In fact, we were unable to accommodate a number of late inquirers who visited the Consultation Web site and expressed an interest to attend. Although we don t have fixed ideas of where the Consultation will lead, we expect that it will be an historic opportunity to focus strategic planning at the highest level. As I mentioned in my letter of invitation, in these next 2 days we will consider the challenges of the Internet, look at examples of how the medium is now being used, and see emerging applications of the technology. In the process, we hope, too, to find ways to work together. Running through it all is the controlling purpose of the Consultation to explore ways the awesome potential of the Internet can be harnessed to the task of communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.
Evangelism is our watch word.
To this end, we want to learn more about the ever-expanding technology of this information science, but getting more knowledge of the Net is not the motivation for our Consultation. Nor is our primary purpose to acquire more skill in utilizing the Net to enhance the operation and support systems of our respective organizations. That doubtless will be a side benefit, but it is not our basic reason for being here. We are not gathered even to consider all the facets of Christian ministry, including nurturing the saints. Certainly such ministry is vital to the on-going work of the church, and the Net can be a powerful resource in that ministry.