In this interview, we dialogued with Dave Lee of www.heydave.org, a Christian ministry leader who is creatively using the Internet for ministry purposes.

DJ: Welcome to this ForMinistry interview! Please tell us about yourself: your background and your ministries.

Dave: I'm a pastor and missionary. I pastor at Passion Church, a multiethnic church plant in Los Angeles, and I lead iMissions, a nonproft missions organization that aims to involve Christians in missions in creative and innovative ways.

DJ: How have you found the Internet helpful in your ministry?

Dave: The Internet is more than "helpful," it's a key part of my ministry. The Internet connects people with each other in ways that have not been possible in the past. I am able to interact and involve my supporters and networks through information, images, video, involvement opportunities and networking.

Some of the websites I've put together are: www.passionchurch.org, www.iraqprayer.com, www.heydave.org, www.missiongeeks.com (There are also other sites that because of security concerns, I can't share publicly.)

DJ: Wow, you've developed quite a number of websites! How do you find the time?

Dave: I usually make websites based off of various projects at the time. An example, if I take a mission trip somewhere, I'll make a website. Or if I want to launch a long-term initiative, I'll make a website.

DJ: That's a great idea -- integrate it with your on-going project, in some way, to enhance your communications with those involved in the project.

Dave: That's exactly it. Most of my websites aren't separate projects. Rather, they're integrated with existing work going on.

DJ: Can you share a story of how you've involved your supporters?

Dave: I was in Iraq last October... and I made a website, www.iraqprayer.com. I posted daily updates with pictures from Iraq. I also got supporters involved by asking questions on a discussion board on the site. They loved it!

I also had a place on the site where they could donate via credit card... [and] many people responded.

DJ: That's fascinating! We'll have to visit that website to see what you've done.

Dave: Yeah, it's at www.iraqprayer.com, under the IIPC launch trip section.

DJ: Isn't it expensive to use the Internet? How much does it cost?

Dave: It can be costly because of the various equipment I purchase to keep "up-to-date." But to use the Internet, you just need a basic cable/dsl connection from your home or business. Usually that costs about $40/month. And you'll need a basic desktop or notebook computer.

DJ: Do you find many people that you work with (minister with) using the internet like you do?

Dave: Several years ago when I was first using email and websites to update supporters with mission updates and news, I met many people that were skeptical and could not grasp the potential of the Internet.

However, at a recent missions conference I was speaking at, I asked the crowd of mostly older adults how many of them receive email updates from missionaries on a regular basis. Almost 90 percent of the people raised their hands. In a period of several years, email and the Internet usage has grown and people are accepting it as an important and integral part to communication and relationship building.

I find people in ministry and missions tend to be a little behind in the usage of the Internet and technology. That is why I often find models in other arenas such as business, education, and travel.

An example is there is this guy who calls himself the Hobo Traveller. He has a website at www.hobotraveller.com. He travels the world, posts on his website almost everyday about his travels, and then gets donations from his 10,000+ subscribers to his email list. His travels are completely "supported" by his fans and he's been doing this for over 6 years. He shows what is possible for missionaries and mission teams.

DJ: Interesting! What might a mission team do on the internet?

Dave: Basics... it's all about communicating. The better you can communicate with supporters and others, the more people are going to feel part of what you're doing. They will respond with more prayer and more giving. It enlarges the scope of whatever you're doing. It starts with utilizing email, pictures, and a simple website.

DJ: Besides situations where a mission team to a creative-access country needs to limit communications, it does sound like a lot more can be communicated regularly, even daily, via the internet!

Dave: Yes, even in creative-access countries, you can find creative ways to communicate.

DJ: Which online tools do you use, and how do you use them?

Dave: Here's a quick list --

1. interactive, community-based websites
I like to make websites for community-based interaction and networking. One of my favorites web software is pmachine (www.pmachine.com). It allows me to make a login system, discussion boards and weblogs.

2. email lists
I use Post Office Pro and a few other email list programs. People sign up on the website and I'm able to create a "network" by emailing updates and encouraging connections.

3. credit card donations
I've set up a system to accept credit card donations via a website for our non-profit. It's great because there's an option where people can donate monthly via a credit or debit card.

4. video online
I'm experimenting more with putting video online and having people download video and multimedia presentations. I'll usually put together something on Adobe Premiere and upload it as a mpeg1 video file. Or I'll use Macromedia flash and put together a self-running slideshow. You can download a sample video presentation at www.iraqprayer.com .

5. social networking
I've been involved advising for a Christian social networking site, www.missionster.net . It's great to connect and network with others.

6. audio messages
I put up most of my messages as mp3 files on my church or personal websites.

DJ: Can you share an example of what's come out of your online networking?

Dave: X country is the best example (can't share what country because of security concerns). But we started with a "world network" for missions to this country... started an email list and website. We updated people for a couple years and networked across organizations and areas.

Then, starting last year we began to call out people in cities to meet each other. We told them to meet face to face and consider starting a regular prayer meeting. It took off in several cities, and it's been amazing since.

DJ: So this website has mobilized powerful prayer groups!

Dave: Yes! Last week we coordinated a special day of prayer and fasting for this country. And we had 9 cities involved.

DJ: And as they say, prayer changes things. And things changed! That's a great story, the power of the internet and the power of prayer!

Dave: I've been amazed!

DJ: Now, what doesn't work on the internet?

Dave: Many people think of the Internet as just information. Many websites are information focused. However, I think that approach has major limits. Information is a means to something more... and websites that encourage follow-up to information are the most effective. An secular example is at www.moveon.org (a liberal political movement site) they encourage people to sign petitions and be involved with practical steps of action. People feel part of something big and it's more than just feeding information.

DJ: How do you measure your impact with using internet tools?

Dave: I've seen the establishments of many networks and new projects as a result of work utilizing the Internet. We have a network for a certain closed country that has almost 1,000 people from about 30 countries. The network was largely formed through the Internet and has been the basis of much collaboration and mobilization.

DJ: Many of our churches at ForMinistry.com are under 100 in size, how can they use the tools you've mentioned?

Dave: First, be open to new uses of the Internet in your ministry and church.

Second, start small and try implementing an interactive website with some discussion boards. You can have someone at your church research this and it shouldn't cost more than $20 or $30/month to operate.

Third, train people in your ministry. Many young people are excited about using the Internet in ministry. Send some of your college or young adult members to a conference or training event. An example is that I speak at some conferences regarding using technology and Internet in ministry.

DJ: You're definitely a pioneer in using technology for ministry in God's kingdom. Glad to hear that you've had some opportunities to share about it in person at conferences. What has the response been like?

Dave: The response has been great: people are starting new projects and initiatives. A few projects that have recently been started by others that I've been a part of: www.missionster.net and www.fieldsync.com/mcast

DJ: We'll have to check out those websites! Do you mind if some of our readers contact you with their questions and comments?

Dave: Sure, the best way is for them to post at www.heydave.org . That's my personal website.

DJ: Thank you for being with us at ForMinistry.com for this interview, blessings on your on-going ventures!

Dave: Thank you!