Digital Marketing and the Bible
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT DIGITAL MINISTRY?
Jesus was pro-technology? As a carpenter, he was constantly using technology (woodworking tools) to be creative. This is one of many surprising parallels John Dyer drew attention to in his recent article, published by Faith Tech: Where Does Technology Fit into the Story of God.
Continuing forward through the story, we also see that Jesus himself, in the Greek language, he’s called a tekton. That word tekton is the Greek word that we get technology from. We translate it in English as “carpenter” because we think that Jesus was the kind of artisan or craftsperson who worked with wood and nails.
If Jesus is pro-technology, then this really opens up a different perspective on the Bible and technology. As we seek to reach people using media and our digital “creations”... what does the Bible have to say about digital ministry like this? What insights can scripture provide that helps us engage missionally in digital space? Let’s take a look.
Starting in the second chapter of Proverbs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (verse 5). This speaks volumes when it comes to developing an effective digital strategy. It's easy to get caught up in all the latest trends and technologies, but at the end of the day, a successful strategy requires trust and patience. You need to be willing to sit back and wait for God’s plan to play out.
"Be wise as serpents." (Matthew 10:16) In this passage from Matthew, Jesus discusses the importance of being shrewd and having worldliness in mind when engaging with others. The same thing is true regarding digital ministry – you need to be savvy and aware of the trends to maximize your success.
"Do not neglect the gift that is in you." (1 Timothy 4:14) In this verse, Paul encourages us to use our talents and abilities for the glory of God. And when it comes to digital ministry, this means leveraging your skills – such as copywriting or design – to create an effective online presence.
Finally, let's not forget about the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). In this story, Jesus tells us that “To whom much is given, much will be required.” The story's moral applies perfectly to digital ministry—it doesn't matter how talented or skilled you are at digital ministry. If you don't put in the effort and dedication required, nothing will come of it.
The Bible has a lot to teach us about digital ministry. From trusting in God’s plan to having a clear vision and collaborating with others, there are plenty of lessons that can be applied to this ever-evolving field. So take some time to explore what the Bible says about digital ministry.
