Today, it is estimated that 5.8 billion people own a smartphone. That is roughly 70% of the world’s population. 91% of adults here in America own and use smart phones regularly. Of that number, roughly 70% of them are on at least one social media platform. It is evident that almost every adult is online in some way. As Christians, should we be taking more advantage of our online presence to reach lost souls? The apostle Paul would say in Colossians 4:5, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity.” Our phones can be a means in which we can fulfill this commandment. Our online presence can be a way to seek and make the most of opportunities to interact and reach people of the outside world. Consider one tip as to how we can participate in “pocket evangelism” while using our phones to share the Gospel.
Swap Doomscrolling for Soul Searching
Why do we use social media? For many of us, it isn’t to “socialize,” but rather to participate in the compulsive habit known as doomscrolling. Studies show that people spend nearly three hours a day scrolling through feeds, experiencing an addictive loop similar to playing a slot machine. Are we truly redeeming the time God has given us if we spend hours mindlessly scrolling? (Ephesians 5:16). Instead of doomscrolling, what if we used our phones to look for people in need? When people post online, they often share the real struggles they are facing. Imagine scrolling through your feed, noticing a friend going through a difficult time, and sending them a direct message offering prayer or encouragement. House to House Heart to Heart regularly shares stories of individuals being baptized because Christians used platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to reach out.
As one brother put it, our phones give us access to the “front door” of the world. In a culture where people are less likely to open their physical doors to a stranger, many are ready to respond online. Our phones are simply modern tools to share the Gospel—are we using them to their fullest potential?
-Bryce Mayfield