To the uttermost part of the web

By Justin Salters

I have grown up logged into AIM, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogger, FourSquare and just about any other social network you can imagine. Maybe that’s why it seems natural and acceptable to share my thoughts, opinions and reflections to the world via the Internet. It also may explain why I believe social media empowers us as believers to do great things for the sake of God’s kingdom.

When the apostles and leaders of the early church communicated the gospel they wrote and sent letters via the roads, cities and ports built by the pagan Romans. Today we have more than roads and ports. Planes, trains and automobiles have taken us places we never thought possible and have mobilized the church. Social media is the next great technology that will allow for the quick and authentic spread of the gospel. Social media allows us to go places we never thought possible and to be salt and light to the world, all from the convenience of our iPhones.

I have recently become involved with People of the Second Chance (POTSC), a grassroots movement committed to radical grace in life and leadership. One of the ways I am involved with POTSC is through Grace Mob, a group of people committed to using our respective social media platforms expressly to advance the causes of grace and love.

Daily I hear stories of people for whom life has proven difficult—people struggling with disease, depression, loss of life and even with self-harm. Most of the people I interact with live hundreds, if not thousands, of miles from my home in Southern California. They go to churches I’ve never heard of, work at places I will never visit and for all intents and purposes live an anonymous life—except that they use social media to communicate their reality and share their hurt. Then I and the rest of our Grace Mob step in and flood Facebook walls, e-mail inboxes and Twitter feeds with messages of encouragement and affirmation. It is amazing what a message of God’s love and sovereign good does to help a hurting individual.

Social media has hugely impacted the platform I have and my ability to share the passion I have for grace, peace and justice. It is a tool enabling me to reach a worldwide audience with the message of Jesus Christ and his love for us. I am confident that it represents the same opportunity for you. All it takes is intentionality and a commitment to using the gifts and resources God has equipped you with to do the most good. How might you be able to jump on the Internet and be an ambassador of Christ? It’s time we take the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the Web.

Justin Salters is a political science student at CSU Bakersfield and worship leader for young adults at Bridge Bible Church, a MB congregation in Bakersfield, Calif. He has served as the social media coordinator for USMB. You can follow him on Twitter @justinsalters.  For more information about People of the Second Chance or Grace Mob visit www.potsc.com