POOF! PORN DISAPPEARS! Paper defeats adult book stores
brightened each community's outlook. Fresh
hope for the future spurred people to take needed action.
Before I'd arrive, each paper's bottom line was off because the numbers didn't jibe: For instance, a civic club's luncheon typically would draw 20 people yet receive front-page coverage that often included a grip-and-grin photo of the speaker.
First Church's youth group, on the other hand, averaged 35 on
Wednesday nights, but the newspaper wouldn't cover it even when more than 60 turned
out to hear a famous football player.
That's fuzzy media math, which subtracts God whenever possible
-- except of course when adding up examples of Christian hypocrisy.
Rescue the perishing by following 'In His Steps'
Bless community and
bottom line
by asking: What would Jesus do?'
Encouraging, strengthening and promoting believers throughout
secular media in America
Giving God His due, from reporting through
pagination and off the press, touches hearts.
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It's past time to put God back in media -- but how?
By Rusty Weller
CIM Director
I know from experience media serves America best when it honors God. And I'm confident the Lord will bless your efforts if you will call shots His way.
Emulating the editor from Charles Sheldon's "In His Steps" by asking what would Jesus do
-- long before WWJD became a fad -- the Lord enabled me to rescue a series of failing community newspapers. Hungry for good news, people joyously welcomed God into their weekly papers, skyrocketing circulation and mushrooming advertising revenue.
A positive outlook, sparked by uplifting news and features about Godly people,
Christians in Media is dedicated as a national association to
help editors and reporters stop observing separation of church and
press, as if etched in the U.S. Constitution..
This is especially true for evangelicals unsure about what they can and can't do. They, like I,
would find most of their readers are interested in what the star
Christian athlete has to say.
When a school board or city council comes under fire from atheists, when a community is suddenly blighted by strip club or porn shop, Christians in media need a place to turn for legal expertise. Even at routine times newsmen need to know they are not alone.
And they sure could use reassurance that obediently rejecting a liquor or night-club ad is the right thing to do when finances seem to say otherwise.
This non-profit association would help not only in small markets but all the way to the biggest. As it is, Christians decry the lack of Godly voices at the decision-making
tables of, say, "The New York Times" and CBS. Outside of buying media giants and re-staffing, how do believers reach positions to make a difference?
Simple. One step -- or level -- at a time.
Nothing succeeds like success, and proven money-makers in small markets are going to be attractive up the line regardless of
their beliefs.
As a result, a refreshing brand of God-honoring journalism will start to take back America's media as CEOs opt for whatever is best for their bottom line.
As in the book of "Daniel," God has a knack of accomplishing His purposes through the ungodly in positions of power.
Yes, it takes faith. And courage. People, including family, will call you crazy.
That's to be expected. Remember what Paul said in 2 Cor. 5:13:
"If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of
God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you." (NIV)
Obediently choose to do what's right in God's eyes, and let Him take care of the results.
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