Google is Not Discipleship

The internet and digital media have provided us all kinds of benefits for Gospel ministry. But it also has its unintended consequences. I have a growing concern that we use it properly to not think that ‘googling’ replaces human relationships committed to imparting Biblical wisdom with grace and truth. Let me offer these few observations:

Discipleship Happens in Embodied Relationship. The “entrust to faithful men” of 2 Timothy 2:2 was given in the context of real face-to-face relationships where more than facts are delivered. Truth gets passed on not merely in sound bites, but with tone, heart, and disposition. I’m concerned that we do not reduce the passing on of truth to the next generation to mere digital interactions. It fails to capture the heart of what is needed in the hearer – how they are receiving what they need for spiritual progress. Even learning how to change a tire or bake bread is best passed on in garages and kitchens with older men and women doing life with the younger generation.

Digital Gurus are Not Spiritual Mothers and Fathers. There are plenty of self-proclaimed ‘experts’ now called influencers who can be found all over the internet. Of course, wisdom is needed to discern the Biblical fidelity of their messages, but even where their content is sound, they don’t know you and you don’t know them. Spiritual growth is to be built into the inter-generational fabric of the local church. We need to be vigilant to not substitute the comfort of private digital instruction for the beautiful mess of meaningful relationships where both encouragement and admonition occur.

Google those stats on your favorite player. Search for the highest rated air fryer. Find the best flights for your holiday travel. But let’s be thoughtful about the adopting of ‘digital disciplers’ over the wise men and women whom you should be pursuing in real life in your local church.