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Social media

          Social media is inevitably playing a role in people’s
          journey to faith, but to varying degrees at different
          stages. In the interviews, digital media came up
          frequently. At least half the participants mentioned
          some form of digital resource. YouTube came up most
          frequently, and other examples included the YouVersion
          Bible App, the BibleProject, and podcasts.
          However, digital media seems to play more of a
          supporting role, rather than initiating our interviewees’
          journeys to Jesus. As participants explored the Christian
          faith, 15% found online resources helped them and 10%
          cited social media posts. Instances were higher among
          younger people (23% for online resources and 17% citing
          social media).




                   A journey that includes head and heart

                   As we reflected on what these new Christians said in interviews, it was
                   clear that both rational thinking and emotions played their part in
                   guiding many people towards Jesus. It was not the case that some
                   people relied solely on thoughts, while others relied on feelings. Most
                   people were influenced by both.
                   •   Thinking their way to faith. Whether it was listening to a sermon
                      on YouTube, reading an apologetics book or having a conversation
                      with a friend, participants talked about how the points and
                      arguments they were hearing just made sense. Whether it was the
                      historical reliability of the Bible, the closing of the supposed gap
                      between science and faith, or the treatment of women throughout
                      the centuries, in all kinds of areas, explorers were impressed and
                      convinced by what they were reading and hearing.
                   •   Feeling their way to faith. Feelings played a key role for the majority
                      of those we interviewed. Some described emotional responses in
                      church services, such as an overwhelming sense of peace, deep joy
                      or moments where they started crying and didn’t know why. Several
                      felt a sense of peace when they were reading the Bible. Alongside
                      what we might call ‘positive emotions’, some described a strong
                      sense of conviction, which led to them wanting to get right with God.

          Evangelical Alliance                                              37
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