Phil Cooke, Christian writer, filmmaker and media consultant, urged pastors to consider new methods of reaching the next generation for Jesus Christ. Noting that Facebook now has more than 500 million members, Cooke said, “You want to reach a new generation, a great place to start is social media,” which he described as a new mission field. To those resisting these types of outreaches, Cooke had bad news: “If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.”

Cook offered nine ways in which churches can become media savvy in order to reach emerging generations with the Gospel.

1. Visibility is just as important as ability.

2. You cannot brand a lie. “In the digital age,” he said, “we cannot hide. We need to live more transparent lives than ever before.”

3. Being different matters. “Be the best in your area of expertise,” Cooke advised, urging pastors to understand what their area of expertise may be.

4. Understand the power of a name. “If evangelism is your goal, it doesn’t matter how anointed your message is; if no one is listening, you’ve failed,” Cooke said.

5. Speak the language of design. In our postmodern culture, design is the language of this generation. It’s critically important that our media designs and images are clear, concise and welcoming.

6. Lose the lingo. Quite simply, Cooke urged pastors to explain the salvation story in terms that people will understand. Lose the religious language and terms. Speak in a language and style a non-believer will understand.

7. It’s not just who you are, it’s how you’re perceived. “Word travels fast in a digital culture,” Cooke reminded. So Christians must always be honest and transparent. In an instant message world, first impressions matter more than ever.

8. Discover what your story is. A “brand” is simply a compelling story that surrounds a person, product, or organization.

9. Understand the power of foresight. “Have a vision for your ministry,” Cooke encouraged. He told the story of Walt Disney’s widow attending the opening of Disney World, which her husband did not live to see. Someone whispered to her, “I’m sorry Walt isn’t here to see this.” But Mrs. Disney replied, “Oh no. You don’t understand. Walt saw it; that’s why it’s here.” Similarly, vision and foresight are the keys to the church remaining relevant in the digital world—the new mission field.