FROM PREMIER CHRISTIAN NEWS
A global missions charity has marked a significant milestone after someone gave their life to Jesus during a live in-game interaction.
The moment came as part of Christian Vision’s (CV) research into digital mission, which explores new and collaborative approaches to online evangelism.
One approach involves small teams, led by experienced evangelists, entering gaming communities to build relationships and share the Gospel in real time.
CV’s managing director, Heinz Oldewage, described them as “pioneering squads”.
DIGITAL EVANGELISTS EMBEDDED IN ONLINE COMMUNITIES
“You can think of them as almost like a mission team, but deployed into a video game,” he told Premier Christian News.
They are small groups of digital evangelists embedded within online communities.
During the first live session in the multiplayer game ARC Raiders, the team initiated more than 20 meaningful faith conversations.
One led to prayer and an invitation for Jesus to reveal himself, while another gamer “opened up, was presented with the Gospel, and chose to give his life to Jesus right there in the game,” Heinz Oldewage recounted.
INTERACTION STREAMED LIVE ON COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM
The interaction was streamed live on communications platform Discord, allowing others to observe, pray, and learn in real time.
CV said the individual who responded to the Gospel has since been connected with a local church, with ongoing conversations around baptism and discipleship.
Mr. Oldewage emphasised that while digital evangelism is not new, CV is seeking to develop a more structured and scalable model.
“People have been sharing the Gospel in gaming spaces for year, often on their own,” he explained.
“What we’re aiming for is an approach that can be replicated across multiple platforms and communities.”
ONLINE EVANGELISTS MUST UNDERSTAND GAMING CULTURE AND LANGUAGE
He highlighted the importance of understanding online culture when engaging in digital mission.
“These communities have their own language, their own culture.”
“Sometimes you’re speaking English, but you can’t understand what’s being said.”
“We want to engage people on that level, understanding where they’re at and what they value.”
“THE GREAT COMMISSION INCLUDES SPACES THAT ARE ONLINE”
Heinz Oldewage is encouraging churches and youth groups to get involved, saying: “You’re already part of a digital community somewhere, so start there.”
“The Great Commission is about who’s around you, and that includes the spaces you’re already in online.”
CV said it hopes this moment marks the beginning of many more lives being impacted as it continues to explore new ways of sharing the Gospel in digital spaces.
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