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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Media (in any form) (11/11/10)
'What a great start to the day,' thought Pastor Kyle.

He had wondered about the wisdom of a special “Golden Arches” breakfast; inviting church members to pray over and brainstorm ideas for reaching into the community through local media.

Catering would not be a problem; but seven of them had come; and the flow of their ideas, quips, comments and insights reassured his anticipation of blessings ahead…

“Brothers and sisters; look out on our McMission field!”

“Times change; but people don’t - and neither does God! We don’t need to change our message, but we have to keep our methods up to date!”

“I wonder if anyone was walking past and saw us while we bowed our heads to give thanks. I can imagine them thinking: ‘How could they all have migraines at the same time?’ And the quick riposte: “Never worry about what people think; they don’t do it often enough!”

“I think it takes special talent to make the gospel dull and boring. It’s all about a whole new start for life, and about being fulfilled and effective!”

“Why don’t we speak with the radio station’s program director?”

“Do you mean the Christian station?”

“No, I mean the commercial station; the one that non-Christians listen to. If we only work with the Christians we are preaching to those who are already converted. That’s like throwing seed around inside the barn: it won’t grow in there. We have to scatter the seed! “

“Pastor Kyle, why don’t you offer to handle a talk-back program? You often invite feedback from us in church, and your answers always hit the spot. Going on radio would be a natural step up, and I’m sure that church business people would sponsor the time.” (A clear case of varying the response to the vision in Isaiah six, Kyle thought, from “Here am I Lord; send me!” to: “Here am I Lord – send him!”

Yet it was good to receive affirmation about something he’d always enjoyed doing without much strain.)

“We could produce some ads that invite people to what’s happening around the church…”

“Yes, so long as we don’t sound like cruise directors for the Titanic!”

“But we also need to use the Christian station to offer something to Christians who are moving into town and haven’t yet found a church home, so they might link up with us.” (to murmurs of agreement.)

“Let’s also invite the editor of the local newspaper to one of these meetings, to find out what kind of articles they would like.” (‘Definitely sounds like they want this to keep happening’ thought Kyle.)

“Why don’t we set up a website that lets people know about the church, with a blogging section that will open people’s questions and responses from anywhere in the world? That way we might connect with those who can’t get to a church, and we might help others to open their minds to the gospel.”

As their comments echoed in his mind, Pastor Kyle’s heart was filled with gratitude for them; and with anticipation of what God could do through them. Here was an opening to consciously participate in God’s invisible preparation of local unsaved people, and his prayer was simple.

“Lord, as we follow through with you in turning these ideas into reality; may our attitudes and actions match the words we use, so nothing hinders the clarity or the credibility of our message to those who don’t yet know you. For Jesus’ sake, amen.”
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This article has been read 1092 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/18/10
The media is a good way to spread the message that the church is here for the community. Nice story.
Heidi Wallenborn
11/19/10
Nicely done. I like all the ideas in it!
Amy Michelle Wiley 
11/22/10
Great ideas. I found it a little confusing who was saying what, but otherwise a fun read.
Lillian Rhoades 
11/22/10
So many ways to describe how the Church needs to get the word out...Sowing the seed also comes to mind and would also work with the alliterative aspect of your title...just musing. You certainly point out the need
for every Christian to have input within the local church as to how to scatter AND sow the seed. I agree it probably would help to give your speakers a name, or some other identifier; i.e. Jane, the choir director, etc.
Rachel Phelps
11/22/10
Really fun idea. I also had trouble picturing the scene because of the rapid flow of ideas, but it was an excellent way to show what should be happening in all churches.
Caitlyn Meissner
11/23/10
Those were all really good ideas on how to use the media to spread the Gospel. A church that did all of those would definitely start to grow, as long as all the members cooperated. Good story.
Edmond Ng
11/24/10
I agree with this statement absolutely—We don't need to change our message, but we have to keep our methods up to date! We certainly must keep up with the use of media to reach people for the Lord. Well written and a good read.
Philippa Geaney 
11/25/10
I often wonder about scattering the Seed. Thought provoking work Noel. I felt the pulse of a shepherd's love in your story as well.
The Holy Spirit used a book to draw me to the Truth. I guess some people may not be inclined to search for Treasure within books so there has to be other forms of outreach. Yes very thought provoking.