Throw your net on the right side of the boat. . . . (John 21:6 NIV)
It was early morning. The disciples had returned to what they knew—fishing. Despite their efforts through the night, they had caught nothing. But when a voice from the shore called out and instructed them to cast their net on the other side of the boat, everything changed. The net filled with fish—too many to haul in, in fact. It was not a new sea, a different boat, or even a new crew. It was a shift in direction and obedience to the voice of Jesus.
This story in John 21 is not just about a miraculous catch. It is about a defining moment when the disciples, weary and empty-handed, had to trust Jesus’ unconventional guidance to experience abundance. For today’s church, this scene mirrors our challenge in a digitally driven world. Many congregations have “fished all night” using traditional methods—flyers, revivals, door-to-door visits—only to find dwindling response and engagement. But what if Jesus is now calling us to cast our nets into new waters?
That new body of water is the digital world. Social media, podcasts, and video platforms are the modern-day “right side of the boat” teeming with people—souls waiting to encounter the gospel message.
The Digital Multitude: A Mission Field in Our Hands
The numbers are too significant to ignore. As of early 2024,
- 5.04 billion people—62% of the global population—are active social media users (DataReportal).
- YouTube is the second most visited website in the world, reaching more adults under 50 than any cable network in the United States.
- Spotify has over 602 million monthly users, and podcasting continues to grow, especially among Gen Z and millennials.
- The average person spends 2 hours and 24 minutes daily on social platforms.
Churches may not always have the funds to send missionaries to every nation, but a free Facebook Live, a five-minute podcast, or a YouTube testimony can cross borders instantly. If we believe the Great Commission is for all nations, then the internet—used wisely and prayerfully—becomes a powerful tool for reaching those nations.
Reframing the Mission: Digital Evangelism Is Not Optional
Digital evangelism is not a trend; it is a missional necessity. Churches often view social media or podcasts as promotional tools, meant only to advertise services or events. But this perspective severely limits their redemptive potential.
When we limit digital platforms to announcement boards, we miss the chance to turn them into altars. Instead of just asking, “How can we get more people to our service?” we should ask, “How can we bring the gospel to where people already are?”
Jesus walked dusty roads to meet people where they were. He told stories, sat at wells, and climbed into boats—not because they were sacred places, but because they were effective. Today’s wells and boats are digital. Platforms like those previously mentioned are not inherently spiritual or secular. Like roads or boats, they are just methods. It is our message—the good news—that transforms them.
Three Primary Avenues: Social Media, Podcasts, and Videos
Let’s explore how churches can leverage each platform to engage this vast digital mission field.
Social Media: The Digital Town Square
From Facebook to TikTok, social platforms are where communities gather. For churches, these platforms offer daily touchpoints to share faith.
Practical Ministry Ideas:
- Micro-devotionals (short text or video-based thoughts): These bite-sized reflections share spiritual insights or biblical truths in a quick, accessible format ideal for busy social media users.
- Testimony reels from members about what God is doing in their lives: These short videos allow individuals to share personal stories of faith, answered prayer, or transformation, helping others relate and see God at work.
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of ministry, missions, or staff reflections: Offering a candid look into church life and leadership, these posts humanize your team and build trust with your digital audience.
- Interactive prompts, like “What’s a Scripture that helped you this week?” to encourage engagement and spiritual reflection: These simple questions encourage followers to share their faith journeys, creating community and sparking meaningful dialogue online.
The goal? It is not just about views, but relationships. Responding to comments, praying over needs shared in DMs (Direct Messages), and creating an environment of authenticity can turn digital posts into discipleship moments.
Podcasts: Reaching the Listening Generation
Over 500 million people listen to podcasts globally. Unlike videos or posts that demand full attention, podcasts meet people during walks, commutes, and chores. They create space for deeper spiritual conversations.
Ideas for Churches:
- Record and share weekly sermon with follow-up discussions.
- Conduct interviews with church members sharing their faith stories.
- Share devotionals for specific audiences such as parents, youth, or new believers.
- Offer “Ask the Pastor” style episodes that address cultural or biblical questions.
You don’t need expensive equipment to start. Many churches are recording straight from smartphones or using free tools like Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters) to reach thousands.
Video Content: The Power of Visual Storytelling
Video is the most consumed content on the internet. People remember 95% of a message when they watch it on video compared to only 10% when reading it in text.
Ideas to Try:
- Record one-minute videos that explain the gospel or a passage of Scripture.
- Record testimonies from members about healing, breakthrough, or salvation.
- Capture baptism stories and ministry recaps that highlight God’s work.
- Post explainer videos for those new to the faith (such as “What is salvation?”).
Livestreamed services are great—but don’t stop there. Pre-recorded and tailored content can go further, reach different audiences, and stay relevant throughout the week.
Don’t Compete—Be Consistent
Some churches shy away from digital ministry because they cannot compete with “megachurch” productions. But God does not bless slick editing; he blesses obedience.
Jesus used five loaves and two fish. He can use your smartphone and a ring light. The key is consistency. Posting regularly builds trust. Speaking from the heart builds connection. Praying before you post keeps your focus on transformation, not performance.
What Is Your Church’s Digital Witness?
Before your church launches its next campaign, consider, “What does your online presence say about your faith? Does your content reflect the fruit of the Spirit? Does it bring light into dark feeds? Is your church’s digital voice consistent with its pulpit voice?”
Digital evangelism is not just about what we say—it is about how we live, how we respond, and how we show the love of Christ to people who may never step foot in a sanctuary. This is not a new ministry. It is an extension of the church’s witness. And it might just be the “right side of the boat” where Jesus is calling you to cast into next.
Free Tools to Launch or Strengthen Your Digital Mission
Here are a few free or low-cost tools to help churches get started or level up their digital evangelism efforts:
- Canva – tool for designing social graphics, reels, and YouTube thumbnails with easy templates.
- Anchor / Spotify for Podcasters – free podcast hosting and distribution to Spotify, Apple, and more.
- YouVersion Bible App Events – a place for creating church event plans and Bible reading plans tied to your content.
- OpenLP (free) or ProPresenter (requires monthly fee) – presentation software used to project lyrics and scripture in church and to capture content for social media.
- OBS Studio – open-source software to livestream your church services or record videos.
- Pexels / Unsplash – sources for free, high-quality stock photos and videos for content creation.
The net is ready. The waters are full. The voice from the shore is still calling. Will your church cast again—this time into the digital deep?
– Shaun McKinley, PhD / Global Communications Executive Director, as published in the May 2025 White Wing Messenger