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survey sez! The Question: Do you believe Apostolics should use TV to evangelize? If yes, why and how? If no, why not?
The Answer: “No. If we believe that TV can reach a lot of people and that they won't watch any other channels, then how is that different than an Apostolic going into a bar or strip joint to witness?” The Answer: “I don't believe we should go to the TV. But if the opportunity would come to us, then why not?” The Answer: “I think Apostolics should use TV to evangelize to a greater audience of people who may not otherwise hear the gospel preached. I am always happy to see Apostolic churches on various cable and satellite TV stations. It lets me know that someone is still preaching the unadulterated word of God.” The Answer: “Yes. Many would argue the answer to be ‘no’ due to all the negative, sinful junk on the TV, but we need to realize there's a bunch of trash on the radio, in magazines, and also on the Internet, yet we feel it's okay to use these tools to spread the gospel. How is it not okay to use TV as well? “Personal evangelism is the best answer, but in order to reach a multitude of people at one time, TV is the most efficient way to do that, in my humble opinion.” The Answer: “TV in itself is not a bad invention. It is what comes on the TV that is the sin. If there is something good, something pure, something of truth, then I see no reason why it should not be used.” The Answer: “Not sure we should be on TV other than interviews, news items, etc., on any kind of regular basis. TBN is a joke and we risk losing credibility by being on their programming. I know of Christian artists that are not allowed by their management to perform on TBN so as to not lose any credibility or respect, so not sure what we will accomplish.” The Answer: “Yes! Considering that television is the largest form of media in today's society, we should have jumped on the bandwagon a long time ago. However, I know that there are some hardcore Pentecostals who don't believe in TV. But to them I say, I don't want to have blood on my hands for not doing everything humanly possible to reach the millions of hungry people! Bravo to the Tenney's (who by the way are my district leaders) for accepting the invitation at TBN! I didn't get to see the broadcast myself, but I've heard nothing but good things on how they kindly and firmly gave their stance on Apostolic theology!” The Answer: “Yes, I think it's about time we got something worthwhile on television these days! I think it's possible to minister over the television without compromising convictions (like just because you preach on TV doesn't mean you have to start watching it).” The Answer: “Apostolics should absolutely be using television to evangelize the world. It's another type of media. We utilize newspapers, books, magazines, radio, and the Internet. Why should television be the exception? There are sinful radio programs, books, magazines, newspapers, etc., and we still utilize those forms of media for evangelism. “It's time for us to get over the 1950's ruling on television and start using it to reach the lost. The lost are not usually subscribing to the Pentecostal Herald or listening to Christian radio. We need to get real. If we truly want to win the world, we are going to have to start reaching the world where the world is. “If our religious organizations have problems with television content, perhaps they should encourage pastors to teach principles instead of silly old customs. Customs come and go. The gospel has been around a lot longer than any custom, and we shouldn't allow yesterday's customs to inhibit us from reaching the world with the gospel. “Let's teach principles. And while we're on the subject, what is the difference in renting a movie and going to a theater to watch one? You can't tell me it's the worldly people you will be sitting with, because you sit with worldly people in restaurants. Beyond that, I have never been to a movie theater that even served alcohol and many Apostolics go to restaurants where alcohol is served. We are so inconsistent. No wonder new converts have a hard time learning all the ‘rules.’ Shame on us for not teaching principles of ‘Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ If we taught the Bible more, we wouldn't have to come up with ridiculous, inconsistent policies. “Okay, I have chased a bunch of rabbits, but I have been wanting to get this out for a long time.” The Answer: “Sure... Everyone else does it. Why shouldn't Apostolics? We are supposed to be the True Church, aren't we? The Bible says to go beyond the four walls. I believe television is there to help us do that. So many people see the negative; why not see the positive in it for a change!” The Answer: “No, I do not believe Apostolics can evangelize on TV. I do not think the network will allow the truth in the first place, then I see compromise to be able to stay on TV, which is a wrong place to begin with.” The Answer: “As an independent Apostolic, I don't have some of the same hang-ups as someone in an organization might bring, but I see absolutely no problem with utilizing the medium of television to reach the lost. If one watches any of the broadcasts of denominational Christian programs, it is obvious that, right or wrong, these shows are touching people deeply. Why not put the fullness of the Truth out there and see what happens?” The Answer: “Yes. This is the 21st century and we must spread the gospel to reach the masses and unfortunately the masses watch TV! I personally hate TV because it is a waste of time, not because I think it's wrong at all; but so many people watch TV endlessly, so we should use it!” The Answer: “Yes, of course, I'm just a kid, but even I know the Bible said to go and teach the Bible to all the world. If that means we need to use the ‘horrible television,’ then we should. I think we’re doing a very poor job reaching our world. I'm from Philadelphia and even in a big city there aren’t a lot of churches and the churches that are here aren’t even recognized until they start putting commercials on TV because, of course, it is against their organization’s ‘rules.’ Anyway, yeah, I think we need to do a better job evangelizing God’s Word even if it means to use TV.” The Answer: “I think using television as an outreach means could have positive effects. Certainly the television has dictated our culture, and using it for the gospel may help make this message more mainstream. I am sure there will be drawbacks, but those issues could be dealt with to ensure that the gospel is clearly shared and not distorted in any way.” The Answer: “And the next question will be, “Should our Apostolic ladies be allowed to cut their hair?” Come on, folks.” The Answer: “I shall answer your question with a question: Should Apostolics give away cigarettes with the Acts 2:38 message printed on every pack?” The Answer: “I think it all depends on the UPCI. If they do not allow their members to have TV's in their homes, then no." The Answer: “No, because I honor the elders that taught me the word of God. Plus I have a personal conviction against using something as corrupt as the TV to broadcast the word of God with.” The Answer: “TV is one of the greatest medium to reach the world. It would be great if Apostolics could use this medium without [being] ostracized by their organizations.” The Answer: “If it’s a way to witness to the lost that doesn’t goes against the Bible, why not?” The Answer: “They use it to watch videos that they are prohibited from watching in the theater. This is done in secret. So why not share the gospel over the airwaves openly? My only concern would be that church would become a show; but with so many fashion police concerned with issues other than godly dress and so many entertainers who call themselves worship leaders and preachers, this has probably already happened!” The Answer: “Yes, I believe that the Apostolic message is the message that Christ wants people to hear.” The Answer: “First, define evangelize. Should we broadcast church services on television? No way. Should we advertise a free Bible Study, etc., as a means of evangelism? Yes.” The Answer: “Of course not, bless God! Anything involving the use of the one-eyed devil will plunge our great Apostolic-Pentecostal-tongue-talkin-holy-rollin-born-again-believin-in-the-liberating-power-of-Jesus's-name heritage into the dark depths of spiritual ruin. How could you liberal ninetyandniners even dare to ask this?” The Answer: “It's a tossup. I would say yes because an overwhelming majority of people who need to hear the Apostolic message own a TV—yet, perhaps a no because isn't it kind of contradictory for a member of an organization to invest in an effort through a medium which is demonized by the majority of the members of that organization? The TV issue is just one of those things that makes me go hmmmmm . . .” The Answer: “Yes, we have the truth as others do, so why should we not put it out there as they do?” The Answer: “Yes, I think it's a wonderful way to reach the world. We're to be the city on a hill. It's a good thing as long as the ministers keep their egos in check.” The Answer: “If I don't own a TV and I think everybody is better off not having one, than why would I want an Apostolic TV preacher? That's like saying I don't smoke, and think everybody ought not to smoke, but let's advertise our church on a pack of cigarettes!” The Answer: “Why not. Who doesn't ‘watch the radio’ or ‘view the monitor’? Give me a break!” The Answer: “Why not? We use radio. We use the Internet. The Internet is a whole lot worse than TV as far as what you can view and is quite accessible. Some things Apostolics do just don't make a whole lot of sense, now do they? For instance, we can rent videos and take them into our home and watch them, but we cannot go to movies? Huh?” The Answer: “Of course. It's a valid medium, and people of all kinds watch it (namely sinners)! Do you expect to win a soul without ever stepping into the sinner’s home? We're in the 21st century, and we expect to take anyone into eternity with us, we'd better get past the end of our own Apostolic noses long enough to win a lost soul! One that's probably watching TV as I write this!” The Answer: “I do believe Apostolics should evangelize on TV. Even though most preach against them. How else are we to get the message out to people who would never attend a Pentecostal church? Plus, the devil has control of so much of TV he won't want us on it.” The Answer: “Although there is great potential in harnessing this medium to spread the gospel, I believe it is fraught with danger. The pressure to ‘produce’ a great service/message/miracle for the audience can quickly lead to insincerity and showmanship. Bottom line: I think the avenue could be explored, but I have reservations about the long-term success.” The Answer: “Yes—since everyone's watching TV anyway, may as well give them something good to watch!” The Answer: “The first question we'd have to ask is which Apostolics are we speaking about? The ones who preach long sleeves on men or the ones who are liberated that believe short sleeves on men are okay? Are we going to speak as one organization or allow whoever wants to have a television ministry have one? There are some major clarifications that need to be made as to who is speaking for whom. In reading Bro. Yohe's article I know that there are men and women out there seething in complete hatred for even the thought of allowing the truth to be shared on television. On the other hand there are those who are shouting for joy at the complete justification of owning a television. “A line has to be drawn somewhere and while I have personally struggled with the issue of television, my wife who was raised with one in her home all her life, does not. In speaking personally, with the amount of evilness on television, I think there has to be some justification for the truth being shared. We currently have some awesome Internet sites that proclaim truth in the midst of the evil Internet world, so why not television? In my opinion, if a preacher is going to preach against television, he had better preach against the Internet, too. “Again, in my opinion only, this still does not or cannot justify television in the home of a born-again Christian no matter how hypocritical it may seem. It's not worth the struggle. But we still have an enormous responsibility to share this message of Truth.” The Answer: “Good question, tough answers. First of all, if anyone answers this question with that silly ‘If we use TV, we might as well put scripture on cigarettes’ argument, I think I’ll have to laugh out loud. HA! (There, I just did.) There’s no correlation—cigarettes harm the holy temple, TV (in and of itself) doesn’t. Back to the drawing board, boys! “But back to the question. While being a guest, being interviewed, etc. makes perfect sense to me, hosting a show (be it preaching, interviewing, etc.) creates serious internal pressures. It’s a huge money hog. Larry King admits he can’t interview individual authors on CNN because it doesn’t draw enough viewers to justify the ad rates which pays for the bills. If he can’t interview who he wants, if today’s producers are increasing sit com dialogue and camera cuts and any little thing to maintain viewer interest, then we need to understand the back-end pressures before leaping in to save the world. “Still, the gospel is always out of fashion with society, so it can be done under the guidance of almighty God.” The Answer: “We should reach the lost by all means. Is there any other form of media that gets to more people than television at this time? We should definitely use TV to evangelize. You can make an ad for your local assembly, or you could broadcast your local service.” The Answer: “Yes we need to use the tools that are at hand. We are so far behind in a technological world. Let’s get our talents out of the sand we have buried them in and reach our world.” The Answer: “Yes, by all means. In all reality we should not even have to ask this question. If we in the Apostolic faith are going to be effective in helping spread the Gospel, then we must use whatever means necessary to do so. “It is quite a shame that this far into the game after the invention of the TV that we just now are considering the validity of whether or not it's “right” to evangelize on it. The TV issue is much deeper than what anyone realizes. Because of the “apparent evils on television” some Oneness organizations have condemned it over the years and forbid any of their members from watching and owning them. Yet, some of the very same organizations have jumped full throttle into the internet/web page ministry where evil exists a thousand times more than television. There is a double standard. “Rules, standards, and principles that have nothing to do with one's salvation and have everything to do with placing one back under the law need to abolished in order to free one to live truly in the grace of God. For it is the grace of God that will ultimately create personal Biblical boundaries in one's life and help one see sin for what it really is—deplorable and dreadfully deadly. Only when one is released in the grace of God will they be able to truly evangelize the world with the Gospel of Christ using whatever means necessary. The sky is the limit. Television is only one of the many avenues that can be used.” The Answer: "TV evangelism is not effective, nobody truly searching watches it."
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