Building the Future of Missions Together with Web3

Summary

### Summary

It's a joy to be here and share insights on building the future of missions together. The key word here is "together." We are at the cusp of a technological, social, and cultural revolution with Web3, which is not just about technological evolution but about power and ownership. Unlike AI, which is data-centric, Web3 focuses on who owns the data, fundamentally changing community engagement and cooperation. This paradigm shift allows people who are unknown to each other to work together towards common goals, opening new possibilities in missions.

Reflecting on our past 30 years at Christian Vision, we've used media and technology to reach a billion people for Jesus. We've mobilized over 3,600 pioneers in 85 nations, resulting in 14,000 sustainable communities and 35,000 pioneer successors. This history of community and mission is crucial as we look to the future. The blockchain's potential to transform loyalty programs and community building is evident in examples like Starbucks, Prada, Nike, and Adidas.

Our framework at Christian Vision focuses on mission, community, and creators. We aim to build value at these intersections, leveraging Web3 to foster a global community of pioneers. The unreached people of tomorrow are not just in physical locations but also in digital realms like the metaverse and gaming communities. We want to mobilize people in these spaces, inspired by Hebrews 12's "great cloud of witnesses," to encourage and support each other.

Our NFT project, Undark, is not about raising money but about building a community. These NFTs act as access cards, vetting people who share our mission and values. This community will provide utilities to express their passion and support for other pioneers. The stories of historical Christian figures in our NFT collection inspire current pioneers to carry the same spirit in new, innovative ways. Let's create the future of missions together.

### Key Takeaways

1. Web3 and Ownership: Web3 is not just a technological evolution but a revolution in ownership and power. Unlike AI, which focuses on data, Web3 emphasizes who owns the data, fundamentally changing how communities engage and cooperate. This shift allows people who are unknown to each other to work together towards common goals, opening new possibilities in missions. [35:40]

2. Historical Success and Future Vision: Over the past 30 years, Christian Vision has mobilized over 3,600 pioneers in 85 nations, resulting in 14,000 sustainable communities and 35,000 pioneer successors. This rich history of community and mission is crucial as we look to the future, leveraging new technologies to reach even more people for Jesus. [39:40]

3. Transformative Potential of Blockchain: The blockchain's potential to transform loyalty programs and community building is evident in examples like Starbucks, Prada, Nike, and Adidas. These brands show how blockchain can create communities of creators and consumers, co-creating products and experiences. This model can be applied to missions, fostering a global community of pioneers. [41:10]

4. Reaching Digital Realms: The unreached people of tomorrow are not just in physical locations but also in digital realms like the metaverse and gaming communities. Mobilizing people in these spaces is crucial, inspired by Hebrews 12's "great cloud of witnesses," to encourage and support each other in their faith journeys. [44:11]

5. Undark NFT Project: Our NFT project, Undark, is about building a community, not raising money. These NFTs act as access cards, vetting people who share our mission and values. This community will provide utilities to express their passion and support for other pioneers, inspired by historical Christian figures whose stories speak into the present. [47:14]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Building the Future of Missions
[34:40] - Why Web3?
[35:10] - Technological and Cultural Revolution
[35:40] - Ownership and Community Engagement
[36:40] - Implications for Missions
[37:10] - Embracing Opportunities and Challenges
[38:41] - Amara's Law and Long-term Potential
[39:10] - Christian Vision's History and Impact
[41:10] - Blockchain Transforming Community Building
[42:10] - Mission, Community, and Creators Framework
[43:41] - Reaching Digital and Intangible Realms
[45:44] - Hebrews 12 and Community Inspiration
[46:44] - Undark NFT Project
[48:16] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1? How does this concept relate to the idea of community in the sermon? [45:44]
2. How has Christian Vision utilized media and technology over the past 30 years to reach people for Jesus? [39:10]
3. What are some examples given in the sermon of how blockchain technology is transforming community building? [41:10]
4. What is the purpose of the Undark NFT project according to the sermon? [46:44]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of ownership in Web3 differ from the data-centric focus of AI, and what implications does this have for community engagement in missions? [35:40]
2. Reflecting on Hebrews 12:1-2, how can the idea of being surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" inspire and support modern-day pioneers in digital and physical realms? [45:44]
3. In what ways can the historical success of Christian Vision inform and shape its future mission strategies, especially in digital spaces like the metaverse and gaming communities? [39:40]
4. How can the stories of historical Christian figures in the Undark NFT collection inspire current pioneers to innovate in their mission work? [47:14]

#### Application Questions
1. How can you personally contribute to building a community that supports and encourages each other in faith, both in physical and digital spaces? [45:44]
2. What steps can you take to better understand and leverage new technologies like Web3 and blockchain in your own mission efforts? [35:40]
3. Think about a digital realm you are part of (e.g., social media, gaming). How can you use your presence there to share your faith and support others in their spiritual journeys? [44:11]
4. How can you draw inspiration from the "great cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12:1-2 to persevere in your own faith journey and mission work? [45:44]
5. What practical ways can you support the Undark NFT project or similar initiatives that aim to build mission-focused communities? [46:44]
6. Identify one historical Christian figure from the Undark NFT collection or another source. How can their story inspire you to take bold steps in your own mission work? [47:14]
7. How can you help bridge the gap between traditional mission efforts and new opportunities in digital spaces, ensuring that both are effective and sustainable? [39:40]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Ownership in Web3
Web3 represents a significant shift in how we understand ownership and power. Unlike AI, which is primarily data-centric, Web3 emphasizes who owns the data. This change fundamentally alters how communities engage and cooperate, allowing people who are unknown to each other to work together towards common goals. This new paradigm opens up unprecedented possibilities for missions, enabling a more decentralized and collaborative approach to spreading the message of Jesus. By leveraging Web3, we can create a more inclusive and participatory community that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. [35:40]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: How can you contribute to a community where ownership and power are shared, reflecting the unity and diversity of the body of Christ?

Day 2: Reflecting on Historical Success and Future Vision
Over the past 30 years, Christian Vision has mobilized over 3,600 pioneers in 85 nations, resulting in 14,000 sustainable communities and 35,000 pioneer successors. This rich history of community and mission is crucial as we look to the future. By leveraging new technologies, we can reach even more people for Jesus. The lessons learned from past successes can guide us in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As we embrace the future, we must remain rooted in our mission and values, continually seeking innovative ways to spread the gospel. [39:40]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: How can you honor the legacy of past missions while embracing new technologies and methods to reach more people for Jesus?

Day 3: The Transformative Potential of Blockchain
The blockchain's potential to transform loyalty programs and community building is evident in examples like Starbucks, Prada, Nike, and Adidas. These brands show how blockchain can create communities of creators and consumers, co-creating products and experiences. This model can be applied to missions, fostering a global community of pioneers. By leveraging blockchain technology, we can build stronger, more engaged communities that are united by a shared mission and vision. This approach can help us reach new audiences and create lasting impact in the digital age. [41:10]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Reflection: How can you use technology to build and strengthen your community, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported?

Day 4: Reaching Digital Realms
The unreached people of tomorrow are not just in physical locations but also in digital realms like the metaverse and gaming communities. Mobilizing people in these spaces is crucial, inspired by Hebrews 12's "great cloud of witnesses," to encourage and support each other in their faith journeys. By engaging with these digital communities, we can share the message of Jesus in new and innovative ways, reaching people who might not otherwise encounter the gospel. This approach requires creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to meet people where they are. [44:11]

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: How can you engage with digital communities in a way that shares the love of Jesus and supports others in their faith journeys?

Day 5: Building Community with the Undark NFT Project
Our NFT project, Undark, is about building a community, not raising money. These NFTs act as access cards, vetting people who share our mission and values. This community will provide utilities to express their passion and support for other pioneers, inspired by historical Christian figures whose stories speak into the present. By creating a community of like-minded individuals, we can foster a sense of belonging and purpose, encouraging each other to carry the spirit of past pioneers into new, innovative ways of spreading the gospel. [47:14]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you contribute to building a community that supports and encourages each other in their mission to spread the gospel?

Quotes

1. "Web3 is literally about power itself. Because when we think about ownership and all of the implications of what it means, whereas AI is fundamentally about data, Web3 is about who owns the data. And those property rights mean something. The implications of how you can engage and involve a community fundamentally changes when you make that paradigm shift." [35:10] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The blockchain enables people who are unknown to each other to be able to work together to pursue a common goal fundamentally changes the way we think about what is possible in the world of missions. And that alone was exciting enough for us to go, as we think about the future and new opportunities that are generated on the basis of technology, how can we embrace all of these positive things, recognizing that there's issues, there's challenges, there's a lot of stuff that we need to think about, but the opportunities are incredible." [36:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "In the past 30 years, Christian Vision has been involved in a number of projects. We do a lot of media and technology-based projects. Our vision is to reach a billion people for Jesus, with the Gospel of Jesus, and that has involved using media and technology through all of its evolutions, but we also have a rich history of mobilizing missionaries, which we call pioneers, on the ground, traditional boots on the ground activity. And in that process, we have mobilized more than 3,600 pioneers in 85 nations, who have been able to reach more than 2 million people, resulting in close to 14,000 sustainable communities." [39:10] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The unreached people of tomorrow are no longer only in physical and tangible locations but they're also in digital and intangible realms. Places like we heard before, metaverse locations, it could be crypto communities. There are more than three billion people who are involved in gaming in all of the different expressions in which that exists. We heard a moment ago that they represent one of the largest unreached people groups. In the world. And we want to be able to address those people." [43:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "They enjoy gaming together but they're really intentional about the time that they have to talk about Jesus, share their faith, encourage people and even though that community don't know who that person really is because they interact via his avatar, the sense of relationship the significance of the connection is as real as any other community. And these are exactly the sort of people and situations that we want to leverage as an Undark community to be able to mobilize more of in the future." [45:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "We want to translate that idea and go it's not just the individual figures that that passage in Hebrews 12 specifically mentions, of course includes them, but it also includes you and me. Past heroes, present and future heroes. That as a community in the same way we are being extorted to be encouraged and built up by thinking about the exploits and the example of heroes past, we can be that to each other. And so the community that we're seeking to form is to be able to provide that sort of inspiration and support for other people." [46:14] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Our NFT collection for us is really more like an access card. And that access card is able to vet people to know that they're absolutely on mission on the same values and vision that we have. But as we bring them into that community we're able to provide community based utilities so that they can express that heart and passion to encourage all of the other pioneers in that network." [47:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Pioneers bring light, the gospel, into hidden and dark places, it's our mission, empowered by our community. If you check that QR code, you can find out more information on our website. Please read our white paper. And just to encourage you, the future is not written, let's create it together." [48:16] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?