Christian media has always thrived during the white hot speed of technological innovation and discovery.

Live streaming technology made it possible to transmit live video from websites. Digital storage provided the ability to save both video and audio files and to make them searchable and downloadable.

But in the end, substantive, high-quality content, audience engagement, and execution consistency will distinguish those that harness digital impact for the gospel from those that will fade into technological obscurity.

We know that there is an apparent insatiable demand for content. Millions of those people are searching for religious information and spiritual connection.

To meet these new demands, conventional broadcasters will have to adapt. Entrepreneurs will have to experiment, test new ideas, and bring new models of business and ministry.

Both groups should be looking at the new media landscape and asking…

What is my heart telling me to do that is right “for such a time as this? What isn’t being done and how can we build a bridge to the future?

It’s about people

The future is about connecting with people.

Having a right heart will focus you on finding new ways to tell them the old story of Jesus and His love. New technologies will enable you to give them access to the things of God that they may have never had access to before.

The baseline technology path includes bringing value, being willing to interact and providing access on three screens.

This is vitally important because today with one click, often on the same page or app, people can go down a digital path that presents the truth of Scripture or one that presents a false religion.

There’s plenty of content. Some of the greatest storytellers around get up to speak every weekend in churches all across America. New software and applications lend themselves to support pastoral storytelling. What can you do to connect more of them and other creative producers with more seekers?

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians 6:16

Now, everyone is trying to figure out what is coming next in digital media.

It’s foggy and some of us don’t want to venture out on the digital highways because there are just too many unknowns. Some of us are dismayed by the lack of established rules. We fear the risks.

But what none of us can afford to do is… retreat. After all, Jesus didn’t die to deliver us from the hot fiery arrows of digital disruption.

Leading people to Christ and helping them become disciples is the future of Christian media, and it’s in our hands.

Let’s advance the conversation.