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Don't Scroll: Evangelism in the Digital Age
The Method Has Changed, the Message Has Not.
After twelve years of ministering to students on public campuses, Brian Barcelona's world turned upside down when public schools shut down in March 2020. He wondered if his ministry was over until two teenagers challenged him to minister using his smartphone and digital platforms--methods he had no idea how to use effectively.
With passion and humility, Brian shares the incredible story of how God helped him go from reaching thousands of students locally to preaching to over five million globally each month. He gives practical tips and best practices from his and others' experiences on how you, too, can instantly reach more people than you ever thought possible, leading others in salvation, healing, deliverance and even baptisms digitally!
Don't Scroll is the inspiring how-to manual for powerfully sharing the Gospel using the digital tools already in your hands, as well as the heart and language for what Jesus is doing in this generation.
"I have seen firsthand the fruit of what this ministry does. I recommend anyone to read and live out what this book entails."--NICK VUJICIC, New York Times bestselling author
"May this book open our eyes and break our hearts afresh for Generation Z and give us bold faith to believe for the Gospel to save millions."--BRIAN "HEAD" WELCH, New York Times bestselling author
After twelve years of ministering to students on public campuses, Brian Barcelona's world turned upside down when public schools shut down in March 2020. He wondered if his ministry was over until two teenagers challenged him to minister using his smartphone and digital platforms--methods he had no idea how to use effectively.
With passion and humility, Brian shares the incredible story of how God helped him go from reaching thousands of students locally to preaching to over five million globally each month. He gives practical tips and best practices from his and others' experiences on how you, too, can instantly reach more people than you ever thought possible, leading others in salvation, healing, deliverance and even baptisms digitally!
Don't Scroll is the inspiring how-to manual for powerfully sharing the Gospel using the digital tools already in your hands, as well as the heart and language for what Jesus is doing in this generation.
"I have seen firsthand the fruit of what this ministry does. I recommend anyone to read and live out what this book entails."--NICK VUJICIC, New York Times bestselling author
"May this book open our eyes and break our hearts afresh for Generation Z and give us bold faith to believe for the Gospel to save millions."--BRIAN "HEAD" WELCH, New York Times bestselling author
- GenresChristian
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2022
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Brian Barcelona
4 books2 followersBrian Barcelona is the founder of One Voice Student Missions. A leader on the forefront of youth evangelism, Brian is calling the high school students of America to surrender their lives to Jesus and calling the Church to our nation's most unreached mission field: public high schools. Brian lives with his wife, Marcela, and daughter in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 15, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the positive side, Barcelona sees this digital age as perhaps the greatest opportunity for spreading the gospel. He has a different perspective on social media. For him, it is not something that leads one away from God but is rather “something that gives my relationship with God purpose and worth.” (102) He sees it as a place to give the opportunity of salvation every day. He came to this conclusion when COVID precluded his traveling. At home, he realized (after encouragement from his wife) that the mission had not changed but the method had. “The age of digital missions has arrived.” (54)
Barcelona writes of his encouragement to use social media to spread the gospel in the context of telling his own story. We read much about his experiences. He tells many stories, giving good examples of young people living out the gospel using digital technology to spread the Good News. “Gen Z,” he writes, “is and will be the greatest proclaimers of the gospel.” (69)
There are a couple of aspects of the book that puzzled me. One was Barcelona relating he “loved” Kanye West coming out with an album in 2019 he called Jesus Is King. Barcelona admits West “had no lifestyle of living for Christ.” (76) That admiration for West making such a bold statement, even though his lifestyle does not agree, is countered by what Barcelona follows with in identifying what this generation wants. Not living the gospel validates “the hypocrisy that has driven so many away from God.” (78) “Gen Z is not interested in flashy lights or a well-known speaker.” (83) “Gen Z sees past the big screens, fog machines and over-rehearsed worship sets.” (86) They want authenticity. Why in the world world would Barcelona voice his admiration for an entertainer who, by his own admission, makes a statement but does not live a Christian lifestyle, when those to whom he hopes to share salvation want authenticity?
I was appalled at Barcelona's use of the concept of a shotgun wedding. “A shotgun wedding is when two people get married in the spur of the moment. The reason they call it a shotgun wedding is because the man has to fear the father of the woman coming out with a shotgun.” (96) That is so wrong! Even a quick Google search would have clarified that a shotgun wedding is a forced one when the woman is pregnant, the father holding the shotgun to make sure the man does right by his daughter. I just shook my head at the wrong use of that phrase.
I was a bit disappointed there was not more practical help for people who might be challenged in the use of digital technology. “Let me give you instructions on how to use these platforms,” Barcelona writes. (118) Download the app and watch examples from his ministry. “See what we do and do the same.” (119) No information on which apps are best for certain types of gospel presentation. No information on how to set up a profile. No information on search engine optimization or how to increase the number of followers. While he says censorship is a given, he has no suggestions on how to avoid using triggering language. Although he encourages readers to go to https://brianbarcelona.com/dontscroll/ for more resources, “Coming Soon” was all I saw as of this writing.
You'll find lots of encouragement in this book for churches in general and young people in particular to use digital opportunities as additional resources to share the gospel. You'll also find lots of stories showing the fruit of digital ministry. It looks like you are on your own as to practical ideas on how to get the ministry going.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Barcelona writes of his encouragement to use social media to spread the gospel in the context of telling his own story. We read much about his experiences. He tells many stories, giving good examples of young people living out the gospel using digital technology to spread the Good News. “Gen Z,” he writes, “is and will be the greatest proclaimers of the gospel.” (69)
There are a couple of aspects of the book that puzzled me. One was Barcelona relating he “loved” Kanye West coming out with an album in 2019 he called Jesus Is King. Barcelona admits West “had no lifestyle of living for Christ.” (76) That admiration for West making such a bold statement, even though his lifestyle does not agree, is countered by what Barcelona follows with in identifying what this generation wants. Not living the gospel validates “the hypocrisy that has driven so many away from God.” (78) “Gen Z is not interested in flashy lights or a well-known speaker.” (83) “Gen Z sees past the big screens, fog machines and over-rehearsed worship sets.” (86) They want authenticity. Why in the world world would Barcelona voice his admiration for an entertainer who, by his own admission, makes a statement but does not live a Christian lifestyle, when those to whom he hopes to share salvation want authenticity?
I was appalled at Barcelona's use of the concept of a shotgun wedding. “A shotgun wedding is when two people get married in the spur of the moment. The reason they call it a shotgun wedding is because the man has to fear the father of the woman coming out with a shotgun.” (96) That is so wrong! Even a quick Google search would have clarified that a shotgun wedding is a forced one when the woman is pregnant, the father holding the shotgun to make sure the man does right by his daughter. I just shook my head at the wrong use of that phrase.
I was a bit disappointed there was not more practical help for people who might be challenged in the use of digital technology. “Let me give you instructions on how to use these platforms,” Barcelona writes. (118) Download the app and watch examples from his ministry. “See what we do and do the same.” (119) No information on which apps are best for certain types of gospel presentation. No information on how to set up a profile. No information on search engine optimization or how to increase the number of followers. While he says censorship is a given, he has no suggestions on how to avoid using triggering language. Although he encourages readers to go to https://brianbarcelona.com/dontscroll/ for more resources, “Coming Soon” was all I saw as of this writing.
You'll find lots of encouragement in this book for churches in general and young people in particular to use digital opportunities as additional resources to share the gospel. You'll also find lots of stories showing the fruit of digital ministry. It looks like you are on your own as to practical ideas on how to get the ministry going.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 26, 2025
I came to believe, shortly after I started reading this book, that it is geared more towards pastors, specifically young adult pastors, although the author does state, "The digital mission space does not require a college or seminary degree." I was not aware of the target audience before purchasing, but that's not to say that I have not gotten anything out of this book. I have picked up several notable quotes that have really spoken to me, and at least one prayer that I had to make note of.
I noticed that one reviewer did not understand the paragraph about Kanye West. I believe the point that the author was trying to convey is that even people who choose not to follow Christ can publicly admit that Christ is the truth and the life, but it appears that many Christians who claim to follow Christ are afraid to publicly make those statements. The same reviewer complains that the author uses the term "shotgun wedding" incorrectly. When I first read that in the review, I didn't really think that it would make that big of a deal in the context of the book. That being said, the correct use of that term does not lineup with the message that the author is trying to convey. The definition of a shotgun wedding that the author gives in the book, however, does line up with his message. Consequently, if you just accept the author's meaning of the term for the context in which he used it, it all plays out smoothly. I think it's a bit nitpicky, to point out that he's using the term incorrectly.
I do feel like the earlier chapters put quite a bit more emphasis on preaching and discipling to Gen Z. At some points it seems that the digital aspect is sort of an afterthought like, "Oh hey! Here's a way we can do that!" Although, there are some parts where the author focuses heavily on the digital aspect for brief periods. The book does list online resources at brianbarcelona.com/dontscroll. The reviewer that I mentioned earlier noted that at that time of their review, (2022) the link only led to "Coming Soon". As of today, that link is alive and well, although I have not watched the available videos. In chapter 7, however, the author mentioned an Instagram account that his wife started to empower women in faith. I was very intrigued. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate this account. That was disappointing.
In chapter 8, he gets really into how the digital movement is working with real life testimonies. I was covered in goosebumps and my eyes were filled with tears while reading this chapter.
In chapter 9, the author says, "do not fall into the trap of sharing your anger or frustration about what is taking place in the world. Instead, give the hope of Jesus." This made me think of an angry post that I had just made on Facebook that very morning, and I immediately put the book down to delete the post.
In chapter 12, he gives 12 tips for effective digital missions. Even if you don't plan on creating content to preach the Word, these tips are good to keep in mind when you post anything on social media.
In the Afterword, the author has messages for fathers and mothers. I was a bit taken aback that he began the message to mothers by saying, "You are not just a stay-at-home mom." Well, no. Many of us aren't stay-at-home moms at all. He goes on to say, "You may feel as if you have nothing to give, whether you are up all night changing diapers, feeding your children three meals a day, taking them to school and sports practice or trying to survive their teenage years." No, I always felt like I had a lot to give. In fact, while surviving my children's teenage years, I was a single mother and I was everything. Sadly, even though I was a believer, I wasn't living a life of faith at that time, but I certainly didn't feel as though I had nothing to give. I didn't finish this section because I felt like this was a very odd and slightly offensive way to approach mothers in general.
The appendix is titled How To Lead Someone To God. I'm not sure why this isn't a chapter. The guidance is meant for producing content, but could be used in person as well, so I believe that anyone could use this.
I had to read this book in small doses of 1-2 chapters per day. It is a lot to digest and some of the chapters are pretty lengthy. Overall, I learned some things about myself and what I post versus what or how I should be posting. I don't know that I'll ever go to battle on the digital mission field, but I do believe that social media is a weapon, whether you intend it to be or not, and this book is a lesson in how to wield that weapon in faith.
I noticed that one reviewer did not understand the paragraph about Kanye West. I believe the point that the author was trying to convey is that even people who choose not to follow Christ can publicly admit that Christ is the truth and the life, but it appears that many Christians who claim to follow Christ are afraid to publicly make those statements. The same reviewer complains that the author uses the term "shotgun wedding" incorrectly. When I first read that in the review, I didn't really think that it would make that big of a deal in the context of the book. That being said, the correct use of that term does not lineup with the message that the author is trying to convey. The definition of a shotgun wedding that the author gives in the book, however, does line up with his message. Consequently, if you just accept the author's meaning of the term for the context in which he used it, it all plays out smoothly. I think it's a bit nitpicky, to point out that he's using the term incorrectly.
I do feel like the earlier chapters put quite a bit more emphasis on preaching and discipling to Gen Z. At some points it seems that the digital aspect is sort of an afterthought like, "Oh hey! Here's a way we can do that!" Although, there are some parts where the author focuses heavily on the digital aspect for brief periods. The book does list online resources at brianbarcelona.com/dontscroll. The reviewer that I mentioned earlier noted that at that time of their review, (2022) the link only led to "Coming Soon". As of today, that link is alive and well, although I have not watched the available videos. In chapter 7, however, the author mentioned an Instagram account that his wife started to empower women in faith. I was very intrigued. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate this account. That was disappointing.
In chapter 8, he gets really into how the digital movement is working with real life testimonies. I was covered in goosebumps and my eyes were filled with tears while reading this chapter.
In chapter 9, the author says, "do not fall into the trap of sharing your anger or frustration about what is taking place in the world. Instead, give the hope of Jesus." This made me think of an angry post that I had just made on Facebook that very morning, and I immediately put the book down to delete the post.
In chapter 12, he gives 12 tips for effective digital missions. Even if you don't plan on creating content to preach the Word, these tips are good to keep in mind when you post anything on social media.
In the Afterword, the author has messages for fathers and mothers. I was a bit taken aback that he began the message to mothers by saying, "You are not just a stay-at-home mom." Well, no. Many of us aren't stay-at-home moms at all. He goes on to say, "You may feel as if you have nothing to give, whether you are up all night changing diapers, feeding your children three meals a day, taking them to school and sports practice or trying to survive their teenage years." No, I always felt like I had a lot to give. In fact, while surviving my children's teenage years, I was a single mother and I was everything. Sadly, even though I was a believer, I wasn't living a life of faith at that time, but I certainly didn't feel as though I had nothing to give. I didn't finish this section because I felt like this was a very odd and slightly offensive way to approach mothers in general.
The appendix is titled How To Lead Someone To God. I'm not sure why this isn't a chapter. The guidance is meant for producing content, but could be used in person as well, so I believe that anyone could use this.
I had to read this book in small doses of 1-2 chapters per day. It is a lot to digest and some of the chapters are pretty lengthy. Overall, I learned some things about myself and what I post versus what or how I should be posting. I don't know that I'll ever go to battle on the digital mission field, but I do believe that social media is a weapon, whether you intend it to be or not, and this book is a lesson in how to wield that weapon in faith.
June 4, 2022
In Don’t Scroll, Brian Barcelona shared how he had to change how he was doing ministry in 2020 when everything got shut down. For 12 years, he was traveling to public campuses- mostly in high schools preaching and telling students about God. He started doing Instagram live events talking with different key known voices. There wasn’t a record-breaking number of views. He was feeling frustrated and the lockdown was affecting him. He was talking with one of his friends and he suggested they do an event called, Gen Z for Jesus and they would do it June 17th when God was removed from public schools. 25,000 students joined the livestream. After this event, he met two other teenagers who encouraged him and they came with the idea of starting a digital ministry. They began filming videos telling people about Jesus. They used Instagram, TikTok, Zoom, and YouTube. They founded a text message number to allow people to text prayer requests and questions. In the book, he shared how the methods have changed in how we preach the Gospel but the message hasn’t changed. In the book, he devoted a whole chapter to personal stories about how others have since created their own videos changing people’s lives. These stories ranged from self-harm scars healed, salvation, freedom from suicide, brain healed, baptism, and much more.
I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to reach the current generation and teach them about Jesus. I loved the idea of the whole digital ministry and how many are using the popular TikTok platform to do so. It is really cool watching people make videos about Christ. I loved the story he shared about healing from brain aneurism and how one guy battling with thoughts of suicide didn’t follow through because of other users commenting and reaching out to him. I also loved how he shared some from others helping spread the Gospel using different digital platforms. I also liked how he enclosed 12 tips for effective digital missions. One of my favorite ones discussed that every generation is changing and we need to listen to the Holy Spirit and remember what our mission is. We have to open to His leading.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to reach the current generation and teach them about Jesus. I loved the idea of the whole digital ministry and how many are using the popular TikTok platform to do so. It is really cool watching people make videos about Christ. I loved the story he shared about healing from brain aneurism and how one guy battling with thoughts of suicide didn’t follow through because of other users commenting and reaching out to him. I also loved how he shared some from others helping spread the Gospel using different digital platforms. I also liked how he enclosed 12 tips for effective digital missions. One of my favorite ones discussed that every generation is changing and we need to listen to the Holy Spirit and remember what our mission is. We have to open to His leading.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
November 15, 2022
The Attention Evangilst
This was a very encouraging and fun book on digital evangelism using social media.
Would recommend for churches to read this, so they can up their attendance of youth in their services.
Really great read!
This was a very encouraging and fun book on digital evangelism using social media.
Would recommend for churches to read this, so they can up their attendance of youth in their services.
Really great read!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews