Three Strategies for Renewing Obedience to the Great Commission in a Digital Age

Church membership in North America is declining. Gallup polls show a drop from over 70% after World War II to below 50% in recent decades. This shift can alarm many church leaders who strive to follow Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18-20. Yet believers should remain confident in God’s sovereign plan. Scripture assures us that “the Lord knows those who are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). We may see change in culture, but God’s Word and his purposes never fail.

A Biblical Perspective on Declining Church Membership

The New Testament warns us about seasons of apostasy and wolves in sheep’s clothing. These passages show that the church on earth (often called the church militant) will encounter trials. We need realistic, biblically aligned expectations. Though we long for everyone to profess faith, we know history unfolds according to God’s eternal decrees. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” So we can face membership decline without losing hope.

Strategy 1: Invest in Online Advertising

Many people do not visit churches simply because they do not know they exist. Social media algorithms rarely expose your posts to those outside your network. Paid advertising, however, expands your reach. It allows you to promote invitations and events to people in your local area who would never see your content otherwise. This approach can help your church connect with unchurched neighbors more effectively (see https://fivemoretalents.com/outreach/ for ideas).

Strategy 2: Produce Top-Quality Online Content

Paid advertising often offers immediate but temporary benefits. Content creation, however, builds a long-term foundation. Articles, videos, podcasts, and Q&A platforms address the real questions people ask every day. By producing biblical resources, you sow seeds for ongoing outreach. Engage in efforts like the Bible Answers Project or online forums. Consider 1 Peter 3:15, which urges us to “always be prepared to give an answer” for our hope in Christ.

Strategy 3: Radically Unplug and Seek Face-to-Face Connections

Social media can monopolize time and attention. While it can serve outreach, it can also stunt deep relationships. Intentionally unplug from constant scrolling. Reinvest that energy in neighborly visits, small groups, and evangelistic gatherings. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” by meeting together. In-person connections let people see your faith in action and experience genuine Christian love. Not sure where to start? Want some encouragement? Consider joining the Biblical Evangelism Today discussion group.

Conclusion

God ordains times of growth and times of pruning in his church. We can trust him and strive to obey the Great Commission more faithfully. Whether through targeted advertising, valuable content creation, or renewed face-to-face ministry, we can share Christ with our neighbors. As we do, we remember the comforting promise: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Note: Generative AI was used in creating this post. First, I made an audio recording of what I wanted to say. Then, I transcribed the audio using TurboScribe.ai. Finally, I transformed the transcript into a blog post using ChatGPT.