As a ‘Gen Y’, it is sometimes hard to remember a time when the Internet was an untouchable entity, where only professionals could build websites and only an ‘elite few’ could edit pages. ‘Common folk’ were at the mercy of these ‘great men and women’ and our best option was to simply sit back and watch as the Internet grew, with pretty colours and cool animations dancing across our computer screens. All the while we were honestly amazed at how big and awesome this beast was.

The turning point came with the introduction of websites such as MySpace, YouTube, Bebo, Wikipedia, Twitter and, ultimately, Facebook. What these programs did to the Internet was allow the ‘common people’ to join the ‘elite few’ in having their voice heard (or shown, in the case of YouTube). It levelled the playing field. Almost every person with access to the Internet, through a computer or mobile phone, could have their say and make their mark for the world to see. The Internet was no longer an awe-inspiring beast; the average person could now be a part of creating it. No wonder these sites are so popular.

As I reflect on this, two things become clear from a spiritual point of view.

Firstly, I have witnessed what these websites have done and very clearly see that Jesus did the same as he walked this earth. Jesus came with a message that shocked everyone. He was not just for the Jews. His freedom, salvation, hope and eternal life was for everyone. He levelled the playing field once so uneven. He invited the ‘common folk’ into something amazing. John 14:12 even tells us that He foresaw His people doing greater things than even He did.

Secondly, I sense a call for leaders to follow, firstly, Jesus’ example and, secondly, the example of Facebook. As Christian leaders, we must continually be inviting people not only into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus, but also into our ministries and workplaces.

Jesus’ challenge for us is to invite people who never thought they could be a part of something so big, or creative, or influential and show them the way to make their contribution in order to do these ‘greater things’ that Jesus knew we would.

Luke Williams

Youth Pastor 

Wollongong Church of Christ

luke@wgongcoc.org