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"REAL" Christian Radio

R

radioelizabeth

Guest
The following is a thread happening down below...I thought I'd post it up top to see what others think...

Obviously, chefs own some pretty amazing restaurants...but they aren't the only ones who do...

ORIGINAL START OF THREAD

Willie wrote:
"REAL Christian radio stations are stations that are owned, operated, and managed by persons who have a deep, abiding Faith in, and personal Relationship with, the LORD, Jesus Christ....There are stations out there which carry *some* Christian programming, but the owner/manager is/are not (a) Christian(s). Unsaved people are totally incapable of running a REAL Christian station. I didn't say that. God's Word did: 1COR 2:14 2COR 6:14-15...I hope that helps clarify the issue. :)"

radioelizabeth wrote:
"No. It doesn't. But it does clarify your position.

I'll skip on commentary on the use of those passages.

Station mission, vision, and goal is relevant. While it is wonderful that YOUR station believes in this philosophy, I don't know that we could apply it to all radio.

People are Christian. Not programming. Yes, it is the name we give it, based on the content...but perhaps there is another way we could define or identify stations that you call "real"... "Owned and operated by..." etc...

Also, we can't presume to know the heart of ANYONE. So, I won't take a stab at who is or isn't "unsaved". But I doubt very seriously salvation determines "real" Christian programming. It may impact vision and mission and overall strategy. It may even influence program schedule and selection. But I'm not seeing how it addresses the specific content of song or programs that air.

And I would disagree that "unsaved are incapable" of running a Christian station. Obviously by definition the "unsaved" wouldn't fit under "owned and operated by"...but "REAL" is a dangerous term in the discussion. (imo)"<P ID="signature">______________
RADIOELIZABETH
Pleasant, Passionate, Persuasive
www.radioelizabeth.com</P>
 
> "REAL Christian radio stations are stations that are owned,
> operated, and managed by persons who have a deep, abiding
> Faith in, and personal Relationship with, the LORD, Jesus
> Christ....There are stations out there which carry *some*
> Christian programming, but the owner/manager is/are not (a)
> Christian(s). Unsaved people are totally incapable of
> running a REAL Christian station. I didn't say that. God's
> Word did: 1COR 2:14 2COR 6:14-15...I hope that helps clarify
> the issue. :)"

The chief and highest end (mission statement) of man is to love God, and to enjoy him forever. (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q. 1)

Mission statement for 99.9% of radio stations: This is a profit-making organization. That is the way it is intended, and that is the way it shall be. (sign on the GM's wall - FRAMED)

Personally, I don't care if your license says Non-Commercial or Commercial...or what end of the FM dial you operate on...the rule of broadcasting that EMF, Salem and everyone in between who operates radio stations subscribes to is that it either brings money in or it goes off the air.

The struggle to equate the Biblical mission statement for humanity with the mission statement necessary for survival in the broadcasting business is sufficient to ensure that neither of those missions will be fulfilled perfectly by Christians operating radio stations.

Remember also that Jesus said that, "...no man can serve two masters...". Ultimately, to achieve the maximum service to the Lord, the radio station will be a burden and fall by the wayside...or to achieve the maximum service from the radio station, devotion to the Lord will fall by the wayside.

In many ways, it is better for the non-believer to operate Christian radio stations. Not being burdened with a responsibility to the Lord, they are free to make all of the profit they can out of the station. I realize that idea won't fly theologically, but ultimately IT'S THE TRUTH.

Moderator Matt<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by Matt on 04/09/06 07:48 PM.</FONT></P>
 
I may or may not be "saved" according to any particular person's definition, but finding an audience and giving it what it wants is pretty universal to any radio format. <P ID="signature">______________
"Your right to know supersedes your right to exist"..Gary Burbank</P>
 
Re: "REAL" Christian Radio(re:radioelizabeth)

If God can use a donkey, he can use a nonChristian for His work. Perhaps if Christian radio would use more creativity and "be real" and less Christianese boring, both goals would be accomplished. Money and mission.
And we could drift into a conversation about some Christian radio owners/salespeople who don't act Christ Like in their business life. Willie paints a picture of heaven but it "ain't" here yet.
 
Re: "off topic about referencing names

Why are these posts referencing everyone...never saw it do this before?
 
"And we could drift into a conversation about some Christian radio owners/salespeople who don't act Christ Like in their business life."


oh please...let's not. We're all guilty in all areas of our lives in one moment or another. The conversation would be exhaustive...and I'm quite tired today. <P ID="signature">______________
RADIOELIZABETH
Pleasant, Passionate, Persuasive
www.radioelizabeth.com</P>
 
"oh please...let's not. We're all guilty in all areas of our
> lives in one moment or another. The conversation would be
> exhaustive...and I'm quite tired today."

I agree:). The point being using the "Christian" title doesn't always mean it is Christian according to what some view as Christian... My, I keep going in circles...I'm confused now..
>
 
Re: Willie's reply

Willie's reply:


******************************************************************

> Station mission, vision, and goal is relevant. While it is
> wonderful that YOUR station believes in this philosophy, I
> don't know that we could apply it to all radio.

Of COURSE we couldn't apply it to ALL radio... it wouldn't fit! :)

> People are Christian. Not programming. Yes, it is the name
> we give it, based on the content...but perhaps there is
> another way we could define or identify stations that you
> call "real"... "Owned and operated by..." etc...

If the owner, etc. are Saved, and if the Vision/Mission Statement & programming are intended to glorify the Lord, edify Believers, and bring Sinners to Salvation, then I'd say that's pretty "REAL". :) Earning an income is merely PART of the equation, it isn't the WHOLE equation.

Stations that just put anyone and anything on the air that walks in with money, are NOT putting the work of Christ first. They're putting filthy lucre first, at the EXPENSE of the work of Christ in the vast majority of cases. Such "Dollar-A-Hollar" stations are an embarassment to the Cause of Christ, because they become laughingstocks in their communities... Horrible programming, poor technical facilities, terrible distortion, etc. are common themes with such. Maybe not all, but most that I've ever heard in my travels.

> Also, we can't presume to know the heart of ANYONE. So, I
> won't take a stab at who is or isn't "unsaved".

Although it starts at verse 16, here's the relevant part of what Jesus, Himself, said about this matter:

MATT 7:20-21
(20) "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.)"

We have no Higher Authority than that. :)

> But I doubt
> very seriously salvation determines "real" Christian
> programming. It may impact vision and mission and overall
> strategy. It may even influence program schedule and
> selection. But I'm not seeing how it addresses the specific
> content of song or programs that air.

I don't know how you can miss it... Salvation determines (or at least, it SHOULD!) *EVERYTHING* a person does in this life. None of us are perfect, that much is a given... but when Christ reigns upon the "throne" of our heart, our actions should be governed appropriately. A station owner who does not know Christ is NOT going to have that "Moral Compass" so-to-speak. He/she is also not going to have the Spiritual ability to discern, which was the point of my previous post & use of those Bible passages.

It behooves each and every one of us to regard the role of Christ in our hearts and lives, and to obey the leading of His Spirit as we make decisions. WHy are we doing what we are doing? What is the primary motivation of our hearts? How will we stand before thLord one day, and give account? What will we hear Him say? How many of our works will be burned up, as wood, hay, and stubble, and how many will make it through the trial by fire?

1COR 3:10-13
(10) "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
(11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
(12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
(13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

What kind of foundation can Sinners build?

> And I would disagree that "unsaved are incapable" of running
> a Christian station. Obviously by definition the "unsaved"
> wouldn't fit under "owned and operated by"...but "REAL" is a
> dangerous term in the discussion. (imo)

I don't see how it can be "dangerous" unless one happens to be employed by a non-Christian who is running a station with Christian programming. Who, ultimately, is seated upon the throne of that person's heart, if not the Lord? To what end will that person ultimately come, if they don't surrender their heart and life to Christ? I think we *ALL* know the answer to that... and it's not a pleasant one. <:(

JOHN 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Willie...

**************************************************************************



I'm not going to get into a verse war. And I'm not going to doubt Willie's right to program his station accordingly...however:

I strongly disagree with the overall tone and assumption of the post.

With this philosophy, a person who is a Christian should not expect anything touched by "non Christians" to benefit them. Which is illogical and unscriptural. It denies Christ ultimate control over EVERYTHING and takes the focus off Him and onto us. In my opinion. But back to radio...

Radio is radio. Programming strategies are pretty much universal.

Regarding bad radio (which is mentioned)...of course that stinks. But bad radio is not what we're talking about. It's whether there can be "Real" Christian radio or not. And why.

<P ID="signature">______________
RADIOELIZABETH
Pleasant, Passionate, Persuasive
www.radioelizabeth.com</P>
 
Re: Willie's reply

>I'm not going to get into a verse war. And I'm not going to doubt
>Willie's right to program his station accordingly...however:

If all you're seeing here is some kind of "verse war", then I'm afraid you've *completely* missed my intent. <:(

>I strongly disagree with the overall tone and assumption of the post.

What "tone"? There is no "tone" but sincerity coming from my heart. If you're *reading something else into it*... then that's not *my* fault.

>With this philosophy, a person who is a Christian should not
>expect anything touched by "non Christians" to benefit them.

Apparenly, you've managed to pull this one completely out of thin air, because I neither said, nor intended to imply anything of the sort.

>Which is illogical and unscriptural.

It's pretty foolish, too. After all, we don't know if the farmer whose cows make the milk we buy, or the broccoli, etc, is a Christian. We don't know if the assembly-line worker who puts our car together is Saved... of course not.

HOWEVER--- Wouldn't we want to make absolutely sure that our Spiritual Leadership are Saved? Pastors? Sunday School teachers? Etc? Wouldn't we also want to know that those who are making the programing decisions (whether music, talk, or both) on our local Christian Radio stations also making those decisions from a CHRIST-centered worldview?

>It denies Christ ultimate
>control over EVERYTHING and takes the focus off Him and
>onto us. In my opinion. But back to radio...

I don't see how... when the ownership & staff of the Christian station are doing what they do out of a love for Jesus, FIRST *AND* they are using Wisdom and good business practices, how does that DENY Christ? Au Contraire! (sp?)

>Radio is radio. Programming strategies are pretty much universal.

To a degree, yes... but shouldn't we, who are called by His Name, keep THE MAIN THING, the *Main Thing*?

>Regarding bad radio (which is mentioned)...of course that stinks.
>But bad radio is not what we're talking about. It's whether there
>can be "Real" Christian radio or not. And why.

It's REAL when Jesus is at the core of everything and everyone. Plain & simple. :)

Serving JESUS first, and excercizing good business sense (with Godly Wisdom) are NOT mutually exclusive. It is absolutely possible to operate a Christian radio station in ways that truly glorify the Lord *and* allow the station to prosper. God is a God of BALANCE. We see it all throughout Creation. As long as we SEEK FIRST His Kingdom, *ALL these (other) things will be *added* unto us. Put HIM first, and *HE* will allow the station to prosper, both physically, but especially SPIRITUALLY.

I come back to the passages about our works being tried by God's fire... if we build massive, wealthy empires, what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? Am I saying that we should be poor? Of course not! I have to make this plain, or I may be accused of such foolishness. <:( Sigh.

All I know is that when we put JESUS FIRST, HE has an AMAZING way of "working out the details".

Oh yes... and *HE* NEVER fails. o/

I rejoice in what the LORD has done with the life of THIS unworthy, tarnished and dented vessel. The fact that He can do *anything at all* with it is a fact that amazes me and brings me to my knees with tears, often.

Glory to HIS Name!!! o/

Willie...
 
> The chief and highest end (mission statement) of man is to
> love God, and to enjoy him forever. (Westminster Shorter
> Catechism, Q. 1)

What a glorious thing... to even imagine that we, unworthy as we are, GOD sent His only begotten Son into this world to die on that Cross for our sins... so that we COULD "Enjoy HIM forever". Especially during this Easter season, let's not lose sight of that wonderous fact. :)

> Mission statement for 99.9% of radio stations: This is a
> profit-making organization. That is the way it is intended,
> and that is the way it shall be. (sign on the GM's wall -
> FRAMED)

That shouldn't be the chief and highest end of Christian Radio, though. The MAIN THING should be. All the rest is details.

> Personally, I don't care if your license says Non-Commercial
> or Commercial...or what end of the FM dial you operate
> on...the rule of broadcasting that EMF, Salem and everyone
> in between who operates radio stations subscribes to is that
> it either brings money in or it goes off the air.

Hey... what about us AM's? <:"(

When we put the Lord first in ALL things, that includes using WISDOM in making common-sense business decisions. (Seek ye first...)

> The struggle to equate the Biblical mission statement for
> humanity with the mission statement necessary for survival
> in the broadcasting business is sufficient to ensure that
> neither of those missions will be fulfilled perfectly by
> Christians operating radio stations.

As I said in my prior post, it's BALANCE. In everything God does, we see Balance. It is beautiful, wonderous, and truly gives Him Glory. It also glorifies Him when we live a BALANCED Christian life... with JESUS FIRST, and everything else second. :)

Am I perfect? HA!!! Not a chance! (So to those so inclined, please don't accuse me of having a "tone", OK? Please?)

God knows each one of us, and He knows the intents of our hearts. He knows our faults (and I know I have MANY) He knows our weaknesses and He knows our strengths. He even knows how many hairs we have on our heads. That never ceases to blow my mind!!!!

> Remember also that Jesus said that, "...no man can serve two
> masters...". Ultimately, to achieve the maximum service to
> the Lord, the radio station will be a burden and fall by the
> wayside...or to achieve the maximum service from the radio
> station, devotion to the Lord will fall by the wayside.

You've just made my point very clear. :) BALANCE!!! Put JESUS first, and use wisdom in the business decisions. It NEVER hurts to PRAY about important decisions, either, asking for God's guidance. Sometimes, His direction may SEEM to go counter to the "wisdom" of Man... but how often are we told that Man's "wisdom" is foolishness to God?

How many times does God's Wisom APPEAR foolish to man... until His purpose is revealed, then everyones jaws will drop. Imagine the look on Satan's face on Resurrection Morning!!!!

> In many ways, it is better for the non-believer to operate
> Christian radio stations. Not being burdened with a
> responsibility to the Lord, they are free to make all of the
> profit they can out of the station.

They strive for riches, but how long will those last?

PROV 23:5 "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."

How many other times does Solomon talk about the fleeting nature of riches? Jesus tells us we cannot serve both God and mammon.

Here are a few verses dealing with "filthy lucre":

1TIM 3:8 "Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;"

TITUS 1:7 "For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;"

1PETER 5:2 "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;"

Finances are a necessary part of surviving in today's world, there is no debate there. I must come back to BALANCE, though. If our goal is money first, then it has become our god. If GOD is our first goal, our first motivation, Jesus has already told us that He will provide all of those other things that we need.

The question comes down to an issue of trust: Do we TRUST GOD, or do we just SAY it? Do we actually put HIM first? That's between each one of us, and the Lord.

Willie...
 
Re: Willie's reply

Willie wrote:
"If all you're seeing here is some kind of "verse war", then I'm afraid you've *completely* missed my intent."

That isn't "all I see"...and why I didn't go there. But I DO see a lot of verses.


Willie wrote:
" What "tone"? There is no "tone" but sincerity coming from my heart. If you're *reading something else into it*... then that's not *my* fault."

Right. And I don't share that tone. It is apparent how YOU feel and what YOU feel about "real" Christian radio. That is a good good thing. The tone is, however, not something I share. It appears...appears...that in your post and by your words any radio programming ("Christian" music or programs) not run by "the saved" is not worthy to be called "REAL Christian radio". That does ring a little righteous. Just a little. ;)


radioelizabeth wrote:
"With this philosophy, a person who is a Christian should not expect anything touched by "non Christians" to benefit them."

Willie wrote:
"Apparenly, you've managed to pull this one completely out of thin air, because I neither said, nor intended to imply anything of the sort."

No, you didn't say that. I did, based on the philosophy that only the "saved" are capable of doing "REAL Christian radio".


Willie wrote:
"Wouldn't we want to make absolutely sure that our Spiritual Leadership are Saved? Pastors? Sunday School teachers? Etc? Wouldn't we also want to know that those who are making the programing decisions (whether music, talk, or both) on our local Christian Radio stations also making those decisions from a CHRIST-centered worldview?"

Perhaps for YOUR station, YOUR ministry. But certainly not across the board. Because not all share in the belief that radio is a church. Not all share in the thought that programmers ought to be held to the same standard as pastors. Maybe for YOUR station, but not all.


radioelizabeth wrote:
"It denies Christ ultimate control over EVERYTHING and takes the focus off Him and onto us. In my opinion. But back to radio..."

Willie wrote:
"I don't see how... when the ownership & staff of the Christian station are doing what they do out of a love for Jesus, FIRST *AND* they are using Wisdom and good business practices, how does that DENY Christ? Au Contraire! (sp?)"

It denies His control when we assume that ONLY the "saved" are capable of programming Christian radio.



radioelizabeth wrote:
"Radio is radio. Programming strategies are pretty much universal."

Willie wrote:
"To a degree, yes... but shouldn't we, who are called by His Name, keep THE MAIN THING, the *Main Thing*?"

I'm not sure how keeping solid programming strategies in place wouldn't do that. The "Main Thing"? In regards to what?


Willie wrote:
"It's REAL when Jesus is at the core of everything and everyone. Plain & simple. :)"

For YOUR station. But again, Jesus may not be at the core of everyone's motives programming this format. That doesn't make it less "REAL", except by your definition. Which, of course, is great for your station.



<P ID="signature">______________
RADIOELIZABETH
Pleasant, Passionate, Persuasive
www.radioelizabeth.com</P>
 
This is a difficult subject, because each of us is in a different place in our walk with the Lord. Frankly, Willie's vision sounds wonderful. Many of us have heard or listened to Christian radio or Christian programming that blessed our spirits and lifted us to the heights of worship and obviously was annointed by the Lord. Then there are the others, where their stations or programs SEEM to be more about making money at the expense of serving the Lord or due to the lack of broadcasting ability their program sounds lousy and not of a quality that anyone would want to put on the air, etc. I agree with Radio E that we can not judge where a person's walk is or if they even have a walk with the Lord. Even with the poorer quality Christian station, the Lord can still take that lemon and make lemonade out of it, just as he does with many things each of us do. There are many different Christian denominations that have various differences about them other than the bedrock belief of salvation in Jesus Christ, virgin birth, rose from the dead on Easter, etc. Yet, they can't agree on many other issues of belief. In spite of this God uses all these various churches and has planted a remnent of true believers in each. I believe it's much the same with Christian radio. Our God is plenty big enough to take even a poor quality station with poor management, etc and still use it for his glory.

Much too much time is spent by us followers of Jesus, not just here on this board but in real life too, in fighting with each other and not working together to bring the lost to Christ. Each of us as believers, and as radio folks, have our own ideas as to what makes a good radio station or radio programs. Let's each of us ask the Lord to show us what he wants us to be doing in radio be that a Christian station or even a secular station and do that to the best of our abilities and give the glory to him.

> "oh please...let's not. We're all guilty in all areas of our
>
> > lives in one moment or another. The conversation would be
> > exhaustive...and I'm quite tired today."
>
> I agree:). The point being using the "Christian" title
> doesn't always mean it is Christian according to what some
> view as Christian... My, I keep going in circles...I'm
> confused now..
> >
>
 
Re: Willie's reply

> That isn't "all I see"...and why I didn't go there. But I DO
> see a lot of verses.

I believe there were three in that post? A few more in the most recent. That's not a "lot", and they are highly relevant to the topic.

>
>
> Willie wrote:
> " What "tone"? There is no "tone" but sincerity coming from
> my heart. If you're *reading something else into it*... then
> that's not *my* fault."
>
> Right. And I don't share that tone.

You don't have sincerity? O> (Scratching head)


> share. It appears...appears...that in your post and by your
> words any radio programming ("Christian" music or programs)
> not run by "the saved" is not worthy to be called "REAL
> Christian radio". That does ring a little righteous. Just a
> little. ;)

How can a NON-Christian *RIGHTLY* divide the Word of Truth?

2TIM 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

1COR 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

How can they properly discern and manage that which they cannot comprehend?

1COR 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned."

As Christians, God's Word is our Final Authority. That is why I quote it. My arguments, and anyone elses, are nothing. We need to focus on The Word: What does GOD say about this whole issue of "infidels" handling His Word or feeding His sheep?

1COR 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

To those who are perishing, using Christian Radio purely for the gain of their own filthy lucre, it cannot be "pure" or REAL. Sure, God WILL be glorified in the Biblical programs or songs that are aired... but what of the NON-Biblical stuff? Stuff that can, potentially, confuse, frighten, or "poison" God's "sheep"?

> No, you didn't say that. I did, based on the philosophy that
> only the "saved" are capable of doing "REAL Christian
> radio".

How can the unsaved POSSIBLY do it, though? Sure, they can put good stuff on the air... but they can also put some BAD stuff on the air, and not even know the difference. (It's all "religion" to them.) A CHRISTIAN, on the other hand, can *discern* the difference and make better choices... by prayer and seeking the Lord. Does this mean that ALL Christian station owners/managers do this? Probably not, but I wish they *ALL* did. The unsaved, however, CAN NOT. It is simply beyond them.

God's Word very clearly and plainly makes this known. To repeat: 1COR 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: **neither can he know [them]**, because they are spiritually discerned."

See those words... "neither can he know them". God's Word speaks for itself, here.

> Perhaps for YOUR station, YOUR ministry. But certainly not
> across the board. Because not all share in the belief that
> radio is a church. Not all share in the thought that
> programmers ought to be held to the same standard as
> pastors. Maybe for YOUR station, but not all.

Why *shouldn't* they, though? Are they not ministering to God's people, and to the Lost? Are they not thus fulfilling similar roles? Feeding the flock, and rescuing the lost sheep? Isn't the goal of Christian Radio to be a light to the lost, and a place of safety for the Saved?

> It denies His control when we assume that ONLY the "saved"
> are capable of programming Christian radio.

Only the Saved are capable of *rightly* programming it. The Bible says so.

> I'm not sure how keeping solid programming strategies in
> place wouldn't do that. The "Main Thing"? In regards to
> what?

Do you not know what The Main Thing is?

> For YOUR station. But again, Jesus may not be at the core of
> everyone's motives programming this format.

If He is not, then they really should prayerfully re-examine those motives. I say that with absolute, heartfelt sincerity, not criticism. The prayer that the unsaved need to make, is the prayer of repentence and for Salvation.

> That doesn't
> make it less "REAL", except by your definition. Which, of
> course, is great for your station.

It's not just my definition, it is based on God's Word.

I am curious how others who are Born Again Believers in Jesus feel about it.

CAN a NON-Believer *properly* program a CHRISTIAN-formatted station?

Willie...
 
Mike wrote " This is a difficult subject, because each of us is in a
different place in our walk with the Lord."

Exactly!!!

"Frankly,Willie's vision sounds wonderful."

It sure does unfortunately we live on earth, not heaven.

"Even with the poorer quality Christian station,
the Lord can still take that lemon and make lemonade out of
it, just as he does with many things each of us do."

Great thoughts! He sure can, we limit God way too much.

"Much too much time is spent by us followers of Jesus, not
just here on this board but in real life too, in fighting
with each other and not working together to bring the lost to Christ."

More great thoughts! We exalt ourselves too much (throwing scriptures around to intimate, throwing statistics around for the same reason). We are all on the same side. We can do things differently and yet give out the same solid message of Christ.
 
More on "Real" Christian Radio

Willie wrote:
"they [verses]are highly relevant to the topic."

While I think your passion and your excitement for scripture is wonderful...I think other items are relevant. How about showing some specific examples of exactly HOW a station run by a "non-believer" fails to do radio right? You continue to say that the "unsaved" are not able to do Christian radio properly. But I think we are into completely different definitions of "proper" or "right" or "real".

Again, YOUR station, yes. That is great. And properly to YOU may mean all these things...but not to everyone.


Willie wrote:
"How can a NON-Christian *RIGHTLY* divide the Word of Truth?"

What exactly has that got to do with programming this format successfully? (Again, I'm going for specifics here)


Willie wrote:
"How can they properly discern and manage that which they cannot comprehend?"

Again, radio strategies and principles do not change once we cross format. Some of it is just standard.


Willie wrote:
"but what of the NON-Biblical stuff?"

We are around "NON-Biblical stuff" all the time.


Willie wrote:
"The unsaved, however, CAN NOT. It is simply beyond them."

It may be beyond them to program the type of station YOU prefer, but not the format. And not "Real" radio.

Again...I think the difference is that YOU see "Real Christian Radio" one way, others see it another. We all have our own visions. :)


radioelizabeth wrote:
"not all share in the belief that radio is a church. Not all share in the thought that programmers ought to be held to the same standard as pastors. Maybe for YOUR station, but not all."

Willie wrote:
"Why *shouldn't* they, though? Are they not ministering to God's people, and to the Lost? Are they not thus fulfilling similar roles? Feeding the flock, and rescuing the lost sheep? Isn't the goal of Christian Radio to be a light to the lost, and a place of safety for the Saved?"

Not for everyone. That is not everyone's goal. And we (believers) are ALL saints. We are ALL called to minister, and feed, and show Who rescues. Regardless of our job or title.


Willie wrote:
"Only the Saved are capable of *rightly* programming it. The Bible says so."

"rightly" according to YOUR vision for the format.


Willie wrote:
"Do you not know what The Main Thing is?"

Seriously...this question is unnecessary. You know I do, in regards to Christ. But what did your statement have to do with the topic.


radioelizabeth wrote:
"Jesus may not be at the core of everyone's motives programming this format.

Willie wrote:
"If He is not, then they really should prayerfully re-examine those motives."

Now, according to your own posts (with ALL those verses), how can you expect an "unsaved" person to examine their motives and come to YOUR conclusions? Their motives are theirs alone. And not ours to impose. IMO.

Willie wrote:
"I am curious how others who are Born Again Believers in Jesus feel about it. CAN a NON-Believer *properly* program a CHRISTIAN-formatted station?"


ditto. I'd like to hear from more than "Born Again Believers" though.

Good discussion! Thanks Willie. :)
<P ID="signature">______________
RADIOELIZABETH
Pleasant, Passionate, Persuasive
www.radioelizabeth.com</P>
 
Re: More on "Real" Christian Radio

"Willie wrote:
"Only the Saved are capable of *rightly* programming it. The Bible says so."

Hey, I missed the scriptures about programming radio. Where would those be?
 
Re: More on "Real" Christian Radio

> "Willie wrote:
> "Only the Saved are capable of *rightly* programming it. The
> Bible says so."
>
Dispensationalism, anyone?<P ID="signature">______________
"Your right to know supersedes your right to exist"..Gary Burbank</P>
 
todd wrote:
"I would like to suggest that you read... "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller or "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell"


EXCELLENT suggestions! :)

Good to see you again last week!
 
> Mike wrote " This is a difficult subject, because each of us
> is in a
> different place in our walk with the Lord."
>
> Exactly!!!
>
> "Frankly,Willie's vision sounds wonderful."
>
> It sure does unfortunately we live on earth, not heaven.
>

I'd have to agree.

I worked at a Christian station 20 years ago. We had a top-notch program director and GM and the air staff was encouraged to be creative, funny, think out of the box and unabashedly proclaim the Gospel in word and through music (we were an all-music station.) The owner was an out-of-town real estate tycoon who considered the station little more than a tax write-off. Was he a Christian? I honestly don't know. I met the man once. He wasn't a great broadcaster, but he at least hired pros and let them do their best.

Outside of the biz, I have worked for a gentleman who proclaims Christ as his savior. I don't doubt his sincerity and I won't judge his heart. I do know this man is prone to bursts of anger and uses a fair amount of foul language when upset. It's a bit disconcerting.

I currently work for a man who has tremendous ethics, respects others and never, and I mean never, exhibits a temper. He is not a Christian; he barely concedes there may be a God.

My point? We are all imperfect. Some of my colleagues in Christian radio seemed to be spiritual giants. I found out later one had left his wife for a woman his daughter's age. Another entered the homosexual lifestyle.

The point is: hopefully, no one gets their spiritual meat from radio anyway. I like to get some "hors d' ourves" on teaching radio, but radio is not church.

CCM radio is great, but, it too, is not church.

I bet if we opened it up for discussion, we could find stories of radio pros who were not saved, but found Christ by working around committed believers in Christian or secular stations.

Heck, I know of a man who practiced his profession for 30 years and finally committed his life to Christ. The irony is: he's a pastor.
 
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