The Church in the Modern and Traditional Age (Our Core Mandate)
The church has evolved through various eras, each bringing both positive and negative impacts.
Preaching in the Traditional Era
In biblical times, there were no technological tools to amplify the message. Jesus preached to 5,000 men without a microphone, and Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost led to 3,000 people joining the faith—all without social media or broadcast technology. The message was spread purely through direct communication and personal encounters.
Technology in the Modern Ghanaian Church
Today, digital tools such as live streaming, social media, and television broadcasts have transformed evangelism in Ghana. As of January 2024, there were 7.40 million active social media users in the country.
In the third quarter of 2023, the most popular social media platforms among internet users in Ghana were:
- WhatsApp: Used by 91.8% of internet users
- Facebook: Utilized by approximately 77.4%
- TikTok: Engaged by close to 70%
These platforms have become essential tools for churches to reach their congregations and beyond. A study examining the use of social media by leaders of charismatic churches in Ghana highlighted this trend, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where churches embraced these platforms to supplement conventional face-to-face meetings.
Are We Maximizing Technology’s Potential?
With these tools available, the big question remains: are we leveraging technology to multiply the impact of the early church, or do we dismiss their methods as outdated? If Peter’s sermon could reach 3,000 people in one day without digital tools, then modern churches—with the potential to reach millions in seconds—should be even more effective in spreading the gospel.
Balancing Tradition and Technology
While technology has expanded the reach of Christianity, it also presents challenges such as distractions, misinformation, and a decline in personal fellowship. It's crucial to balance the use of digital tools with traditional practices to maintain genuine spiritual connections.
Lessons from Scripture
Throughout history, God has used different methods to reach people. When Moses led the Israelites, miracles like the parting of the Red Sea were instrumental (Exodus 14:21-22). In the New Testament, Jesus adapted to His audience—preaching in synagogues (Luke 4:16-21), teaching from a boat (Luke 5:3), and using parables to simplify deep truths (Matthew 13:34-35).
This teaches us that the method may change, but the message remains the same. Just as the early church used letters (like Paul’s epistles) to communicate across distances, today’s church can use digital platforms to spread the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:22 states, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” This reminds us that embracing technology is not about abandoning tradition—it’s about reaching more people in the most effective way possible.
Conclusion
Technology is a powerful tool for spreading the gospel, but its effectiveness depends on how we use it. The mission remains the same: to share the good news with the world. Whether through traditional or modern methods, the goal is to reach as many souls as possible. With 23.05 million internet users in Ghana as of early 2023, the potential to spread Christianity is greater than ever—if we rise to the challenge.
Preaching in the Traditional Era
In biblical times, there were no technological tools to amplify the message. Jesus preached to 5,000 men without a microphone, and Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost led to 3,000 people joining the faith—all without social media or broadcast technology. The message was spread purely through direct communication and personal encounters.
Technology in the Modern Ghanaian Church
Today, digital tools such as live streaming, social media, and television broadcasts have transformed evangelism in Ghana. As of January 2024, there were 7.40 million active social media users in the country.
In the third quarter of 2023, the most popular social media platforms among internet users in Ghana were:
- WhatsApp: Used by 91.8% of internet users
- Facebook: Utilized by approximately 77.4%
- TikTok: Engaged by close to 70%
These platforms have become essential tools for churches to reach their congregations and beyond. A study examining the use of social media by leaders of charismatic churches in Ghana highlighted this trend, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where churches embraced these platforms to supplement conventional face-to-face meetings.
Are We Maximizing Technology’s Potential?
With these tools available, the big question remains: are we leveraging technology to multiply the impact of the early church, or do we dismiss their methods as outdated? If Peter’s sermon could reach 3,000 people in one day without digital tools, then modern churches—with the potential to reach millions in seconds—should be even more effective in spreading the gospel.
Balancing Tradition and Technology
While technology has expanded the reach of Christianity, it also presents challenges such as distractions, misinformation, and a decline in personal fellowship. It's crucial to balance the use of digital tools with traditional practices to maintain genuine spiritual connections.
Lessons from Scripture
Throughout history, God has used different methods to reach people. When Moses led the Israelites, miracles like the parting of the Red Sea were instrumental (Exodus 14:21-22). In the New Testament, Jesus adapted to His audience—preaching in synagogues (Luke 4:16-21), teaching from a boat (Luke 5:3), and using parables to simplify deep truths (Matthew 13:34-35).
This teaches us that the method may change, but the message remains the same. Just as the early church used letters (like Paul’s epistles) to communicate across distances, today’s church can use digital platforms to spread the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:22 states, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” This reminds us that embracing technology is not about abandoning tradition—it’s about reaching more people in the most effective way possible.
Conclusion
Technology is a powerful tool for spreading the gospel, but its effectiveness depends on how we use it. The mission remains the same: to share the good news with the world. Whether through traditional or modern methods, the goal is to reach as many souls as possible. With 23.05 million internet users in Ghana as of early 2023, the potential to spread Christianity is greater than ever—if we rise to the challenge.