Even in a time of socially distancing, we must look to Jesus to shape our priorities and our ministry efforts. In his earthly ministry, Jesus sometimes left the sick behind and moved on to new places to preach the gospel. He did not lack compassion, for he healed many along the way, but his greater desire was for people to hear the good news, repent, and have eternal life in him—for this is why he came to earth (Mark 1:35-39).
In fact, COVID-19 has, along with its many challenges, brought us unique opportunities. For the first time since the Spanish flu in 1918-1920, having a fever is for many a life-threatening event. Even healthy people, young and old, are pondering their mortality. As Christians, this is a time brimming with real gospel opportunities: to talk to our non-Christian friends, families, co-workers, neighbours, and shopkeepers about the reality of death, and more importantly, about what happens after death.
Our aim in producing this article is to urge Christians to share the good news of Christ as our unshakeable, life-giving and life-altering hope. A team from Moore college has assessed nine well-known evangelistic resources that can be used on digital platforms. Each has been reviewed on the basis of its theology, who they are suitable for, and what kind of time commitment and training is involved.
Let us follow our Lord’s good and perfect example by pointing the world to their need for healing that lasts—healing found only in him.
NB: These reviews are listed in alphabetical order.
Alpha course
Demographic:
Alpha materials are user-friendly with literacy demands that are appropriate to target groups (including a general audience, youth, and prisoners). Further, it is available in 112 languages.
Mode of delivery:
Leader training is provided via three well-produced and easy to use online tutorials. The main course then consists of 15 talks over 8-11 weeks (the youth package is shorter). Alpha is intentionally relational even through digital delivery. Online meetings begin with a shared meal in order to generate a communal experience and then move to the videos, and finally to small groups. One element, a weekend retreat, may be hard to replicate in an online mode.
Orthodoxy:
Alpha stresses the love of God for all people, and sin as the cause of all manner of problems in life. Less attention is given to sin as the cause of humanity’s estrangement from a holy God, and the corresponding notion of divine wrath. The cross therefore isn’t presented in terms of Jesus’ sacrifice to satisfy an offended God. Furthermore, more time is devoted to Christian living and the Holy Spirit than to the person and work of Jesus.
Usability:
This time-tested material is easy to work with, whether one to one or with a large group.
Christianity Explored
Demographic:
Comprehensive unit of evangelistic bible studies with adaptations for ESL needs, youth and children, and prison ministry and available in 60 languages.
Mode of delivery:
Easily adaptable to an online setting using the website resources with 7 x 1.5 hour sessions, plus a recommended day away together (which can still be attempted digitally!). Each session contains a short Bible study, a talk (use videos provided or give your own version) and discussion questions.Training is also available via the website. Leader’s handbook provides comprehensive instructions and suggested answers.
Cost:
£29.00 for a starter kit. Fully digital version available for free via website links to Youtube.
Orthodoxy:
This resource presents the person and work of Jesus under three themes: identity, mission and call. The course highlights Jesus’ power and authority that show he has the right to be in charge; that he is God’s only chosen King and God’s son. The course presents sound teaching on the Trinity, Jesus’ substitutionary death for our sins and the call to accept God’s forgiveness.
Usability:
Both print and digital versions are high quality. Easily adapted to one-on-one or small group online sessions, and minimal set up required.
Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan
Demographic:
Chan aims at a general audience as he argues in favour of telling stories to a (post)modern culture. While he is largely successful, his philosophically informed discussion will challenge some readers and listeners. Fortunately, the story-telling techniques espoused in the videos are sprinkled throughout add warmth and clarity.
Mode of delivery:
The user friendly and story-rich textbook argues for and explains Chan’s approach to evangelism (A$20). It is complemented by a set of 16 videos (A$24.78) which work as a course for individual or group study. Most videos are roughly 30 minutes each. Two of the 15 videos are on YouTube, so it is easy to get a sense of the level, style, and content. If done in a group, a session can be completed in an hour, but 90 minutes would be better. The transition to an online classroom will be straightforward.
Orthodoxy:
The material is theologically sound. Bear in mind that it is intended to tell you how to share the gospel. As such it exists to train Christians in evangelism rather than serve your evangelistic agenda.
Usability:
The videos are well-produced and understated. Take a look at this example.
Introducing God
Demographic:
General audience. Perhaps best for urban professionals.
Mode of delivery:
Introducing God begins with a 51 minute leader’s tutorial- this is indispensable and works as a stand-alone product.The main course then consists of 8×30 minute videos. Now includes 55 minute appendix on sexuality.
Cost:
The videos are free to stream or $A10 to buy the entire set.
Orthodoxy:
Introducing God is Two Ways to Live expanded into an 8 week video course. Excellent theology, and rich in biblical theology.
Usability:
The videos are produced by industry professionals. To use online, a) enjoy a meal together via Zoom, b) follow the leader-provided link to a 30 minute Vimeo session; c) after video, regroup in Zoom to discuss. Virtual groups of 25 have successfully worked through the material, and some report that once relationships have been established, non-Christians are often more engaged and more forthcoming online than in person. Highly recommended.
Life according to Jesus in 3-2-1
Demographic:
Wide audience from teenagers to adults.
Mode of Delivery:
A free resource available as web-based delivery, as well as an android app, and accompanying book. Key resource is the 3 minute video presentation of the gospel in animation, with 3 supplementary videos (15 minutes each) providing further explanation, and discussion questions. The book is an expansion of the gospel framework.
Orthodoxy:
3-2-1 starts with the Triune God and God’s plans for dealing with human sin. The longer videos and book more fully explain the concepts like atonement and how the historical figure of Adam and Jesus function as humanity’s representatives. One might wish for a clearer presentation of sin and judgment. The former is several times equated with selfishness, while hell appears as a continuation of our current state of being separated from God. This is of course true, but does not tell the whole story.
Usability:
Highly usable tool. The website provides a sample conversion prayer to pray and the final 15 minute video explains the way to respond to these gospel truths more clearly. Aesthetically, a clear and pleasant watching experience.
The Search
Demographic:
General audience. The integrated print version has multiple language options, but the user would benefit from training to use effectively cross-culturally. The format of the print version might be more suitable for a teenager than a young adult.
Mode of delivery:
One-to-one tool with 5 sessions working through Luke’s gospel. The Search uses a physical book with QR codes linking to 7 short online videos.
Cost:
No details about cost of the hard copy book on the website. Videos are free.
Orthodoxy:
Jesus is presented as the son of God, and each video uses quotes from Luke’s gospel throughout to demonstrate the person and life of Jesus. Grace, sin, judgement, atonement, resurrection and repentance are all clearly explained. The Trinity and the role of the Holy Spirit are not clearly explained. The videos dedicate a significant amount of time to apologetics.
Usability:
Good quality production. The website hosting the videos provides no explanation and does not link to the content of the book. The dual-source approach of book and video will make it difficult, but not impossible, to use this resource while socially isolated. An identifiably Australian product featuring Australian narration and backdrops will appeal to some users.
The Word 121
Demographic:
For people of any age, stage or background. Would be well-suited for cross-cultural contexts as no Bible literacy assumed. The online versions are available in English and Chinese.
Mode of delivery:
11 booklets organized into four packs (approximately AUD$50). Free online versions available on website. Designed as a one-to-one tool, with 18-20 meetings of around 20-30 minutes each. Each section covers a passage in John, and then offers questions and answers which are used to shape a conversation. The website provides a video demonstration of how to deliver the material via online platforms. No formal training required, however the website recommends watching a 2-minute video tutorial by its founder. The website itself provides key principles for running a one-to-one Bible study session.
Orthodoxy:
Strong presentation of the Triune God: the Father who creates and is seen in Jesus; Jesus the divine son who offers eternal life; and the Holy Spirit who convicts and transforms. Clear explanation of who God is and why we need to know him.
Usability:
The goal of this material is to get you reading the Bible with a non-Christian. Both the book and online PDFs versions are aesthetically appealing. Because of the multiple annotations included in the text, this resource provides all of the “answers” to help the Christian be confident in presenting Jesus through John’s gospel.
Two Ways to Live
Demographic:
Can be used broadly across ages and Bible literacy. It is available in 17 languages, a children’s version and a version adapted for those of Jewish background.
Mode of delivery:
This simple one-to-one tool captures the entire Bible narrative, and is easily delivered digitally. Also available via mobile apps in English and Chinese. Could be a brief 6-minute summary, or spread over many longer sessions.
Cost:
There are two components to purchase. The first is a leader’s manual for a 7 week training course ($10.95); the second is the participant’s manual ($16.95). These are included in a gotherefor.com subscription.
Orthodoxy:
Strong: this tool presents the 6 Biblical ideas that make up the gospel: God as creator; sin in human rebellion, God’s judgement of sin; Jesus as the perfectly obedient son and his substitutionary death; his ressurection; and the challenge to repent and believe in him.
Usability:
The tool does require substantial training. The website and app are slightly out-of-date in terms of graphics, but very functional. The tool itself is a simple format that is memorable and provides direct Biblical references to show its authority in the Scriptures.
Uncover
Demographic:
Focused towards university students/young adults, but has universal appeal. Designed as one-to-one evangelistic tool and comes with a comprehensive training program.
Mode of delivery:
Available as both hard copy and digital tool. Hard copy version contains Bible studies with QR codes linking to online videos. Online versions are available in Mark, Luke or John with discussion questions, videos and other apologetic material. Comprehensive training units also available (6 x 50 minute sessions).
Cost:
Entire suite is available free of charge, but leaders’ notes only accessible with a password from an AFES staff worker.
Orthodoxy:
High value on Scripture. The online version offers an abridged route, looking at 8 talks, associated gospel texts and questions clearly outlining the person and work of Jesus.
Usability:
Highly usable with excellent online options. Great apologetic material available via website. The focus on the hard copy of the text in the “Start Here” video may indicate the hard copy and QR code links are the ideal way of using the tool. This reviewer found some limitations in navigating an online delivery of material.
