Jun 9, 2020
Broadcast TV is still a viable way to get your message and story out to the world. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers ten tips to help you launch a media ministry with success. Find out how storytelling, creativity and culturally relevant programming can help you impact the world.
Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056
Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/T0tfZLqWjsM
Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.
**More about this episode: ** 10 Commandments of Starting a Broadcast Television Media Ministry
In most cases, when I receive a call from a pastor, evangelist, or other ministry leader interested in launching a television ministry, their primary concern is usually about equipment. These questions are important, but I’ve discovered over the years that they aren’t nearly as important as these 10 fundamental areas:
#1 – Understand The Power of Telling a Story – Ultimately, no matter what communications medium we choose, that’s all we’re doing – telling a story. The great Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman said “Facts go straight to the head, and stories go straight to the heart.”
#2 – Don’t Feel Everything Has to be Explicit – Don’t feel the obligation to tell the entire salvation, healing, and deliverance story with each program.
#3 – Be in Touch with the Current Culture – Christian producers often don’t keep up with current programming and graphic styles, and I’m amazed at the number of Christian media professionals who never even watch television.
#4 – Make Sure your Financing is in Place – I always recommend that you have six months of funding in the bank before you ever began a media outreach.
#5 – Always be open to change. The most successful media ministries are ministries who aren’t afraid to change, update, and present a fresh, new approach to an ever-changing audience.
#6 – Have a Clear Focus – Have a clear purpose and focus for each program you do. If you’re producing a program on the theme of salvation, then every aspect of that program needs to point in that direction.
#7 – Don’t Forget Creativity – Exercise those creative muscles… and do it on a regular basis. Don’t take the easy way out, either in sermon preparation or program production.
#8 – Don’t Let Your Vision Stop at Preaching – Preaching is a wonderful thing, however, don’t forget other wonderful program ideas – documentaries, movies, children’s programs, news, animation, music, and other formats.
#9 – Don’t Forget Research – I’m convinced one of the most neglected areas of media ministry is research. Do you really know who’s watching your program and why? That knowledge should greatly affect what you produce.
#10 – Don’t Underestimate The Importance of Quality – Today’s audiences are more technologically sophisticated than ever, and refuse to watch programs that aren’t up to current standards of quality. Always remember – stewardship isn’t necessarily saving money, it’s using money most effectively.
I couldn’t write an article like this without urging you to do something else that I believe is absolutely critical for a media ministry – the need for prayer, and to seek the wise counsel of others. If you will stay near the heart of God in your decision making, and seek the help and counsel of both Godly men and women, as well as experienced media professionals, your chances of success will be greatly increased.
Schedule:
New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.
Other Great Resources:
Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)
Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1
Follow me:
Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/
Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056
Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com