IF Ministry Services is an outcome of our founder's passion for reaching and discipling others in the name of Jesus. Our founder, Isaac Fazenbaker, will tell you he began his online ministry journey at age 9 when he asked his father to help him record Bible study videos for YouTube. At age 11, he joined a virtual church on the Roblox online gaming platform and in the decade that followed held numerous roles such as Discord administrator, Bible Study leader, and interim pastor. IF Ministry Services has over a decade of experience using social media and online mediums such as Roblox, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch to disciple young and old. IFMS has also counseled individuals struggling with life-altering and live-ending decisions. We pray constantly! However, tarnished your view of social media and online activities may be, IF Ministry Services routinely witnesses the Lord working through these platforms.

Yes and no. To be clear, IFMS believes Scripture teaches that everyone should be part of a local body of Believers. However, in many cases the little "c" church is a far cry from what the big "C" Church should be. On top of this, the word "christian" can no longer be relied upon to distinguish a true follower of Jesus from a church member or, even non-church member who claims that designation. Surveys show roughly 70% of young people leave the church when entering college. There is a short blog on this at https://nickblevins.com/blog/2019/02/20/statistics-on-youth-leaving-the-church/. Yet, many brick and mortar churches seem content with hoping and waiting these student will return to the pews. In the meantime, the world is devouring them. IFMS believes we - and the Church - have a responsibility for going after these wayward ones. Fortunately, we know where we can find them - online - and how to engage them. We are here to help you do the same. Meeting virtually behind avatars and false names is not the answer, but for many it is a starting point and a tool of immense potential.

Of course you do 😄, but a more clear question may be "What type of online ministry do I need?" The answer varies greatly depending on your objectives and your membership/congregational personality. Your online ministry may be as simple as having a web site. It may involve social media for communicating more frequently and more quickly with your congregation. It could include mid-week Zoom Life Groups or Youth gaming events. There is no limit of choices. They key is to focus on your primary vision and mission and then ask, "In what ways might we achieve our goals by engaging online more with our members, visitors, and those who are searching for the Truth?" Think about this: If the apostle Paul had access to the Internet, would he have Facetimed Timothy? Would he have held Zoom calls with Peter and the church in Jerusalem? Would he have posted "how to repair your tent" videos on YouTube? We think he would have.

(Please read to the end for a warning.) We are confident nearly every organization and church will benefit from an online ministry because we are confident the majority of your members, customers, and visitors are active online. Adding online activities into your programs and portfolios is simply another way of ministering to them where the "live." Will it increase your membership/audience? It is our sincere desire to help you reach and disciple more to follow our Lord and Master. However, we have a word of caution: increasing membership, we feel, should not be your main driver. Encouraging your audience and deepening the faith of your existing membership through discipleship is more critical. The Lord, by His grace, will increase your numbers as He wills.

In addition to membership and partnership subscription services, IFMS offers the following services. See our Services page for details. Social media consulting and services Online youth events Youth ministers Website content management Website reviews Men's Bible studies and discipleship leaders Website design, development, and editing Still have questions? Please contact us.