Great Commission Christians and Global Media Evangelism by Dr. Gene Steiner
Christians using the electronic and printed media have done a pretty good job already of fulfilling our Lord’s Great Commission. The globe has literally been blanketed with Christian satellite-delivered evangelistic programming that shares the message loudly and clearly on all continents. Bibles and Gospel tracts have been distributed in many languages. So, since this is already being done, have we fulfilled our responsibilities as Great Commission Christians, or is there more?
I realize that this question may seem absurd to some readers. However, we have met some who actually feel that through global Christian radio and satellite TV, we have done our part. They say that the Gospel has already been preached to every nation. The truth is that indeed, our Lord commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. This Great Commission instructs us to preach the Gospel to the entire world and to all people groups and then make them disciples. These biblical references are found in Matthew 28:19-20. Again in Acts 1:8 we find, "you will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth."
These words of Jesus are actually restatements of what God had been saying to His people from the time of Abraham way back in Genesis 12. In that passage the Lord speaks forth the prophetic word that through Abraham’s descendants all the peoples of the world will be blessed.
Our God is a missionary God. He is a loving God who desires that ALL of mankind become born again. He is a God who both seeks the lost and sends others to seek them out, to preach salvation and deliverance to them, and see them become disciples themselves. So, the question remains, have we already fulfilled The Great Commission through global media evangelism, or does the Lord require more of us?
I did research recently regarding the number of Gospel television programs being bounced off satellites around the world. The total number of hours per day of Christian television programming from the U. S. alone that is being distributed on numerous satellites globally is astounding.
However, these three facts must be dealt with before we can conclude that the world has already been reached:
1. Satellite receivers that are required in order to receive the satellite signals are not that common. In fact this sort of technology and even the electricity required is not available to about half of the world’s population.
2. Secondly, much of the Christian broadcasting being beamed from satellites is in English. Thus, even if satellite antennas to receive Christian broadcasts could somehow be made available to every person on earth, millions of people would be left listening to something of which they could not understand one single word.
3. Millions of people in the third world still don't even have electricity - let alone Christian TV or satellite TV of any kind. I'm not sure delivering religious broadcasts via satellite will ever fulfill all that Christ had in mind in His Great Commission even if all the programs were translated or originated in multiple languages.
Therefore, what is needed in order for Great Commission Christians to fulfill The Great Commission and hasten the Lord’s return to the earth? How will we know when we have been doing and have become effective in doing what our Lord instructs us to reach the lost?
I heard Peter Wagner once say that the most effective evangelistic strategy on earth is saturation church planting. It's the primary point he made in a book he later wrote, titled Church Planting for a Greater Harvest. In this book, he shares regarding the need for establishing a church within easy access of every person on earth (for most of the world that would mean "within walking distance"). That is one way that Wagner and others are saying we need to measure the fulfillment of The Great Commission, for through the discipling process of Believers meeting together, studying the word, and holding one another accountable, disciples are made.
How close are we? It has been estimated that 7 million more churches must be raised up on the face of the globe to have one within walking distance of each person on the earth. At the present pace of 50,000 new churches are planted each year (1,000 each week) it would take nearly 20 years to establish 1 million more churches, and therefore 140 years at the present pace to blanket the earth with the 7 million needed churches – using today’s demographics.
This assumes that we have an abundant supply of Great Commission Christians who have the missionary zeal, constant fervor, self-motivation, and abundance of resources to pursue such a massive endeavor. It also presupposes that the world’s population is receptive to the Gospel message and that Believers have the power and use their authority to preach the Word with boldness, to heal the sick, and to raise up new generations of disciples.
Saturation evangelism and massive indigenous church planting strategies for every village and neighborhood must occur before the job is finished. We must then fully develop the leadership from within that particular people group – homegrown and trustworthy. They must be prepared and commissioned. The local church services themselves must be inviting. We must then commit to encouraging the local people to take ownership of the local church and raise up their own buildings and facilities – their own church workers, cell groups, Bible colleges, etc. so that the churches that are raised up do not require a long term investment from outside that community. In order for them to be successful, they must offer a full range of compassionate ministries to meet the needs of their own congregations.
If this is the case, how and where does the present strategy of global satellite evangelism fit in to this model? Satellite downlinks in multiple languages may serve to provide advanced Bible and ministerial training. Already there are reports of tribes gathering around the television to learn more about Christianity after their conversion to Christ. The programs in English may enable the next generation - even many who are or were Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists to be taught English as a second language. Many of these are then being won to the Lord. The whole satellite endeavor may bolster the work being done on the ground. The technology now extends to the DVD and CD player and television or computers. In this way the Gospel message is getting through.
Due to the recent earthquakes in the Caribbean that have killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions in Haiti, aid, relief workers, doctors, missionaries, and thousands from our own military have descended upon this region. Much of the compassion being expressed is being done in the Name of the Lord. People are being saved - and it is not due specifically to media evangelism. Yet it was through the media that this great need was made known globally. It was through Facebook and other social networks and texting that the word spread, that dollars poured in, and it was because of the secular media's presence telling the story of this disaster that caused everyone to get on board.
The Lord has an amazing way of getting the most for the least – the greatest bang for the buck. Our efforts on all fronts are never in vain. God speaks. We obey. We hear His call, and we do His work – whether in person or via satellite, and God receives the glory.
Gene Steiner, Media Consultant 918-296-3191
REALITY SHOW TAKES VIEWERS ON THE ULTIMATE SUMMER ROAD TRIP ALL SUMMER LONG
Los Angeles, Ca - State: Of The Art Productions is proud to announce that “All Summer Long with the Underclassmen” started principal photography summer ’08.
In this digital age we live in, young people miss out on exploring the great outdoors. They miss the bus ride up the mountain, the pranks on the first night, and the zany recreation games that are played during the week. Something happens to a young person once all the electronic devices are turned off and they find themselves at the mercy of the camp staff! Each attendee soon discovers that the week will be filled with non-stop fun, deeper connections with others, and an indescribable encounter with their Creator.
All Summer Long follows 6 college age men and women who are selected to be “The Underclassmen” through a rigorous application process designed to test their spiritual, emotional, and comedic mettle. After a two-week boot camp during which they develop together as missionaries and performers, “The Underclassmen” embark on the ultimate road trip, spending each week at a different camp, performing, counseling, and serving.
The pilot was filmed at Alpine Camp and Conference Center in Blue Jay, California. State: Of The Art Productions has partnered with Rivet Production & Design to help with the post-production work.
“This is ministry in action,” says Ed Portillo President and CEO of State: Of The Art, “ This is more than just a group of young people performing; it’s about the relationships that are made and the lives that are changed as a result of the summer camp experience. It captures the authentic Christian life in a fun way.”
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About State: Of The Art Productions
Launched in September 2007, State: Of The Art Productions seeks to create uplifting entertainment with its focus on live performance, community outreach, and digital media. It’s stage production of George Orwell’s 1984 attracted the attention on the OC Register, OC Weekly, and Vanguard University’s Alumni Magazine. Market Fresh Produce, their sketch comedy team, has entertained audiences at public schools, churches, conferences, summer camps, and corporate events. “All Summer Long” launches this emerging production company into the digital media realm with plans for many more projects in the future.
H2P is a production and post-production boutique based in Venice, CA. Dan and Dave Holechek have been working in the film industry for seven years, having written and directed two feature films, the 2006 indie-drama Arizona, and the 2008 low-budget comedy 305, an expansion of their original smash hit YouTube short film, The 305. The duo has worked on television shows for such networks as Comedy Central, Tru TV, A&E, Spike TV and Animal Planet.
GREAT COMMISSION CHRISTIANS AND GLOBAL MEDIA EVANGELISM –
By Gene Steiner
Is it possible to reach the world for Christ solely through media evangelism? I realize that this question may seem absurd to some readers. However, we have met some who actually feel that through global Christian radio and satellite TV, we have done our part. The Gospel has been preached to every nation. TBN covers “the whole wide world” right now. So does Christian shortwave radio broadcasting.
The truth is that indeed, our Lord commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. This Great Commission instructs us Believers of this and every generation to preach the Gospel to the entire world and to all people groups. The biblical references are found in Matthew 28:19-20. Again in Acts 1:8 we find, "you will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth"
These words of Jesus are actually restatements of what God had been saying to His people from the time of Abraham way back in Genesis 12. In that passage the Lord speaks forth the prophetic word that through Abraham’s descendants all the peoples of the world will be blessed.
Our God is a missionary God. He is a loving God who desires that ALL of mankind becomes born again. He is a God who both seeks the lost and sends others to seek them out, to preach salvation and deliverance to them, and see them become disciples themselves. So, the question remains, have we already fulfilled The Great Commission through global media evangelism, or does the Lord require more of us?
I did research recently regarding the number of Gospel television programs being bounced off satellites around the world. The total number of hours per day of Christian television programming from the U. S. alone that is being distributed on numerous satellites globally is astounding.
However, these two facts must be dealt with before we can conclude that the world has already been reached:
1. Satellite receivers that are required in order to receive the satellite signals are not that common. . In fact, this sort of technology and even the electricity required is not available to about half of . the world’s population
2. Secondly, much of the Christian broadcasting being beamed from satellites is in English. . Thus, even if satellite antennas to receive Christian broadcasts could somehow be made available . to every person on earth, millions of people would be left listening to something of which they . could not understand one single word.
I'm not sure delivering religious broadcasts via satellite will ever fulfill all that Christ had in mind in His Great Commission even if all the programs were translated or originated in multiple languages.
Therefore, what is needed in order for Great Commission Christians to fulfill The Great Commission and hasten the Lord’s return to the earth? How will we know when we have been doing and have become effective in doing what our Lord instructs us to reach the lost?
I heard Peter Wagner once say that the most effective evangelistic strategy on earth is saturation church planting. It's the primary point he made in a book he later wrote, titled Church Planting for a Greater Harvest. In this book, he shares regarding the need for establishing a church within easy access of every person on earth (for most of the world that would mean "within walking distance"). That is one way that Wagner and others are saying we need to measure the fulfillment of The Great Commission.
How close are we to doing that? It has been estimated that 7 million more churches must be raised up on the face of the globe to have one within walking distance of each person on the earth. At the present pace of 50,000 new churches are planted each year (1,000 each week) it would take nearly 20 years to establish 1 million more churches, and therefore 140 years at the present pace to blanket the earth with the 7 million needed churches using today’s demographics. I know of several apostolic ministries based in India that are planning to train tens of thousands of pastors in the next decade to reach all of India for Christ.
However, to accomplish this goal globally assumes that we have an abundant supply of Great Commission Christians who have the missionary zeal, constant fervor, self-motivation, and abundance of resources to pursue such a massive endeavor. It also presupposes that the world’s population is receptive to the Gospel message. Then we must follow up by a saturation indigenous church-planting strategy in every village and neighborhood. We must then fully develop the leadership from within that particular people group. They must be prepared and commissioned, matured, and their techniques monitored. They need to be held accountable.
In order for them to be really effective, the local church services themselves must be inviting. We must then commit to encouraging the local people to take ownership of the local church and raise up their own buildings and facilities, train their own church workers, cell groups, Bible colleges, etc. so that the churches that are raised up do not require a long term investment from outside that community. In order for them to be successful, they must offer a full range of compassionate ministries to meet the needs of their own congregations and not simply evangelize from afar through the media.
If this is the case, how and where does the present strategy of global satellite evangelism fit in to this model? Satellite downlinks in multiple languages may serve to provide advanced Bible and ministerial training. Already there are reports that after their conversion to Christ, many groups are seen gathering around the television or a computer screen for web-delivered programming so these new tribal Believers can learn more about Christianity and how to grow in their walk with the Lord. The programs in English may enable the next generation - even many who are or formerly were Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists to be taught English as a second language. Many of these are then being won to the Lord. The whole satellite and internet endeavor may bolster the work being done on the ground.
The Lord has an amazing way of getting the most for the least - the greatest bang for the buck. Our efforts on all fronts are never in vain. God speaks. We obey. We hear His call, and we do His work -whether in person or via satellite. God receives the glory. And when the entire world truly has been reached, then the end will come – even so, come Lord Jesus!
For additional information, contact the author:
Gene Steiner Creative Media, LLC Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
DC- area filmmakers have produced a new kind of romantic comedy focusing on abstinence and relationships from a Christian perspective, a welcome respite from the current mass media trends focused on promiscuity. “Wait Your Turn” produced by DC-based Ehrenkrook Entertainment in association with the Fellowship of Christian Filmmakers is currently in post-production and scheduled to begin screening in September 2008.
This romantic comedy stars Kelly Hoelscher, Eve (Syriana, Step Up) and Josh Murray, Thad. Wait Your Turn explores the dynamics of life, love and dating from a uniquely Christian perspective. The interplay between Hoelscher and Murray draws in viewers with a realistic view of love and dating as Christians in America today. “I was trying to experience the struggles that Eve went through as well as the joys,” said Hoelscher. “Love is such a scary but a thrilling ride and I was trying to experience that as she would.”
The storyline strikes a balance between the importance of this issue and a light-hearted approach that will draw in teens and young women who so desperately need to hear this message. “During the productions I prayed that I could shed a light on their message and inspire the audience,” said Hoelscher.
This film is a bright light amid the darkness of the current mass media market inundated with promiscuity and harmful dating behaviors. In this unique love story Eve (Hoelscher) is young, single and disappointed with the dating scene when a college friend (Murray) comes back into her life. But this man has broken her heart before. Can they overcome the past and learn to trust one another? In their second chance at love both must decide if the other is worth keeping.
WHAT IS A REAL CHRISTIAN IN MEDIA? -Joe Oreskovich
I’d like to share with you a Gravedigger Show milestone. Last month I was visiting with Sky Angel in Naples Florida and a call came through from a Sky Angel viewer in Denver Colorado, he was suicidal.
A police officer and the ministry assisted in turning that around for our 200 th prevented suicide, since the show has been on the air. (Two hundred aborted suicides)
Also two more potential homicides were stopped lately and the show is closing in on our goal of 500 people, seeking, a whole new life, in sobriety. ( 487 to date )
A simple television show that’s real, is all we have to give. Just give God the glory; he has proven that Christian television and media air time can be used to impact lives and really should be used that way, if we are real Christians in media.
Singing, preaching, cooking, vitamin health and situation talk are fine, but overdone. How many documented lives are being changed, because of it? Sometimes, I really believe many media Christians only want to be seen looking righteous and sounding as if they care. Do you see their personal contact or cell numbers on the screen to help people? Prayer lines only, hardly ever get, what people are seeking. Enough said!
DR. TED BAEHR
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED
On September 30, an exceptional, entertaining movie about God-given talent and full of courage, composure, reconciliation, and triumph will come to a theater near you. Called THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED, it is one of the truly great sports movies. . . a wonderful movie that will make you want to stand up and cheer.
You can receive a FREE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED Activity Guide and beautiful wallpaper at www.greatestgamegift.com to enhance your enjoyment of this great experience.
GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is an extremely entertaining movie for the whole family with seamless script construction, direction, acting, and music.
Even better, GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is a parent-child movie, a family outing movie, a buddy movie, a movie about God-given talent, an overcoming insurmountable odds movie, and a story of a young boy facing two Goliaths. It is a movie you can walk out of with your head held high.
There are still movies worth going to the Theater. . . AND this is one of them. And, there is still no better way to tell a story than on the big screen. Seeing the victory of the good over bad in a larger than life media can move your children to righteousness in a way far greater than mere words.
GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED tells the true story of a young man from the wrong side of the tracks in the early 20th Century who is asked to play in the 1913 US Open golf championship – even though golf at that time was only a game for aristocrats.
The production quality of THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is incredible. The special effects bring the game alive in a very powerful way. The music is superb. Best of all is the direction of the characters. Each one comes alive. Although they are competing with each other, each one is a hero in his own right. THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED keeps you on the edge of your seat to the very last moment.
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is a deeply gratifying movie that needs to be discovered by audiences who will love it. By supporting GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED, you are blessing your family and encouraging Hollywood to make better movies with faith and values.
To find out more, get your FREE THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED Activity Guide and beautiful poster by logging in at www.greatestgamegift.com!
If you love worthwhile movies about courage and redemption, you will want to see this movie when it opens. It will not stay around unless YOU support it.
Please take your family and friends and stand up for the best in movies by going to see THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED.
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED IS COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU ON SEPTEMBER 30th.
You can use THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED Free Gift website at www.greatestgamegift.com to get your THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED and activity guide.
I have fought for 20 years to restore Hollywood to producing movies that you can be proud of watching. This is one of those.
You can also use this movie as a learning experience. Either use the activity guide to learn key talking points with your children or grandchildren or as a special opportunity to sit with them and read through it.
ACT NOW! www.greatestgamegift.com
Bless you! Ted Baehr
Please forward this to your friends.
P.S. No one can watch THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED without feeling blessed.
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CHRISTIAN FILM DISTRIBUTION IN INDIA
Cephas Media Group (CMG), a Mumbai-based
media company today announced the launch of its film distribution
division.
CMG has been engaged in the distribution of
Christian home video in India and will now include motion films for
theatrical, non-theatrical and broadcast distribution.
The
company was launched to fill a gap in the market - to spearhead a
pioneering thrust into the entertainment industry of the largest film
making country (India) in the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
David
Peters, Managing Director, "We are confident that CMG will become a
dominant player in the Christian film distribution arena in India. The
timing for the launch of the company could not have been more ideal as
the marketplace is virtually untapped."
CMG will obtain distribution rights of foreign Christian and family-friendly films and also undertake dubbing in the regional languages of India.
Foreign filmmakers, production houses, producers may contact CMG:
info@cephasmediagroup.com tel: +91 22 2403 6813 _________________________________________________ INTERNET EVANGELISM DAY
Internet Evangelism Day is a worldwide focus day for churches. The date for 2006 has been set as 7 May.
The IE Day site also offers a range of resources, including tips for church website design that will reach outsiders:
http://ied.gospelcom.net/church-growth.php
If you have any short true stories of people becoming Christians,
having initially found a church through its website, we need these for
the website please.
HEAVEN BOUND, Joshua Records, Inc. a new music publishing company releases their first CD.
Los Angeles, CA -- Pebo Rodriguez, industry veteran and Executive Vice President of Thump Records unveils a new Christian Music Company, Joshua Records, Inc. The new label’s vision is to expose and promote to the Worldwide Christian Community the established and talented Christian musicians of the Southwest, some of which have already sold in excess of 20,000 units. A number of these artists are featured on the label’s first release, Christian Oldies – HeavenBound, a collection of classics re-recorded with a spiritual objective. This heavenly concept adds divine lyrics of praise and worship to the great music of Classic Hits by well-known artists. Featured are evangelical interpretations of music from The Stylistics - You Make Me Feel Brand New, War – Slipping Into Darkness, The Isley Brothers - Shout, Tower of Power – You’re Still A Young Man, Little Anthony & The Imperials - I’m On The Outside Looking In, The Impressions – People Get Ready, Thee Midniters Featuring Little Willie G. – That’s All, Ben E. King – Stand By Me B.B. King – The Thrill Is Gone and more.
Rodriguez helped pioneer the sound of Thump with the Old School Series and has produced well over 200 compilations during his tenure at the Universal Music distributed label. Pebo’s God given gift for picking song’s is evident by the rich selection of classics on this first release. Describing his motivation for producing the Christian Oldies release Rodriguez says, “The main purpose driving this album is the deliverance of souls through the use of familiar Oldies But Goodies recorded with added lyrics reflecting the Lord’s message of forgiveness and salvation.”
To assure the integrity of Joshua’s first project, Pebo enlisted the aid of Evangelist and legendary singer, Little Willie G. Willie, the associate producer, researched the Bible verses that are featured between songs, recorded the pastors that recited the scriptures and produced three songs for the release. He also lent his legendary chops to two of the new recordings and is featured on four others. Besides Evangelizing, he continues to be the special featured guest vocalist with Thee Midniters and when time allows, is a featured vocalist on the current Los Lobos tour.
HeavenBound’s opening track is Gene Chandler - The Duke of Earl’s - “God Bless Our Love” an incredible Oldie that sets the pace for this groundbreaking release. Christian Oldies also includes tracks from The Kings & Priests, Rudy Benavidez, Thee HeavenTones, Santos featuring Little Anthony, Thee Arch Angels, Pricilla Acuña and more, fourteen tracks in all plus a bonus (hidden) track at the end. The package comes complete with a rich 14-page booklet containing up-lifting thought provoking scriptures that tie into the lyrics and title of each song. Christian Oldies will be marketed through print ads, radio spots, an Internet promotion and a cable TV campaign. # # # For additional information on Joshua Records, Inc., Christian Oldies and First Street contact: Gigi Greco at Art Attack Promotions – gigigreco@artattackprods.com or 512-445-7117.
Thank you for your time,
Kelly Art Attack Productions 2414 Elmglen Drive Austin Texas 78704 512-445-7117 kelly@artattackprods.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH IN MEDIA by Pola Muzyka
Christians have consistently been improving in creating work that's glorifying to God, thereby encouraging a new market for films, TV and various medias. Hollywood has seen this market and is capitalizing on it. If Hollywood assumes a role in taking over the making of Christian films, etc., the Bible will be twisted and distorted until, even true followers of Christ may be deceived, even the very elect. People will begin to believe in the shows they see and a form of godliness. Movie idols will take the place of the true Christ and distortions will take the place of true salvation.
Deception only produces divisions and strife. It is therefore necessary to speak the truth in love, to encourage that truth be depicted in any and all films, TV or various medias so that God will be glorified. Deception is never a product of God's will. Never! The Bible clearly says, "let every man be a liar and let God be true." (Romans 3) Do you think that a little bit of deception is alright, if everyone's emotions are high and they are giving praise to the deceiver because of some truths? If your emotions are high, do you think that deception is of no consequence? That God will actually have fellowship with the deceiver and the deception?
If we are to mimic any portion of the Bible in any way for evangelical purpose, it must come from God and not from man. We cannot interpret any part of God's Word according to our desires. It is vanity to think that we can draw people to Christ with deception, however subtle. Therefore, if we use the Word of God in films, TV or media, saying that we are accurately portraying the truth, we must use it word for word, not twisting or imagining any segment of it.
Jesus was not a black man, he shouldn't be depicted as a black man. He was not a white man, he shouldn't be depicted as white. He was a descendant from King David, the line of Judah. Satan is not a woman, he shouldn't be depicted as a woman, Mary was not immaculately conceived and was not a mystic. Stop these abominations! God doesn't need us to twist truth to bring people to know Christ. He is the one who draws us to him. We need only to be there for the harvest, to promote his word in truth and in light and to do his will according to the Word. Although we may mean well, God hates lies. (Proverbs 6)
Matthew 24 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before.
Galatians 1 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- 7which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! _________________________________________________ Other viewpoints follow:
