Resident Minister for PIWC Downtown-Ofaakor, Pastor Dr Isaac Annor, has encouraged the Church to deliberately embrace digital technology as a strategic tool for evangelism and discipleship if it is to effectively fulfil the Great Commission in today’s interconnected world.
Speaking on “Digital Tools for Missions” during the 2026 Orientation Course for newly-called missionaries and ministers completing their ministerial formation at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, Pastor Dr Annor, who is a digital theologian, urged Christians to see digital platforms not merely as communication tools but as a vital mission field where millions are searching for hope and truth.
“The mission field is no longer only a place on a map. It is a screen—and the nations are already there,” he stated, explaining that while missionaries once crossed oceans to reach the lost, today’s seekers often begin their spiritual journeys through online searches, social media platforms and messaging applications. He noted that with billions of people connected to the internet worldwide, the Church has an unprecedented opportunity to reach people with the gospel.
Drawing from Acts 17, Pastor Dr Annor likened today’s digital space to the marketplace in Athens, where the Apostle Paul engaged people with the message of Christ. He explained that search engines, social media feeds, comment sections and group chats have become the modern marketplace where people ask life’s deepest questions.
“Missionaries can no longer ignore digital spaces for the same reason a fisherman cannot ignore where the fish have moved,” he remarked.
According to him, embracing digital missions does not mean changing the gospel but adapting its delivery to contemporary realities. He observed that throughout history God has used available technologies—including Roman roads, the Greek language, the printing press, radio and television—to spread His message, describing the internet as today’s highway for the gospel and artificial intelligence as a helpful assistant rather than a replacement for the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Dr Annor explained that digital missions encompass evangelism, discipleship and community building through online platforms. He encouraged churches to use social media, messaging applications and digital resources not only to share the gospel but also to nurture believers, provide follow-up and connect people to local church fellowships.
He further called on church leaders to identify and mentor members with media and technology skills to support the Church’s mission, noting that many young people already possess the abilities needed to strengthen digital outreach. He stressed that effective digital ministry requires intentional planning, teamwork and meaningful engagement with audiences, rather than simply posting content online.
While highlighting the opportunities presented by technology, Pastor Dr Annor cautioned Christians to uphold truth, protect people’s privacy and maintain personal holiness in their online interactions. He also urged ministers to use artificial intelligence responsibly, emphasising that prayer, biblical interpretation, discernment and pastoral care must always remain under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“The tool is not the power,” he said, adding that while digital tools can enhance ministry, they can never replace the work of the Spirit of God.
He concluded by encouraging the participants to faithfully utilise every available digital platform to proclaim Christ, reminding them that the smartphone is merely a tool, while the Holy Spirit remains the true source of power for transforming lives and reaching the nations.
PENT NEWS.
