Believers today can benefit from a host of modern tools to access and understand the ancient Word of God. Smartphones enable Bible reading with unique mobile apps, respected commentaries are only a few clicks away, and dynamic sermons from Christian pastors worldwide are freely available.
YouTube reigns as the world’s largest video platform by far — with more than 30 million people watching over five billion videos every single day. For videos to succeed on YouTube, it often takes more than a simple selfie-cam. YouTube producers are driven to discover their unique voice, develop rich content over time, and continually improve on video basics like lighting and sound.
While it’s easy to gravitate to favorite entertainment shows during downtime, these five YouTube channels provide new and innovative ways to dive in deeper to God’s Word — a living and active force changing cultures worldwide.
1. The Bible Project (God’s Word in Graphics)
Launched in 2014 by two friends who met at Multnomah Bible College in Portland, today The Bible Project has produced over 130 fully-animated short videos that reveal the historically orthodox narrative of the Bible.
Now used in many churches’ young adult and youth groups nationwide, the videos have proven effective to increase Bible literacy and generate open discussion. The non-profit group offers study guides, timelines, and other graphics resources free to download.
2. I Am Second (Personal Testimonies)
Few things are as powerful as one person sharing their own raw, authentic story in their own words. Since 2008, the I Am Second movement has harnessed this power to great effect with short, first-person videos — seeing millions of people come to know Christ and inspiring believers worldwide to boldly live their faith.
Discussion guides are available free online for each testimony, featuring notable artists and speakers such as rap artist Lecrae, surfer Bethany Hamilton, HGTV’s Chip and Joanna Gaines, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Albert Pujols, Sean Lowe of The Bachelor, and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, among many others.
3. International House of Prayer-Kansas City (24/7 Live Worship)
In addition to learning God’s Word, Christian faith grows through active worship and prayer — which is more caught than taught. While YouTube worship playlists span a wide range of musical styles, there’s one experience online unlike any other: a 24/7 worship live stream that’s been going nonstop for over 17 years.
Since September 1999, rotating teams at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri have continuously exalted God with a concert of intercession and worship. A hub of the global prayer movement, IHOP-KC bases its mission of night-and-day worship firmly on a Scriptural mandate.
4. The Underground with Joel Richardson (Global Gospel Insights)
It’s rare to find Christian leaders who have a passion to understand world events in light of the Gospel, paired with the knowledge and passion to communicate insights to a broad audience. Joel Richardson is one such voice: a Bible teacher, Middle East expert, short-term missionary at times, andNew York Times best-selling author.
As one connected to friends on-the-ground in Israel, Iraq, and other nations facing crisis, Richardson’s half-hour videos explore current events in light of biblical prophecy — with the plight of persecuted believers never forgotten. Sometimes he even breaks news, as when he called on President Trump to fire General Michael Flynn months before the Administration made that move.
5. Alpha Course (Foundations of Faith)
Presenting the basics of Christian faith in short, compelling sessions, the Alpha Course has been viewed and discussed by millions of people worldwide — now translated into 112 languages and used in all variety of Christian denominations.
Christian minister Nicky Gumbel, based at the Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London, England, first filmed his 15 teachings sessions in the early 1990’s. A former court barrister, Gumbel brings a unique humor, openness, and concise logic to exploring the core questions people grapple with in considering Christianity.
The new high-definition sessions recently filmed (available free online) are ideally paired with discussion guides offered by Alpha International. It’s one of many influential new-media tools available to explore timeless truths.
Josh M. Shepherdhas served on staff at The Heritage Foundation, Focus on the Family, Bound4LIFE International, and two Congressional offices. His articles have appeared in media outlets including The Federalist, The Daily Signal, Boundless, Charisma News, and Christian Headlines, where he serves as a contributor. He earned a degree in Business Marketing from the University of Colorado. Josh and his wife live in the Washington, D.C. area. Follow Josh on Twitter @joshMshep.
Photo courtesy: Pixabay.com
Publication date: July 19, 2017
