Editor’s Word: The Growing Use of Media in Christian Ministry

In 2002, Barna Research released the results of a poll regarding the use of mass media by American citizens. The results were eye-opening.

At the time, 50 percent of adults said they had tuned in to a Christian radio program within the past month, with music being the fastest-growing type of radio program. Sixty-seven percent of adults said they had used Christian television, radio or books within the past 30 days. In comparison, only 63 percent of adults said they had attended a church service in the past month.

Barna concluded: “A greater number of adults experience the Christian faith through Christian media, such as radio, television, and books, than attend Christian churches.” While Barna has not updated that research, others have written about the growing use of Christian media and mass media in our culture. While church attendance has been in an overall state of decline, media usage has continued to increase. We even have internet churches today. It has been said that the average teenager will use some type of media device for five to seven hours a day.

While we may decry the loss of personal contact, real conversation, social interaction, and just plain face-to-face communication, the presence of media tools continues to escalate. It is hard to imagine our world without smartphones, laptops, e-tablets, etc. It is equally difficult to imagine life without mass media like television, radio, books and the internet. Popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, Instagram and others clearly indicate to us how “connected” we are.

But what is the enduring and eternal value of this connectedness? Is there a way the church can utilize social media and mass media and, at the same time, teach followers of Christ to spend more time developing personal relationships? I believe the process of making disciples demands it.

Fellowship is such an important element of the church that it cannot be replaced by social media or mass media — but it can possibly be enhanced by using both. I benefit from listening to a sermon, music, or teaching through some form of media. However, I am most blessed when I am in the atmosphere where the sermon is preached, the song is sung or the lesson is taught.

Church members frequently use downloads, CDs, web links or other types of tools to share sermons or services with people they know. That is decidedly a good thing. However, when we can, we should gather together for corporate worship. This is both biblical and best. Hebrews 10:21-22 says: “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

God’s people should use every available means to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, reach people, and make disciples. The various types of media available to us can be used in that process, but our best media sources, while useful and effective, can never replace people gathering together in small groups or large worship centers.

We are a culture that continues to grow in media use, but we are also a people who need personal relationships that help us grow and serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We enhance our lives through the use of media and electronic devices, but we need the encouraging presence of flesh-and-blood people as we travel the narrow road together.