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A person who goes to a Christian chatroom to ask for spiritual help might have deep-seated problems. The temporal consequences of personal sin can be serious, long-standing, and life-controlling. While some online converts can easily step into a church and begin serving God there, many will need counseling for substance abuse and advice on ending emotional and financial entanglements that can hinder Christian service. A gospel presentation that stresses God's love and acceptance, and emphasizes His completion in Christ of the work of redemption, appeals to people who seek God online. An approach that mentions sin too often or too strongly can make these seekers defensive.
People in Cyberspace are concerned about their privacy. Even after entering an instant message (IM) dialogue, many do not immediately give out their names or other personal information. When you present the gospel to someone in IM, you are asking the other person to trust someone he has just met (you). You are asking him to take at face value any information you release about yourself. You are trying to get to know him from a profile that might or might not accompany the IM box, and will never be more complete or more accurate than he wants to make it. Due to the time required to engage in dialogue by typing, much of the familiarization phase of an in-person approach to evangelism can be skipped without hurting chances of success. Due to the nature of online personal relationships, only some basic personal information is needed in a salvation IM. An exchange of first names at some point in the dialogue might be all that is necessary or proper for establishing the type of relationship that leads to a successful gospel presentation.
Follow-up to salvation is essential. A new Christian, just born again, is similar to an infant. All his spiritual needs are present, and he might not know how to meet any of them. A mature Christian who has just led the new convert to Jesus must provide immediate follow-up to help the newborn begin growing in grace and knowledge. Discussing Bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship, and outreach with the new Believer is the duty of the Christian who has helped the new Believer come to believe. An all-out effort must be made to get the new Christian's new life started right. In most cases, this effort will be hindered by the fact that the new saint and the experienced saint cannot get together physically. A Website designed to assist in follow-up is extremely helpful. I will elaborate later on how to set one up.