Part of shepherding your church is understanding the major cultural influences impacting people in your congregation. News media can have a big effect on the perspectives of your members. How can you be proactive to prevent as much polarization as possible? What news sources are good to track? Thom and Sam answer these questions on this episode.
- Different generations receive news differently. Older generations are more inclined to watch network news, while younger generations receive much of their news on social media. More watch the news than read it.
- Preaching the news will not help facilitate discipleship in your congregation. Shepherd your people online and stick to encouraging others via social media.
- Don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you notice or hear something from them that is potentially damaging to the church.
- Get out of the echo chamber and help people understand how to prioritize what is important.
- Not every issue deserves a comment from you, especially issues in which you have limited knowledge and experience.
- Consume a broad spectrum of news sources: WSJ, NYT, WaPo, CNN, Fox News, local newspapers and broadcasts, and key leaders and thinkers on social media.
Resources:
- Immerse Bible
- Tyndale House Publishers
- 4 Steps to Revitalization – Enter code 4StepsROL to get this resource for $131 (60% off!) through May 7, 2022.
- Bob Newhart – “Stop it”
- Wall Street Journal
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- CNN
- Fox News
- BBC
- The Economist
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!
Episode Sponsors:
- There is a growing body of evidence that most Christians today are struggling to meaningfully connect with the Bible.
- The Immerse Bible reading experience takes you on a new and unique journey through the Bible. Immerse delivers Scripture as it was originally created: without chapter or verse breaks. This makes for uninterrupted reading of God’s Word. The result is a clean and simple page formatted for one thing: longform reading.
- Created with the look and feel of a paperback book, in the clear and trusted New Living Translation, Immerse enables you to easily read and understand the Bible.
- As people around the world search for new ways to connect with others, Immerse is a Bible to read and then discuss with friends who have read the same passages.
- Using this unique edition, members can read through a major section of the Bible like the New Testament by following the 8 or 16-week reading plan.
- Check out the Immerse Bible.
Southeastern is committed to helping you get the training you need to pursue your ministry from anywhere around the world. That’s why we’re waiving the application fee to any of our programs for Church Answers listeners. Use the code “CHURCHANSWERS” and we’ll waive the fee. No matter what stage of life’s journey you find yourself in, we want to help you take your next step in getting equipped to disciple and teach others. In coming to Southeastern, you’ll find that seminary isn’t just about theological education; it’s about ministry preparation. Explore degrees, schedule a visit, or apply today at sebts.edu.
