How will the mega-shifts in communications affect the church? That’s the question Christianity Today posed in its online article, What’s Next: Publishing and Broadcasting. Some clips . . .
. . . in a world in which every individual is his or her own “media baron,” as John Roos of the Inspiration Networks puts it, quality content will still rise to the top. The surface challenge of technology calls for creativity, innovation, and flexibility. The deeper test begs for books and programming that matter.
Publishers of fluff will die, says Cameron Strang of Relevant Media, because younger readers long for authenticity. Christian bookstores may not survive, either. As Christian books find more and more outlets, from online e-book sites to mass retailers like Wal-Mart, topics will become wider ranging and more attractive to nonbelievers. Furthermore, predicts Al Hsu of InterVarsity Press, authors will better reflect “the multiethnic, global [church], with a truly international exchange of ideas.”But the focus on Christ won’t change. “We like to say that the Bible has a long shelf-life,” says Joe Davis, COO of Salem Communications. “It didn’t start with Gutenberg, and it won’t end with new consumer habits and means of delivery. The best [Christian communicators] have always shared a deep respect for Scriptural truth. That won’t be any different 50 years from now.”
What do you see as the future of Christian publishing and broadcasting?
Loading ...
October 9, 2006 at 08:53
We’re getting to the point where large scale “vanity” publishing and broadcasting is becoming a practical reality. Once the initial turf wars and legislative battles even out, the peer-to-peer distribution medium will become commonplace.
The media is only one aspect. I believe that the Church should be at the forefront of distributing media under the Creative Commons licence. It strikes me as a little perverse that gifted preachers and teachers should be selling the fruits of their gifts (one high profile “Christian figure” had the audacity to sell a book containing a supposed “new prophecy – disgusting!). A donation model is more appropriate – give what you can.
October 9, 2006 at 10:24
The Bible remains the foundation for all Christian beliefs so the material continues to be the same. However, as the options for presentation of the gospel increase, the good thing is that the message of Christ will extend beyond previous limitations.
I have a website and I’m publishing a book soon. Even though it’s 2006, for at least another twenty years, I expect the influence of my book to extend just as far as my website. It may not fit the model of technological advancement that the gurus predict but books will always remain relevant.
They don’t need batteries. They are cheap. They’re available anywhere in the world regardless of the level of development. They’re never “down” like webservers and if properly taken care of, they’ll last for a long time with content that will never change.
In fact, I rather read a real book than listen to it or watch it on a screen. Have you read a book lately? (smile)
October 9, 2006 at 15:19
Not quite. Quality content won’t rise to the top, popular content will. While there are neat tricks that can be done with user profiling to help determine content that a given use will like, it is still populist in nature.
October 9, 2006 at 17:44
I agree with the authors of the Christianity Today article. Christians will adapt, just like everyone else will, to using this new technology. It really isn’t hard to imagine podcasts uploaded to the internet containing Testimonials that can be downloaded on handsets on demand. Less than two weeks ago in South Africa, a downloadable version of the entire Bible was made available for cell phone users. Feel self-conscious about breaking out that big old Bible in a public lunch room? No need now, just flip out the cellphone and you have everything needed. I am noticing a growing number of church groups, youth and adult, creating online groups, and blogs to help with communication needs. The list is endless already.
Jonathan Schwartz, CEO Sun Microsystems, wrote recently in that: “I was in a European airport a few weeks ago, waiting in a lounge with about 100 other people – when I had to revise my world view. Most people had mobile handsets – we all would’ve predicted that. But no one was talking on their phone. They were all looking at them, and either browsing or text’ing or playing a game – but no one was making a voice call… Which only strengthens my belief that most people in the world will first experience the internet on their handset. Which means most businesses in the world trying to reach those consumers or leverage the internet should broaden their horizons.” It would seem obvious then that the Church will also be broadening its horizons.
I am excited about the future and the possibilities that now exist and will be enhanced in the future that will allow the moderen church to reach out and connect in a very real way with people that may be avoiding traditional services. It’s like the old saying about Moses. If the mountain wouldn’t come to Moses, Moses went to the mountain.
So, to revise an old advertising slogan: “Reach out and touch someone.”
October 10, 2006 at 07:11
I don’t know, Jnthn; teachers, musicians, mechanics, engineers all “sell” their gifts.
Like Donnell, I prefer books. Two things I really enjoy about computers/internet though, are the ability to access & download materials even on an international level, and sites like this blog, where an exchange of ideas can be had, and others interacted with, even though they may be in Norway!
October 11, 2006 at 11:07
Christiane –
I had spiritual gifts in mind in my o.p., but my point still stands – there is something discomfiting about charging for something you were by definition given for free.
Regardless, I think there is a tension to be resolved, and my interim position is as per my original post – freely give as you have recieved, but if recompense is in order the beneficiary should give according to their ability.