CRC Launches 'Edgy' Radio Spot
How do you reach a generation of media savvy young adults who are looking to put their faith in God into action?
The Back to God Hour, the media ministry of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is trying to answer this challenge with a new radio spot titled “Walk the Way.” Hosted by Pastor Jeff Klein, “Walk the Way” includes a daily 60-second audio message and an online video-blog conversation.
“We’ve gotten really good at the language of Christian faith,” Klein says. “We talk a great game. But what about living a great game? Wouldn’t it be awesome to actually start to do something that would be compelling for the world to grab onto?”
Klein uses modern-day parables and biblical lessons to make listeners think deeper about living out their beliefs. Klein, the pastor of a new church in Wheaton, Ill., is the author of “Turning Point” and “On the Road to Connecting,” two youth ministry training seminars. He has also written “Q: Big Questions,” his response to questions posed to him by young people he has worked with.
BTGH recently hosted a special event during the 2008 National Religious Broadcaster’s Convention in Nashville to launch the new ministry. A video clip of the launch is available at www.walktheway.net, as well as samples of the audio/video programs and access to the blog.
The launch helped establish partnerships with 205 radio outlets which have already agreed to air the program. Viewers can also access “Walk the Way” videos on YouTube (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DuRdnl_rx4.
Although the target audience is younger, under-churched adults, within an hour after the first episode was posted on YouTube, a viewer commented: “I’m an atheist, but this looks good. I’ll be back for more.”
Jackie Rodriguez, program director for “The Rock Radio Network,” a Christian radio ministry in Puerto Rico, attended the launch event in Nashville. Rodriguez told BTGH Marketing Director David Trout that she liked the “edgy” appeal “Walk the Way” has for younger people struggling with their faith. “It’s a good fit for our ministry,” she said.
“Many younger adults are looking to live out their faith in practical ways,” said Trout. “The world is dying to see the church in action, to see the church stop talking about issues and do something.”
That’s one of the goals of “Walk the Way.” The website, www.walktheway.net features ways for web visitors to “say something” to initiate online conversations, as well as “do something” and “read something” ideas for putting their faith into action.
Nancy Vander Meer, Staff writer for The Back to God Hour
