Could more change be in store for Christian media in 2012?
Here are six trends that take a look at:
Where we are. Where we might be going. And why it’s important.
Looking ahead is always a fun tradition.
In 2012 Christian Media 2.0 will:
1. Embrace transformative technologies
It is just over three years since LifeChurch.tv launched YouVersion in the iTunes App store, transforming the way people access and engage with the Bible online. The free Bible App is downloaded every 1.1 seconds. The YouVersion community has spent 7 billion minutes engaging in Scripture with the Bible App.
From here almost everything related to reaching the world with the gospel will be amplified through digital media and social technologies. The continued growth in digital missions will create a divide. At one end will be those who see technology as a cornerstone to 21st century mission. At the other end will be those who see it as a tool for doing things, mostly inside, and not in ways that transform lives outside, missing unique evangelistic opportunities.
2. Innovate to survive
New knowledge and technology is driving forces of change in religious broadcasting and Christian music and publishing at an unprecedented rate.
Look for an increase in those unable to adapt to the monumental shifts in technology and consumer behavior. At the same time, look for an increase in those willing to break the rules and seize opportunities created by the shifts. Expect to see more losses, more wins, and a big edge to those willing to serve their constituencies by innovating “fast.”
3. Collaborate to thrive
The good news: Ministries have realized they can own the media channel and engage with their target audiences rather than leasing space on other media channels.
The bad news: Ministries have realized they can own the media channel and engage with their target audiences rather than leasing space on other media channels.
Independently operated church and ministry media channels are being filled with rich content that provides personal, meaningful, spiritual experiences. That’s positive. This strategy increases competition for audience and resources between local media organizations. That’s not so good.
The strength of Christian Media has always been in partnerships between ministries and local broadcasters.
Ministry impact will be multiplied by partnerships designed to accelerate promotion of digital content and the ministries creating it. Traditional media companies will create digital networks and channels. They will focus on forming mutually beneficial relationships with national and local publishers through creative content arrangements.
4. Build a bridge to the future with livestream
Content creation is exploding and live streaming is an emerging viable platform. The Super Bowl will be streamed live online by NBC for the first time ever. Apple is moving ahead with plans to build its own television in 2012 that would feature wireless streaming to access content. With these elements coming together, there are fewer reasons not to take advantage of distributing Christian media in a live stream.
I am taking a risk with this one by saying, audiences for Christian content will want high-quality live streaming to any screen. The gospel is preached in live settings. Providing the Word via live streaming playback extends that engagement to new audiences and will not (or should not) be excluded from the media mix. That’s more opinion than prediction.
5. Curate and aggregate to promote biblical fidelity
There is an ocean of “spiritual” content online but too much of it has little value to the seeker. Some of it is harmful.
We will see more curators and aggregators assembling content from teachers, preachers and the next generation of storytellers. Seekers will be directed to the most useful, theologically sound content in missional efforts to make sure no one is left behind.
6. Renew mandate to establish global witness of Christ through media
2012 is going to be a good year for those who use media to help seekers find their place in God’s Story.
It is being called the 2012 phenomenon. Some suggest that Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation on December 21,2012. Others believe that date signals a cataclysmic event or the end of the world. Many, especially in secular media will ridicule, scoff at, and parody the prophecies.
Spiritual discussions will be popping up everywhere in 2012, an opportunity not to be missed by the Christian Media 2.0 community. They will rise to the occasion in unity and work long and hard to make sure the whole world hears…
No one knows about that day or hour but God, and He loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.