Online May Be the Only Way Some People Will Connect With a Church

Every day I ask God what He wants to say to me and I write it down. The words often begin to flow before I can get the pen in my hand. “You’re my lifelong friend” stopped me in my tracks a few days ago. What a privilege to be called a friend of God. I found myself deeply moved. I am never alone, I have the Creator of the Universe as my lifelong friend. He will never leave me.

The spiritual climate across Australia and New Zealand is one of growing acute isolation. The social dynamics that young adults face are growing in complexity as people struggle with their mental health and lack the capacity to connect on a relational level.

James 2:22-23 tells us; ‘You see that faith was active along with His works, and faith was completed by His works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.’

Roaring Hope exists to have conversations with people. People are open to talking about God but these conversations are only possible when we provide an invitation to talk and create a platform to do so. When people know that you are interested in them, rapport can be built within the first few interactions. Engaging with people in an environment they are already comfortable with and over a screen means that often a complete stranger can trust you much quicker than any face-to-face interaction could achieve.

As we prepare to recruit additional team members and welcome more volunteers on board, we are developing online training content to equip new responders in their roles. The training will include practical instructions on how to use the different computer programs and online platforms as well as training on how to engage people in conversation and navigate different topics that come up.

My prayer is that many people will put their faith into action and get involved in seeing our spiritual climate change. Your contribution makes a difference. God goes before us and together we can do this.

Would you like to get involved?