Media and the gospel

• Changing world• New means• What the Bible has to say• Discussion• Prayer• Find out more…

Changing world

Globalisation

One definition:

‘Globalisation is the process of spreading various objects and experiences to people at all corners of the earth’

Changing world

Increasing access to new media:

• Since 2000, the number of internet users in Africa has grown 400%

• Around 150 million people are believed to have access to satellite TV broadcasts in the Arab world

Changing world

Use of creative media to reach people with the gospel:

• Two-thirds of people in the world are oral

communicators

• Four billion people can't or don't read or communicate by literate means

New means

• Television• Internet• Film

Television

“Television can have both good and evil consequences… it can disseminate the spirit of understanding, humanity, human solidarity and spirituality, or it can stupefy whole nations and continents… The proper use of television depends on our sense of responsibility.”

(Vaclav Havel, former President of Czech Republic)

Television

Many parts of the greater Middle East and North Africa are restricted to the gospel and Christian ministry, making satellite TV the best way to encourage the Church and proclaim the good news of Christ.

Television

Through its 24/7 broadcasts, SAT-7 is able to reach parts of the Middle East and North Africa that other organisations cannot.

Over the last decade more than 100,000 people have contacted SAT-7 to say that they have been encouraged, blessed and even come to know Jesus because of the broadcasts.

www.sat7trust.org

Internet

The world reached a milestone late in 2005 as internet access became available to 1 billion people worldwide, with approximately 845 million using it regularly

Internet

“Internet access means millions of people across the world can read, see and hear the good news of Christ in new and exciting ways. Many may stumble across Jesus on its pages by 'accident', but leave then transformed by Christ.”

(John Smith, UK Director Evangelical Alliance UK)

www.ied.gospelcom.net

The Jesus Film

Since 1979 the Jesus film has since been translated into more than 900 languages and seen in every country of the world

From the 5.4 billion viewings of Jesus, more than 201 million people have indicated decisions to trust Christ

The Jesus Film

For the past 14 years, BMS long-term couple John and Rena Mellor travelled regularly to remote villages in Congo, showing the Jesus film to thousands of people. On each visit, they have seen several hundreds come to Christ as a result.

www.jesusfilm.org

What the Bible has to say:

Broadcasting the good news was part of God’s purpose for his new people from the beginning:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising… and teaching them.” (Matt 28: 19-20)

What the Bible has to say:

The whole earth needs to hear the good news:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1: 8)

Discussion

How can we improve our communication skills?

What are the dangers in the use of modern technology?

What makes Jesus ‘good news’ to you and those around you?

Prayer

• For the Jesus Film Project

• For people to ‘stumble across Jesus’ on the internet

• For the work of SAT-7 and BMS long- and short-term mission personnel working with them

• For our lives to communicate God’s good news

Find out more…

The World Association for Christian Communication www.wacc.org.uk

World Summit on the Information Society www.itu.int/wsis

Create International www.createinternational.com

www.bmsworldmission.org/catalyst