Gospel Gamers

[Nightelf]

All you who play MMORPG's such as WOW, where you get to talk to others in-game, might be interested in this.

I am currently listening to Ray Comfort's lessons (Way of the Master) and formulating ways that I can incorporate this into the game. There are SO many lost people playing these games every day.... I'm sure those of you who play can attest, MMORPG's tend to bring out the worst in people so it's a huge mission field that I think is largely ignored. Lots of Christians play, with intentions of sharing their faith but do they really do that? Well, I desire to be a Light time is too short to just be playing games. Way of the Master seems to be, for me, the best way to do this.

If you aren't familiar with is, go here: http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ and start by listening to the two audios on tab #1.

If this interests you, chime in. Let's talk about how this can be done, and get in there and do it.... with fear and trembling and prayer, of course

[Evoo327]

I don't play WOW, but I've played on a free online game called SmallWorlds. I made a room in there that's a church, and it's still a work in progress, but I am trying to make it so each item you click on either gives a Bible verse regarding salvation and jesus, or a quote, or something like that.

We did WOTM last year in our small groups, and they're doing it again. It's a very powerful witnessing tool, imho. It really opens a lost person's eyes to how sinful they are and how in need of Jesus. And it's a simple introduction, "Do you think you're a good person?"

I haven't been able to go on SmallWorlds in a couple months, but it's a good idea to go on there, and witness with WOTM.

[Acts5:41]

However He calls you, let Him use you!

[Sandee]

When you attempt to witness ingame you need to be very careful how you do it, and to whom. That is something that will get you banned from the game if you are not careful. Need to keep that in view. Game GM's are very testy when it comes to people pushing any religion or politics in game, and players are quick to complain to them and report you. BE Careful!

Also remember, in games and WOW is one of them this kind of thing is against the rules, and to other players (who may be kids 10 to 14 and up) you are flaunting the game rules for your own ends. That may not be what you want.

[Nightelf]

That's the least of my worries, Sandee.

Gamers bring the Name of Jesus into the conversation all the time, and not in a good way. I made the remark on an RP (role-play) realm, I guess if you can invoke the name of Jesus that way, then we can talk about Him in game in an RP context, right? Nobody could refute that.

Don't worry, I have ways of doing this while flying under the radar. And I really don't care if talking about God gets me banned.

[lorenei]

I have tried witnessing in WoW before to people I was friends with there. Most people's reactions were negative (I think the EU servers in general are much tougher for that than US servers) - from calling me a fanatic to just saying they are their own god and therefore aren't interested. One of my WoW friends was very interested in what I had to say though, we spent hours online discussing my beliefs... I honestly never had anyone ask me so many genuine questions about those before. Really hope God will lead him to salvation

But generally speaking I never used WoW as any sort of platform for witnessing, just used it in the same way I would witness in real life, only instead of real life friends it was online friends, plus it's much easier for me to talk about Christ online than face to face! Not because I'm ashamed of the Gospel in any way, but just because I'm an absolutely rubbish speaker - pretty good at writing though!

I think it is a good idea to witness through any means possible - whether it be in real life or in an online community (forum, game etc.). But as someone had already said you have to be careful not to get banned, I think having a glance at the WoW rules will be helpful just to know what is and isn't "legal" in game. Because if for instance an angry atheist player reports you and then an angry atheist GM bans you but you didn't actually break any rules you could get your account back if you appeal.

[Nightelf]

Well, I have a way to do this without breaking rules if that's what everyone is concerned about.

I'm a bit perplexed though, that rather than encouragement and prayers, and perhaps an interest to find out what this is about and try something like this yourselves, I'm seeing resistance and warnings, as if I haven't thought this through and done my homework. Satan sure doesn't want the gospel to go out, especially into his nasty little gamer domain, it seems.

I'd love to have a partner who shares a similar burden for lost people who wrap themselves up in these games. If anyone wants to join me, let me know. Otherwise, I'll do it myself.

[Nightelf]

I've made contact.

Please pray if you would:

http://rr-bb.com/showthread.php?1688...84#post2164384

Thank you.

[Jlutz]

Unique idea, hope it bears fruit

Say hi to the lich king for me

[Shonsu]

Yes, this is definitely an avenue to approach. I pray the Lord's blessing on you as you go through this. Please post here and let us know how it goes. I don't play WoW but I do play LoTRO and will look into how I can do the same through its "lore".

[trandraskell]

Nightelf,

This is great news, Things are going good with me on DC Universe Online I have a lot of people in my league asking about my faith and what I going to school for and I find that to be a way to share the gospel, I try to be the best witness I can. I will be praying for your new friend.



Chuck

[Wally]

I suppose you can label your armor and Sword[truth]......


And you should be able to devise a faith roll when taking hits......

maybe In order to survive by faith , you have to quote scripture....quickly!



Oh well, I like minature gaming better, not much can put a dent in an IDF Merkava III, and IAF F-15Is are undefeated.

[Nightelf]

Unique idea, hope it bears fruit

Say hi to the lich king for me

I've killed him.... several times....

Thanks for the words of support.

On the advice of someone I did an online google search for others who do the same thing (witness the gospel in these MMORPG's) and the main forum I could find was now defunct. I found an article from a large church in the States where some of the youth there play WOW and share the gospel but I'm really turned off by their tactics... they basically spam the trade chat with "blessings" (people hate chat spam, besides it's against the rules) and harass people by stalking them in-game "until they give in and accept Christ". I have a hard time believing this works, or if someone did accept Christ that way, that it was genuine.

So as far as I can tell, this seems to be a rather un-tapped field of evangelism..... probably because it's virtual and invisible, and people don't realize how many young people prefer to live in this virtual make-believe world than the real one.

The RP (roll-play) method is much like you would do in the real world, making friends and sharing your faith and planting seeds more on a one-to-one basis. Since I posted this thread several weeks ago, I've had several opportunities to share biblical truth, and even met other Christians in the game, whom I am trying to mentor into doing the same thing rather than just "play the game".

[Shonsu]

Hmmm, there aren't any "priest" classes in LoTRO. LoTR lore does have one "god" who created everything so maybe I could use that as an opening.

[Jlutz]

I think it's great what you are doing. God gives us each our own calling. I'm sure you will find some great ways to open doors as you continue to follow your calling.

[RandallB]

I have a large family that plays WOW. Consumed much of our time for the past few years. It allowed us to stay connected even though thousands of miles now separate us. We were in a large guild and whenever we were in the raid everybody knew to watch their language on Vent due to Mom and Dad being on -- restrainers. Most everybody knew we were Christians. Had a few opportunites to witness to Mormons but don't think it took. Had a huge influence on the guild going Alliance rather than Horde which really seemed demonic.

Didn't worry about getting kicked out by the raid leader because our son was GM.

I totally agree that it is a godless system. One of my concerns is the acting out of casting spells in the game. I was a NE Hunter so spell casting was minimized. Another of my concerns is that the amount of time spent verses the opportunities to witness did not seem to be good stewardship.

I will listen to those links above on witnessing and see if I am led to reactivate my account.

[Nightelf]

Randall

If you are one of those that God has led *out* of the game, then don't go back into it unless you are positive He's leading you. I *know* how addictive it is. I'm also aware of the spiritual issues with certain classes "casting" things, and I don't want anyone to violate their conscience. Personally I can't play a warlock or a mage etc. because of these issues, although other Christians will say "it's only pixels and make believe" and they are fine with it. My own husband is one of them, we have to agree to disagree. My oldest son is one who felt convicted to leave the game, and has had the strength and conviction to stay away from it after being completely addicted. I would not want to stumble anyone and lead them into something that would lead them back into addiction.

However, if you are sure God wants you to do this, then let me know, I have ideas where two Christians could work together on a "script", chatting in town within earshot of others, about the Gospel. I've been praying for a partner. And the nice thing about the RP realm is that you don't actually have to "play" your class if all you are going to do is hang around the towns and talk to people.

[RandallB]

Interesting idea...
What server are you on? I am on Kel Thuzad.

[Nightelf]

Interesting idea...
What server are you on? I am on Kel Thuzad.

Wyrmrest Accord. Alliance. One of the most RP-heavy servers in existance.

[aletheia]

I too play WoW. I never really thought too much as using it as a tool for witnessing, but will definitely be considering that and taking it to God. I did recently join a large christian guild on a pve server. (alliance) I do play horde also.
I also know about aspergers as I have a son with it and he does his socializing on line as it is so difficult for him to do so outside of it. (and he has played WoW in the past also)
anyways, something to be praying about.