Often when we think of spreading the Gospel, we think in terms of reaching those in our own communities. Even in this context, it can be easy to start identifying challenges to that goal. However, these types of challenges really pale in comparison to the challenges faced on a larger scale of spreading the Gospel to those in other countries, especially those that suffer under repressive regimes.

The truth is these countries’ citizens are probably in dire need of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at some of the methods and techniques that have worked well for missionaries in these countries.

Media

One of the most effective ways to spread the Gospel in these situations is to use the media as extensively as it can be allowed. Media can be an internationally used tool, meaning that missionaries may not even need to physically be in the country they are trying to reach.

When we talk about using media to spread the Gospel, we are talking about television programming and social media, websites, audio recordings, pamphlets, and shortwave and radio broadcasting.

Because social media is a very powerful form of media, we will discuss that more in-depth below.

Historically, many Christians in repressed countries attribute television broadcasting as one of the first ways they heard the Gospel. Although television broadcasts that contradict government indoctrination are often unavailable for very long, the window of time it is available can greatly impact those exposed to it. This makes it worth the effort, even if it will be temporary.

Websites promoting the Gospel make videos available and provide Bible study materials. Websites can also be a safe place to create community among those seeking answers to their questions concerning the Gospel and Christianity.

Radio continues to be a viable and powerful communication tool in today’s world. It makes it able to reach a large audience and gets your message to the people.

Social Media

Social media has quickly become a powerful way for people to connect over many different topics or just to connect in general. Social media is often not as strictly monitored in repressive countries as other forms of media.

Another great aspect of social media is that it is often free to start accounts and use them for spreading the Gospel. This can be a very important way for people to build community and begin their discipleship journey.

Social media is also a great option because it allows missionaries to interact with people even if they are not located locally. This increases a missionary’s reach in an area or even opens up an extremely far-removed ministry area.

Discipleship Platforms

Beyond simply sharing the Gospel is the very important job of discipleship. Many people overlook this crucial aspect of the salvation journey. You might think discipleship would be difficult or impossible in countries with repressive governments. Online platforms can be a very useful way to accomplish this. Online platforms provide a consistent way for people to interact with each other over a long time, and this is exactly what is needed to disciple people effectively.

Business Opportunities

Missionaries have discovered over the last several decades one effective way of making inroads into countries that are believed to be closed off to the Gospel. Many countries that are closed to the Gospel are often also considered underdeveloped countries. There is usually an attraction for experienced workers in trade, energy, agriculture, social services, education, etc.

Although a missionary may not be allowed to enter a country for the sole purpose of ministry, they may be allowed in if they are willing to provide one of these services to a community. Once established in the country, connections and relationships can be forged, which will open doors for ministry.

Focused Intentionality

Missionaries and ministries must show intentionality when it comes to accessing populations in these countries. Ministers and those they try to reach can be put in danger without careful intentionality.

Closed countries often have stiff consequences for those caught actively preaching, proselyting, or spreading the Gospel. Individuals undertaking these types of ministries need special training to learn how to operate safely and effectively.

When ministers do not understand how to operate this way, they can compromise decades of work that has been done by others within the country. They can also compromise the safety of many people.

There is a need not only for careful training but also for careful vetting of individuals interested in this type of work.

There is controversy among some Christians concerning the level of covert secrecy that must accompany these types of ministries. Some argue that the level of secrecy required verges on dishonesty. But in reality, this is exactly what Matt 10:16 speaks of when we are encouraged to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” The intention behind these activities is what matters. When the intention is to spread the Gospel, no harm befalls someone. Being dishonest for selfish purposes, however, always harms people. This is the difference.

Training A Generation

One of the most important ways we can hope to reach those in closed countries is to actively invest in the next generation of missionaries. Churches need to get back to focusing on foreign missions and encouraging and preparing young people for work in difficult regions. The focus must shift from a self-centered, easy-to-navigate local church-only Christianity to a longer vision reaching beyond our communities.

Contact Pan American Broadcasting today and start sharing God’s Word with people throughout the world.