology permeates nearly every aspect of life, the church stands at a pivotal crossroads: embrace digital tools for discipleship or risk falling behind in effectively nurturing faith communities.
Digital discipleship is not a departure from traditional ministry but an enhancement—an opportunity to extend spiritual formation beyond the four walls of the church. As church leaders and workers, leveraging digital discipleship means harnessing technology to deepen faith, foster meaningful connections, and spread the Gospel with greater reach and impact.
It is noteworthy to mention that Peace House Gboko led by Bro. Gbile Akanni is blazing the trail in this regard as Digital discipleship classes hold online every Saturdays with spaces for interactive sessions.
Most websites of churches and livestreaming are filled with content that are merely motivational but hardly help hearers conform to the likeness of Jesus Christ. It is high time we stop these transactional gospel that litres the media space, and embrace feeding our people with content that equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph.4:12-13).
This article explores the role of digital discipleship in spiritual development, the essential tools available, and practical strategies for integrating technology into ministry. By embracing digital transformation with intentionality, the church can empower believers to grow in their faith while effectively engaging the digital generation.
The Need for Digital Discipleship
Pastors and church leaders today navigate complex challenges: declining church attendance, shifting cultural attitudes, and the growing mental health crisis. In such an environment, digital discipleship offers a means to sustain and expand spiritual development by meeting people where they are—online.
Scripture calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Today, “all nations” are not just physical locations but also digital spaces where billions interact daily. Digital discipleship provides an avenue for continuous engagement, fostering faith through online communities, social media, livestreamed services, and interactive digital resources.
Key Digital Discipleship Tools
Let’s briefly discuss some of the key digital discipleship tools available today:
Church Websites and Apps
A well-designed church website and app serve as the digital front door to ministry. These platforms can host sermons, devotional content, prayer requests, and event registrations, enabling members to stay connected with church activities from anywhere. A robust church app can include features such as:
• Daily devotionals and Bible reading plans
• Prayer request submissions
• Community forums for discussions
• Notifications for upcoming events and services
Livestreaming and On-Demand Sermons
Livestreaming allows churches to reach not only members who cannot attend in person but also seekers exploring faith. Defining a clear purpose for livestreaming is crucial: is it primarily for outreach, edification, or both? Additionally, offering on-demand access to past sermons enables believers to engage with God’s Word at their convenience, deepening their spiritual journey.
Online Giving Platforms
Encouraging online giving advance generosity by making giving accessible and convenient. Many churches have seen an increase in financial contributions after integrating online giving platforms into their ecosystem. Communicating the significance of digital giving, how it supports ministry efforts, missions, and community outreach, helps congregants align their financial stewardship with their faith.
My concern with online giving is that it is a medium to collect money from all sorts of people including unbelievers: yahoo yahoo, 419ners, fornicators, adulterers, thieves, kidnappers, etc., which is ‘anathema’ to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of these unbelievers are giving to appease their conscience, and the church is relishing in collection of dirty money.
Why? How can we who are children of The Light be collecting money from the children of the world? It is like today’s churches don’t care about the status of the giver, as they are only concern with the huge takings that is coming in from all over. This to my mind is a big problem that the church needs to resolve to come clean in this perverted and degenerate world.
Social Media as a Ministry Tool
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok provide opportunities for engagement, discipleship, and outreach. Strategies include:
• Posting short devotional videos
• Sharing testimonies and faith-based encouragement
• Hosting live Q&A sessions on theological topics
• Encouraging community interaction through comments and prayer chains
Church Management Software (ChMS)
Church Management Software streamlines administrative tasks, enhancing pastoral care and discipleship tracking. Features such as attendance monitoring, small group organization, and follow-up reminders help ensure that no member is spiritually neglected.
Podcasting for Spiritual Growth
Many believers consume podcasts regularly, making them a valuable discipleship tool. Churches can use podcasts to offer:
• Bible studies and sermon reflections
• Discipleship classes with intention to conform people to Christ
• Interviews with ministry leaders
• Practical discussions on applying faith in daily life
Online Courses and Webinars
Structured learning through online courses and webinars enables deep theological study and spiritual formation. Churches can develop courses on:
• Christian fundamentals and apologetics
• Leadership and ministry training
• Marriage and family discipleship
Email and Text-Based Discipleship
Regular email devotionals and SMS scripture reminders keep faith at the forefront of daily life. Personalized follow-ups via text can provide encouragement and accountability, particularly for those new to faith.
How to Implement Digital Discipleship Effectively
Churches must engage in development of digital discipleship strategies and its proper implementation:
Define Your Church’s Digital Discipleship Strategy
Before adopting digital tools, church leaders should clarify their goals. Ask:
• What do we want to achieve with digital discipleship?
• Who is our target audience?
• How can technology complement our existing discipleship efforts?
Equip and Train Leaders
Pastors and ministry leaders must be proficient in using digital platforms. Hosting training sessions ensures that the church maximizes its use of technology for discipleship.
Encourage Congregational Engagement
Discipleship is most effective when it is interactive. Encourage members to:
• Participate in online discussions
• Share digital devotionals
• Invite others to virtual Bible studies
Balance Digital and In-Person Discipleship
While digital tools enhance discipleship, they should not replace in-person fellowship. Maintaining a hybrid approach ensures a holistic spiritual growth experience.
Measure Effectiveness and Adapt
Regularly assess the impact of digital discipleship by gathering feedback and analysing engagement metrics. Adjust strategies as needed to improve effectiveness.
Conclusion
The Great Commission compels us to disciple believers and spread the Gospel, and in the digital age, technology provides an unprecedented opportunity to fulfil this calling more effectively. Digital discipleship is not about replacing traditional ministry but enhancing it—leveraging modern tools to build stronger faith communities and reach a broader audience.
Church leaders and workers must recognize that digital discipleship is not an option but a necessity in today’s world. By intentionally integrating technology into ministry, we can deepen spiritual growth, foster genuine relationships, and extend the impact of the Gospel beyond the church walls.
Call to Action:
• Evaluate your church’s current digital discipleship efforts.
• Identify one or two digital tools to implement in the next three months.
• Equip your leadership team with training on digital ministry.
• Engage your congregation in digital discipleship initiatives.
• Pray for wisdom and guidance as you embark on this life-changing journey.
Once churches embrace digital discipleship with wisdom and strategy, they can cultivate stronger, more connected, and spiritually mature communities, fulfilling our mission to make disciples of all nations in the digital age.