Write Your Best Response

These pages contain advice and “best practices” from some of our most experienced and fruitful Online Missionaries. Read and consider each point carefully, to further sharpen your online ministry.

#1 - Read carefully and prayerfully
We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance even before we write a word. Carefully read and re-read the comment (if there is one). Ask God for understanding, and to answer through you in a way that will help this person come to know Jesus, or know Him better.


#2 - Answer promptly
Try to respond right away, but for sure within 24 hours. If you use the AC button to get a new Contact, commit to answering it right away.
If you’ll be away from your computer, set yourself “Away” (Settings/Availability) so your current disciples will get the “Out of Office” message.


#3 - Answer the question or comment.
This is one of the most important points. The “Comment” field tells you much more where their heart is, that the indicated spiritual decision. Contacts who include a comment also are more likely to respond back. You could simply write, “George, you asked about (topic). This is an important issue, but I need to know a little more about you so that I can best help you…”
If their question or comment is unclear, ask them to clarify: “Did you mean (this)? Sending a template response that ignores the question or comment is not acceptable. You must write in a way that shows that they are hearing from a living human being who cares about them.


#4 - Watch for sensitive countries
You can check current events at https://www.persecution.com and https://operationworld.org/
The Sensitive Countries List is always a good resource. Also consider using specially written templates, in the drop-down Templates list, or consulting GMO’s material on how to witness to Muslims or Hindus.


#5 - Be simple and concise
Many of our seekers are not native English speakers. Please use clear, simple wording. Do NOT use slang terms or “text talk.” Make sure your messages are culturally neutral, avoiding references to your own country’s sports, holidays or celebrities.
Also, a majority of our Contacts currently come from mobile sites and are probably reading your message on a cell phone (check Platform in the message header). A long message may be tiring to read on a phone, and people’s attention spans are short in any case. So be economical with your words, and include links to content that further explains ideas.


#6 - Choose a good Subject Line 9f a Subject Line is needed.
Insert a short greeting like “From John about your decision,” or “From John to Joe in answer to your question.” A good Subject Line tells them that this is not spam, but a personal response as a result of their visiting our web site.
Contacts from Sensitive Countries (see point 54 may have someone hostile looking over their shoulders. Therefore, in the Subject Line, don’t say anything overtly Christian or use “Jesus” or “God.”


#7 - Watch the Language
If a Contact writes in a foreign language, do NOT answer in English (unless you are specifically asked to do so if we do not have anyone available in that language), even if they came through an English site. Reassign it instead. If you recognize a common language like French or Spanish, choose it from the Reassign options. If the language is unlisted or unrecognizable, choose the “Other Language” option. This will help route the Contact to someone who knows that language.
NEVER USE A TOOL SUCH AS GOOGLE TRANSLATE to write to a Contact. Such tools cannot accurately convey spiritual ideas. Use a translator only to determine the Contact’s language.


#8 - Pray (Again)
Your ministry is a spiritual battle for souls. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance as you answer. You can make a big impact by writing out a prayer for the Contact. For some seekers, it will show them how we talk to God. It could be as simple as this: “Lord, You know what (name) is going through right now. Please encourage him and guide him in the truth. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, amen.” To make sure they understand, you may want to preface your prayer by writing: “Let me pray for you now.”