REDEEMING SOCIAL MEDIA // INTERVIEW WITH STEVE KRYGER @communic8jesus

I will be presenting a 3 hour Professional Development Seminar at National Youth Ministry Convention 2013 on REDEEMING SOCIAL MEDIA. In the lead up to NYMC I have a series of interviews with Christians using online mediums in a deliberate way for the Gospel. I have asked the same 4 questions to each guest and there are some fantastic posts coming!

The second guest is Steve Kryger from Communicate Jesus. Steve’s website exists to glorify Jesus by serving his people. He writes from a Christian perspective on the following topics: Websites; Leadership; Social media; Strategy; Church life (giving, volunteer recruitment, welcoming, etc.); Communication; Outreach; and Online safety. I’ve personally benefitted from the resources that he shares and would encourage others involved in ministry to visit Communicate Jesus.
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1) What church and/or ministries are you part of?

I serve as Executive Pastor at Church by the Bridge. I also started Communicate Jesus, and am a regular contributor to Open House on Hope 103.2.

2) What ways do you use online mediums in your ministry and witness?

The internet provides so many opportunities to connect with likeminded people – this is one of its great benefits! There is also a tremendous amount of content and tools that are helpful for loving and serving Jesus – and I enjoy sharing these on Communicate Jesus, and with members of my church.

3) Why do you think it’s important for Christians to be deliberate in how they use online mediums?

The Christian life is an intentional life – we don’t drift aimlessly, but seek to follow Jesus and honour Him. The internet provides huge opportunities for distraction, temptation and sin in many forms, and we need to be aware of these risks in order to avoid them.

4) What advice would you give someone keen to be effective online for the gospel?

This is a tricky one, because I haven’t mastered this by a long shot! But here’s what I’m working towards:

• Beware of the dangers of pride and to make a name for yourself (instead of making much of Jesus’ name).
• Remember that you are an ambassador for Christ, and that the people you are engaging with are made in His image.
• Don’t be ashamed of Jesus (do the people who observe you online know that you’re a Christian?)
• Set specific times to switch off.

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Thanks Steve. Go check out his blog. Follow his tweets. Like him on Facebook. Feel free to interact below in the comments.