CYBERSPACE PASTOR by Sherry Christiansen Staff Writer, *The Jasper (Texas) Newsboy* [Article taken from *The Jasper Newsboy* of 5 February 1997, reprinted by permission] Today, most people who discuss the future of society agree that in order to stay up with future generations, computer literacy is a must. In addition, the information super highway, known as the internet, is becoming a vital tool in business, homes and schools for those seeking information and communication. One of Jasper's leading ministers, Rev. Walter P. Snyder, has recognized the power and potential of the cyberspace revolution. He has found it's another way he can interface with people and is using it to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ, answer questions and occasionally spread a little humor to those who visit his web page. Ordained in Olivette, Mo., in June 1992, Snyder, who is the son of a Lutheran pastor, says his decision to become a pastor didn't come until later in life. He draws on his past experiences to teach and better understand those around him. "I worked in banking as a teller and eventually as an operations officer prior to completing studies of the holy ministry," states Snyder. "My decision to become a pastor was kind of like the biblical story, Jonah and the fish. Many situations in my life kept bringing me back to the ministry." Even though the 40-year-old pastor has only been in Jasper since July 1992, he has become well known by people from other congregations. One thing Snyder says he enjoys most is learning new things and discussing beliefs and ideas with people. He has an extensive library that begins in his church office and continues into his home. Snyder confesses many of his books, which range from theological discussions to modern whodunits, are stored in boxes due to lack of bookshelf space. Because of his love of teaching and learning, Snyder began to write a column for The Jasper Newsboy called "Ask the Pastor. He says he enjoys the response it gets but still wants to reach more people. After the internet started and with the birth of the World Wide Web, Snyder became a "surfer," a term used for people who are regular users of the internet. He found the web serves as a valuable research tool for a multitude of subjects as well as a way to make contact with people around the world. After accumulating many hours of computer time, Snyder decided the internet was a good way to further expand his column and teach. In August of 1996, the column took to the information highway with its own web page. The page, entitled Xrysostom, (pronounced chris-us-tum) which is Greek for "the golden mouth," was named in honor of Saint John Chrysostom. According to Snyder, the saint was given the title by the early church because of his well-known preaching. Snyder said he also likes the name because he enjoys his own preaching and public speaking. "Prior to this time, articles were only available through the paper or those who were members of the internet discussion list, LTHRN-L," explains Snyder. "I now have readers with whom I correspond regularly via the web page from Korea, China, Sweden, and Australia." Snyder designed his web page to appeal both to Christians and to those seeking answers about Christianity. The tone set by the pastor is conversational style and informal and uses humor as part of its message. The page is not limited to religion. Snyder has established many links to other pages dealing with sports, music, weather and personal pages. Links are shortcuts to other web sites that may have additional information on a particular subject. For those who want more information along a theological line, Snyder includes various sub-pages that provide specialized links to Lutheran and general theological sites. "The links are especially intended to give opportunity for people to do first-hand research of the claims of the Lutheran Church and Christianity, as well as other religions, sects and cults," claims Snyder. "I also have hidden links throughout the page." So far, Snyder says the response to his site has been fairly good. "Some weeks I'll only have one or two inquiries. Other times I may have many," he maintains. One one occasion, he met an internet reader of his column. According to Snyder, she came through the area on her way to Nacodoches to visit relatives. She took some time to look around Jasper and visited the church. "It was nice to put a face with a name," says Snyder. In addition to writing for web pages and columns, Snyder also coauthored a book with his father, Rev. Walter W. Snyder. The book, *What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults*, is a reference and teaching book for people of the Lutheran faith or those who are curious about the church. "There is a missionary in Kazakstan, which is located in Asian Russia, who is having the book translated into the local dialect," claims Snyder. Whether helping those at home or on the other side of the world, Snyder is never more than a keystroke away from lending a helping hand or engaging in lively, thought-provoking conversation. For him, the surf is always up in cyberspace.