Colossians 1:28-29: Him [Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me (ESV). Like Paul, my desire in ministry has always been to assist believers in becoming mature in Christ. So how does that translate into ministry with eDOT?

Since I was first introduced to computers (the first device being a Tandy/Radio Shack TRS-80), I have been intrigued with the opportunities computing devices offer to connect people. Through those connections, people can share the Gospel and disciple believers into maturity in Christ when distance or other factors might otherwise limit human interaction.

Originally, my wife and I were appointed with GEM to serve in Greece at a Bible school. Several years later we learned that GEM had begun the eDOT ministry, combining outreach and discipleship with the use of appropriate technology. eDOT seemed a natural extension of the command to “go make disciples” in Matthew 28:19-20. Just as in Paul’s day when Roman-built roads and the use of Koine Greek were used to spread the Gospel around the world, so today we use appropriate technologies to spread the Gospel and make disciples because these technologies are an available means to connect people with the Gospel and to disciple them toward maturity in Christ.

My role in eDOT is to assist ministries as they consider and implement online learning for Bible and theology courses. Before implementing any online learning program, we assess what use of technology makes sense in a given culture and how to appropriately use the technology not just to transmit information, but to assist people in their growth toward Christlikeness. As an instructional designer, I also assist ministries in considering how to present learning in the online learning environment so that it will have the greatest impact for transformation; making believers mature in Christ. At the forefront of every decision is the question: how will this training lead this student toward maturity in Christ?

Fun fact: I am the only member of eDOT that doesn’t have a Facebook page. I have nothing against FB, I just tend to be introverted.