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TV or Not TV? That Is the
Question – Grappling With Broadcasting on Television
The
Staff of ninetyandnine.com
September 6, 2004
Apostolics using television
seems to be on the minds of many these days. Of course, some Apostolics have
been using TV for quite some time, but the
United
Pentecostal
Church
, the largest Oneness organization in the world, among others, has not.
It seems the older (or newer)
the Apostolic, the more understandable the anti-TV position is; however,
twentysomethings (our core audience) repeatedly ask us what the big deal is
about television. They seem to worry this stand against television (whether
owning one or broadcasting on it) makes us look backward and / or spiritually
immature.
It’s an interesting dichotomy
that we felt needed to be explored in a reasoned manner.
Some time ago we queried our
e-newsletter list to see who would like to participate in an e-panel discussing
Apostolics and television. These six readers accepted the challenge to best
explain their differing positions¾those
against, those
for, and those weighing the advantages and disadvantages. For best effect we
asked them to keep their answers short and focused. Some questions were used in
each group, while others were modified for each position. (In a few cases, some
questions were not answered or the answers were redundant, so they were
removed.) In all cases, they were candid and forthright without being
disrespectful to other positions.
After you read their thoughts,
we’d like to hear from you.
After all, no matter the subject, the body of Christ can always discuss and
perhaps even disagree, without being divisive.
The
Panel
Joy Taylor grew
up in the Apostolic movement with family in all facets of the ministry. The last
20 years have found her working in the Father’s vineyard, both in Apostolic
and non-denominational congregations. Currently she is a mother of four teenage
boys, trying to show them the Father’s love; thankful for her Apostolic roots,
and trying to make sense of the traditions.
Stuart
D. Kent has been Apostolic for 19 years.
He lives one exact mile from the fire station where he runs
calls—either fire, auto accident, or medical emergency.
He recently received a standing ovation for backboarding a
twelve-year-old boy who suffered a head injury while playing soccer.
He also studies for his RN degree, paints the rooms in his new house, and
feeds the cat upon request (the cat’s).
1.
What is the great advantage of Apostolic services being broadcast on television
(instead of the internet, radio, etc.)?
Joy
Taylor: The great advantage of Apostolic services being broadcast on
television, is that while Apostolics find it “odd” that someone would watch
church but never attend, it is a truth that many people do. Living in a
household with non-churched individuals, I can attest that unbelievers and the
unchurched do watch church on television, and believe what they see and hear. If
we (Apostolics) truly believe that we have the truth, do we not have a
responsibility to use any means necessary to reach those who will and do listen?
There are those who will flip through television stations that will never search
the internet and find us.
Stuart Kent:
To reach the unchurched. I’ve watched some non-Apostolic preachers at
work and been moved and transformed by their message. All that is on TV is not fake, which leaves the door open
for us to be real.
2.
What are the disadvantages of Apostolic services going on television?
JT:
One of the disadvantages I see for Apostolic services / programs
being televised is that the “program” (rather than the anointing) can drive
the services / program. Because of time constraints and “looking just
right,” other ministries have compromised the anointing (I have sat in those
services). If we Apostolics do so, we do not bring anything new, fresh, or
powerful to the airwaves.
SK: Unprofessional
technical quality will be a turnoff, if every small town Apostolic church starts
broadcasting services with a home movie camera, no editing, and a lot of
hollering. There are several like that in my hometown and their broadcasts are
simply awful, with poor quality and sound.
3. Why is television such
a hot-button issue for so many?
JT: For me personally, television
is such a hot-button in the Apostolic movement because of a couple of items.
First, how can we forbid our congregations to watch it if we are utilizing it
for ministry purposes? Secondly, there is very little “good, virtuous and
right” to be found in prime-time television. As a mother, there is a
noticeable difference in the attitude of my children depending on what they
watch—“junk in, junk out” is true, even if we don’t want to believe it.
I have concerns about allowing “immature” Apostolics full access to
something they have not had previous experience dealing with, but that is
another issue in and of itself.
SK: Because it’s been off limits
for so long, but is now a vital part of American life. We watch the world news
on TV, see wars, catastrophes, storms. But there is too much decadence on TV
that has changed our world, too.
4. Is it possible for
Apostolics to create church services/television shows that are not tacky? How
could we avoid the televangelist caricature that much of society believes?
JT:
It is possible for Apostolics to create church services/television
shows that aren’t tacky.
Joyce
Meyers
Ministries
does an excellent job of that. We avoid the “televangelist” caricature by
being sincere, honest and keeping our “house” in order. I would suggest that
we ask advice from those who have gone before us and learn from their mistakes
(again, see
Joyce
Meyers
Ministries
).
SK:. Perhaps we should only broadcast
professional works of quality, developed as an outreach tool at (church)
Headquarters or leading churches (
Christian
Life
Center
in
Stockton
,
CA
; The Pentecostals of Alexandria, LA; etc) and disallow any local bumpkin
broadcast without approval. But I’m sure that won’t stop locals from going
on air.
5.
We already have the technology to connect television to the computer (and vice
versa). One day many believe they will be one and the same. What happens then?
JT: Will they ever be one and the
same? Who knows what the future holds? Do we delay ministry today in hopes of
what tomorrow brings us just to sidestep a controversy? In the parable of the
reapers, the owner of the field asked for laborers all day long, not just at the
end. I don’t know that we can afford to “wait and see”.
SK:
We will also have the choice of which channels we opt to pay for, and
watch. Just as you can select to look / not look at porn on the internet, you
will likewise have the option to buy / not buy illicit TV channels.
6. How would you recommend
we proceed on this issue?
JT:
First, the governing body of the Apostolics must be willing to
address the “television/movie” issue in an open and honest manner. We need
to quit preaching against it in the pulpit and watching it in the bedroom.
Secondly, our pastors need to teach us how to govern what we watch and listen
to. Let’s grow up as Christians and pay attention to what we ingest. Then, we
can move ahead and use all the tools available to us to reach the world.
SK:
Host a debate with anyone who
is willing and can submit proof that they can debate intelligently within the
Apostolic movement. Have the debate at General Conference, or hold a separate
conference for this express purpose. Don’t just hand down the almighty UPC
Headquarters command. Let’s talk about it, present papers, and then vote.
7.
Let’s move into related areas. What is your position on Apostolics running
advertisements on television?
JT: Advertisements
can be tasteful and tacky. Other church organizations have found a way to
utilize the “advertising” medium in a very effective and tasteful manner
(see the Mormon’s ad which emphasizes family values and offers a Bible at the
end). If we pursue “excellence” and not “make do” in what we put in
front of the world, we can present ourselves in a manner that encourages
investigation.
SK:
Mostly a waste of money, but let ’em do it. I can’t think of many
folk who were ever persuaded to go to church because of an advert on the boob
tube.
8.
What is your position on Apostolics appearing on television (a talk show, etc.)
by invitation?
JT: Apostolics
appearing in a talk show by invitation can be very powerful. But, I think we
should be careful about who and when we do so. Prayerful consideration should be
given to each invitation. There are those who love us and want to hear what we
have to say, but there are others (sometimes former UPC, etc.) that do not love
us and want to portray us as “cultic” and will hurt us.
SK:
Do it! Make sure it isn’t something idiotic like the John
Ankerburg Show where they set you up to look like cultish idiots. But Jay Leno,
Pat Robertson, David Letterman—go for it! Did I mention Oprah?
9.
What is your position on Apostolics appearing on television programming that
represents another doctrine?
JT: Apostolics
appearing on television shows or channels that represent other doctrines can be
both beneficial and detrimental. Prayerful consideration should be given to any
time we put ourselves in an adversarial position.
SK:
That’s great, as long as they don’t jump in the Trinity bed with
them. Or go soft on their Apostolic position.
10.
Is there some
Third Way
to be on television that we aren’t
exploring—not services on television, not advertising, but some other method
where television could be used most effectively?
SK:
Do infomercials, like Tony Robbins, wherein we advertise, but
professionally, tastefully. And also give enough info on book orders, CD orders,
1-800 numbers to reach counselors. In case you haven’t noticed, much of TV has
gone to infomercial stuff. Or, why not have our own channel? UPC-TV!
Order it today from local cable!
ninetyandnine.com
©
2004, ninetyandnine.com
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