The Sea of Galilee
One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. - Luke 5:1
The Sea of Galilee was the central hub and the connecting space between many of the cities that Jesus and His disciples evangelized. The internet, also known as the digital sea, is our modern-day Sea of Galilee. We must travel across it to reach many cities as well.
Cities of the Digital Sea of Galilee
Facebook is modern day Gennesaret
Instagram is modern day Bethsaida
Meetup is modern day Capernaum
United Young is modern day Decapolis
Washing Their Nets
He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So, he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. - Luke 5:2-3
Most of a fisherman’s time was not in the boat, but cleaning and sifting through their nets. Organic matter would rot the nets and cause infections for the fish if not cleaned. These nets represent the many social medias that have trapped people in states of sin, laziness and stagnation.
Going into Deep Waters
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” - Luke 5:3-4
95% of the ocean is wandering undiscovered. The internet is no different. There are people wandering in the deep, waiting to be found.
Nets Began to Break
And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. - Luke 5:6-7
Facebook Nets
The key to the Facebook nets lies in finding the local Facebook group pages. After joining these pages, we are able to see all of the members of these Facebook groups, which usually live in the same geographically specific area. We are then able to reach out to these individuals, "casting our nets", in hopes of making meaningful connections and potentially sharing the message of Christ and introducing them to local communities of faith.
We do this by eventually bringing them to our platform, in which they can discover Christian content to help strengthen their faith but also connect with local ministries and Christian events for in-person fellowship.
Example using Knoxville, Tennessee
Instagram Nets
The key to Instagram pages is finding local university pages and going through likes and comments. These are the most active people. Through these location-specific Instagram pages, you can apply the same strategy, by looking at not only the followers but also the individuals who are active in liking posts.
These are the people who are usually more involved. From here, we have the ability to direct message people in the same hopes of sharing the Gospel and connecting them to this platform in order for them to strengthen their faith through Christian content and connections to local events and communities of faith.
Example using University of Tennessee
Christian Nets
Many people on these pages are looking for churches and fellowship. Our strategy involves not only reaching out to individuals like this but also posting our platform on these pages for all its members to see. This gives us the ability to be seen by thousands of the Christian demographic with one single post.
There are many Christian, worldwide & location-based pages as well.
Fishing for People
From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. - Luke 5:11
There is a deep, dark, cold internet out there with strong currents. Sadly, this same digital sea has taken many under and has capsized many ships. It's our turn to turn these salty waters into fresh water full of life. Our goal is to reach out to those on social media to help them find spiritual nourishment, community and fellowship through this platform.
Our fishermen are dedicated to bringing those who are lost to the shore of Christ. Get to know those who are already fishing in the Digital Sea of Galilee!