What makes media Christian has been a topic of discussion for decades.
I have come across renewed debate on a few blogs about whether new media should be labeled Christian.
The Christian New Media Awards & Conference sparked one of these point-counter point discussions.
At the outset, my feeling is that what we label our media is not worth dividing over, but I still think we can have an interesting and friendly exchange about it.
We are speaking about created media and distribution.
So, what does it mean when we identify our website, app, network, channel or created work as Christian? Differences of opinion tend to fall along a continuum between two points of view.
The Holy Huddle view, sees the term Christian media usually as a poor imitation of mainstream media, too church-like and too narrow to attract outsiders.
The Great Commission view, sees Christian media as a means for reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, with the point being…world evangelization.
There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach. Christian media for church, ministry and entrepreneurial endeavors is quite diverse.
Karla Faye Tucker (convicted of murder in Texas and put to death) was asked by fellow inmates to attend church and Bible studies but wasn’t interested. She came to Christ when a group from Teen Challenge came to the Harris County Jail with a puppet show.
After spending more than two decades working with Christians and nonbelievers in every aspect of the media world, I offer my own seven-point definition of Christian New Media.
Christian Media 2.0…
1. Sees media as God’s gift and uses it to proclaim biblical truth.
2. Is purposeful and aims for the highest artistic standards attainable.
3. Matches messaging parameters – teaching/preaching, evangelizing, positive Christian themes – with the needs of the target audience.
4. Encourages and empowers the tribe for living faithfully in the culture and equips them for carrying out their mission in the world.
5. Promotes good works.
6. Seizes every media and medium for carrying the love of God to neighbors, nations and future generations.
7. Works at not being shaped by the world and asks two questions at every turn, “What’s the point? Is God being glorified?”
Beyond medium and message
For God shall bring every work into judgment. Ecclesiastes 12:14
A Christian puppet show, radio show, webcast or digital network may be of no interest to some. That’s ok. Minor flaws aside though, God has used the tribe, its media, and its networks to save millions of lives.
It’s not what the media and platform are labeled that should matter most to Christians. It’s what is done with the gifts. As one Christian media analyst aptly stated, it is about having “God-honoring motives, biblical discernment and honed skill.”
Call it what you will.