Thursday, January 15, 2015

The Multiple Benefits Of A Christian Social Network

By Enid Hinton


Today's world is technology driven. The virtual world has erased geographical, social and political boundaries, making communication easier. Christians have to live in the world with all its technological advances. It is only natural therefore for a Christian to want to be a member of a Christian social network.

This type of network should be viewed in a similar light to those other faith based entities. Churches, clubs and concerts for believers do for Christians what clubs, and parties do for non-Christians. This is why it should be understood that just as how the secular world has its own online platforms for socializing, people of faith need theirs as well. These platforms serve multiple purposes for the believers and the benefits often extend to non-believers as well.

Christians can use these virtual socializing platforms for fellowship. Fellowship plays a very important part in the life of a believer. Fellowship is the act of sharing faith based experiences and exhortations with others. This type of interaction is important because this is how many believers receive the encouragement and strength that they need to continue with their faith.

The fact that the platform may be designed for Christian does not usually exclude non-believers from membership. This makes the space a great place for evangelism, another crucial aspect of a believer's life. When visitors to the space get exposed to the fellowship and testimonies of those who have already been converted, they too may decide to make that bold move and join the faith. There are also many persons who are struggling as they contemplate giving their lives to the Lord. They often search for sites like these for encouragement and support.

Travelling to foreign countries is not something that is restricted to non-Christians. Christians leave their homes to work study and minister in different countries. This takes them away from the people they love and websites like these allow them to maintain contact. When contact is maintained in this fashion, the strain that distance places on the relationship is reduced.

Friendships and romantic relationships are also fostered by these online spaces. Since many persons of similar faith share the space, it is more likely that a believer will find a friend or partner through this source than many secular ones. The relationships formed through this medium are rooted in faith and this is a challenge for many believers. They are unable to find suitable partners as they are not compatible with those who are in their congregation and they do not wish to form relationships with non-believers.

Another advantage presented by these sites is that they help believers to remain aware of the state of Christendom in the world. By speaking with other believers online, they get to learn about what is taking place in the world as it regards the faith. Local congregations are then able to intercede for the pressing needs and offer assistance where necessary.

Clearly Christians and non-Christians alike stand to benefit from these virtual spaces. Their relevance and practicality cannot, therefore, be denied. It is this relevance that has spurred the development and popularity of so many of these sites. Their function for different people around the world is a strong indicator that their popularity will only continue to increase.




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