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Why is evangelism in Cyberspace needed? The answer is simple, I think: People are there. We do not question the need for evangelism in Montana, or Tanzania,or Siberia. We acknowledge that people are there, and that they will go to Hell if the gospel is kept from them. Is Cyberspace really that different? While we cannot necessarily see the people in that electronic world, we see the evidence they leave. Just as a particle leaves its signature trail in a cloud chamber, a person on the Internet gives out evidence of who he is and what his needs are. Chatroom and instant message dialogue are the clearest signs of who is there and what needs are present with each person. If anyone on the Net gives out signals of the need for salvation and readiness to accept God's grace without delay, how can a Christian sit idly by, watching the situation and doing nothing?
Many people in desperate need of the gospel stop in Christian chatrooms, hoping to meet someone who can lead them to God. They think of Christians as experts in how to be saved and how to live a meaningful life. Some of these desperate people know that they are lost. They want someone to help them become Christians, and they say so as they enter the chatrooms. In my experience, most chatroom Christians are lacking in the soul-winning skills needed to help these lost people. I hope to assist my brothers and sisters in developing these skills.
Some unbelievers in chatrooms are not in search of salvation; but they believe that God exists, and they want His intervention in a current crisis in their lives. Some are not even sure that He exists, but they are seeking peace in a life filled with turmoil and frustration. Others want to live a meaningful life, but they don't know how. These people are seeking what only Jesus can give them. No solution to their problems that ignores their need for salvation can be an adequate solution.
There is another important reason that evangelism is needed in Cyberspace. Many people online who need salvation and are willing to give their lives to God don't have strong ties to churches and denominations. For this reason, they are less likely than others to be evangelism targets for local congregations. Unfortunately, for the same reason, follow-up to online salvation can be unbelievably difficult. Those saved online are less likely to go from the salvation experience directly to baptism and discipleship training. Immediate follow-up by the person who wins one of these lost souls is essential. I will give you a list of online resources for follow-up, as well as a guide to their use.