The Gospel Goes Digital
What happens when a lifelong evangelist asks God how to reach 33 million teenagers in America? For Sean Dunn, the answer was clear: Go where they are.
Sean is the founder and president of Groundwire, a digital-first ministry that interrupts scrolling teens with hope-filled messages, connects them with real people online, and introduces them to Jesus. The result? In 2024 alone, more than 1.5 million young people professed faith in Christ — at an average cost of just $48 per decision.
Called to contend for a generation
At age 14, Sean wrote a mission statement in his Bible: “Contend for a generation.” He carried that call into youth ministry, then evangelism, speaking at massive conferences and festivals. But he realized something was missing:
- He was only reaching those who showed up.
- He was preaching to the already convinced.
- The math didn’t add up. (156,000 reached vs. 33 million teenagers in need).
So he prayed: “God, You’re a creative genius and I’m an idiot. Show me what to do.”
Groundwire: Hope in the feed
God’s answer was to reach teens through their addiction: media.
- First via radio and TV, even commercials on MTV and Adult Swim.
- In 2017, the pivot came: 100% digital outreach.
- Today, Groundwire ads show up on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and more.
In 2024, those ads were seen nearly 1 billion times. Over 10 million visited a Groundwire site like JesusCares.com or IFeelBroken.com. And 1.5 million said “yes” to Jesus.
Meeting real needs first
Sean explains: “Most people aren’t waking up saying, ‘I’m going to hell.’ They’re waking up saying, ‘I’m going through hell.’”
That’s why Groundwire starts with felt needs:
- Hope — Is it ever going to get better?
- Purpose — Why am I here?
- Loneliness — Does anyone really see me?
Through empathetic listening, volunteers transition to sharing the gospel: Jesus brings not only peace for today, but salvation forever.
Training digital disciple-makers
Groundwire’s impact doesn’t end at the altar call. New believers are offered next steps like:
- A 21-day challenge to read the book of John.
- Short video discipleship lessons sent to their phones.
- Online communities like Chasing Christ on Discord.
And the backbone of it all? Thousands of trained volunteer coaches worldwide who log in, listen, and lead people to Christ every day — even at 3 AM.
A rising spiritual climate
Contrary to headlines, Sean sees evidence of revival:
- A Barna study showed that in 2020, 54% of Americans said their commitment to Jesus was important. By 2025, that number jumped to 66%.
- From college campuses to unexpected celebrities, people are asking real spiritual questions.
- As Sean puts it: “The harvest is ripe. They’re not waiting on us — we’re waiting on them.”
How you can get involved
🙋 Become a coach: Log in anytime, anywhere, and be the voice of hope someone needs.
💸 Invest in souls: Every $48 leads to one profession of faith.
📖 Read Sean’s book: Contending for the Rising Generations — practical wisdom for reaching Millennials and Gen Z with the gospel.
Learn more at groundwire.net.