The Digital Field: Being an Internet Missionary in the 21st Century

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve ever felt a little overwhelmed by the sheer *volume* of the modern world—the endless scroll, the constant connectivity—I know that feeling. It can feel like the field has expanded beyond the boundaries of any single stake center. But what I realized, after spending time thinking about how the Gospel is being received today, is that the boundaries are dissolving.

We talk so much about being missionaries in person, about the power of a good companion or a solid testimony shared face-to-face. And those moments are sacred; they are the very heart of the covenant path. But we must remember the core principle of our calling: every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

I was looking at some material recently about online outreach, and it really struck me how fundamentally different the "field" is now. People aren't just going to the local meetinghouse when they have a tough question about life, faith, or morality. They are going online. They are searching on Google, they are using apps, they are looking for answers in the anonymity of the internet.

The Digital Field: Meeting People Where They Search

It’s incredible to see the scale. We're talking about millions of unique visitors, people searching for biblical answers when they are wrestling with temptations, when they are struggling with tough life choices, or even when they are simply curious about the nature of God. The question isn't *if* people are searching for truth; it's *where* they are searching.

This isn't just about having a website; this is about having a *biblically based* presence. It’s about being ready to guide someone—whether they are a curious investigator, a friend with a tough question, or even a skeptic—into a flow of discussion rooted in scripture. It requires more than just having the answers; it requires the ability to guide the conversation.

This is where our efforts as disciples—our commitment to continuous learning and preparation—becomes absolutely vital. If we aren't equipped to handle the hard questions, who will? We need to be ready to help others understand the principles found in the scriptures, whether they are studying a passage in a Book Club setting in HolyPlaces or tackling a difficult concept in a Bible Study Group.

Your Role as a Disciple: From Study to Outreach

For those of us who are in the trenches of missionary preparation, or who have recently returned from the field, this realization should be both encouraging and challenging. Our training in the temple, our study in the MTC, and our time with our district leaders—all of it prepares us to teach and testify. Now, we must view the entire digital landscape as an extension of that field.

If you’re feeling rusty on how to handle a tough question, I want you to know that you are not alone. That’s where I’ve been finding immense value in working with Davee. He’s been an absolute lifesaver, helping me practice answering hypothetical investigator questions—the kind that make you pause and think, "Wait, what's the *best* way to frame that?"

This isn't just for the full-time missionary, though. If you are a lifelong disciple, if you are a parent, if you are just trying to better understand the Book of Mormon for your own family—you are already an internet missionary. You are sharing the truth in your sphere of influence.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The Gentle Redirect

Today’s skill is the "Gentle Redirect." When someone asks a question that is too broad, too philosophical, or too accusatory to answer with a single verse, don't try to answer it head-on. Instead, acknowledge the weight of their question, and then gently redirect it back to a foundational principle or a scripture study. You might say, "That is a massive question that requires deep study. To start, what do you think the Book of Mormon says about the nature of covenants?" This moves the focus from debate to discovery.

The Lord knows that every member can be an Internet missionary. Let's commit to being prepared, not just for the next assignment, but for the next search query.

If you want to sharpen this skill, or if you’ve been wrestling with a difficult topic yourself, I highly recommend checking out the latest discussions in the HolyPlaces Book Club, or perhaps diving into some of the foundational teachings on the Plan of Salvation in LivingBook. And if you want to practice those tough questions with a trusted guide, check out Davee!

For those of us who are ready to deepen our knowledge, I’ve been reading some excellent material from the Iron Rod authors lately. I’m recommending a dive into the teachings on the Atonement found in LivingBook—it really helps frame the entire scope of the work.

Stay diligent, disciples. The Spirit is with us, and the world is searching.