A New Channel For Broadcast Ministry
By Greg Hodson, VP and Executive Producer

Many ministries miss the opportunity to broadcast their message to a large audience because they feel television is exclusive to “pulpit” shows.  Tune in Sunday mornings and you will catch no less than twenty programs that feature a minister on stage preaching the Gospel.  

A Pastor may feel that they are not ready to invest in the necessary equipment and personnel necessary to produce and manage a weekly broadcast.  This may be true, but it does not prohibit a Pastor and their ministry from broadcasting their unique position in the community. 

If a ministry is not on television, they might rely on the radio, Internet, direct mail, print and billboards to carve out a position in the community.  More than likely however, they count on word of mouth and its members to present and clearly articulate the features and benefits of membership in the church.  This may be one reason why many churches find church growth their number one challenge. 

There is however a television programming option, a broadcast marketing channel that should be considered.  It is a special, paid program or infomercial that gives the church an opportunity to present a professional, creative and compelling message.  In thirty minutes, the church can profile the Pastor, present the many ministries that meet individual needs of the viewers as well as benefits of membership through dramatic testimonials or personal stories. 

The program is evergreen. This means it can air numerous times throughout the day, week, month and year on many different channels in your local broadcast and cable area.  The program has the ability to dramatically define the ministry and demonstrate to viewers the reasons why they should consider a visit. 

People are reluctant to visit a new church for many reasons.  Let’s stipulate that we know most of the reasons.  The answer to this problem is to reveal the many features and benefits found behind the ministry’s brick walls. 

How many single moms need a day-care service or desire a place where their teenager can find a friend?  How many couples are having a hard time in their relationship?  How many people struggle with finances and career?  How many people are emotionally drained by a personal or family crisis?  How many people for that matter do not understand the Word of God as preached in the pulpit at their current church? 

The infomercial allows time for a variety of brief, personal, heartfelt stories and testimonials from the church members.  Their wonderful and sometimes miraculous transformations will resonate with viewers in need.  The infomercial allows time for the viewers to see a Pastor not only in a pulpit, but at home with his family enjoying quality time.  The thirty-minute program will give your ministry the time to broadcast your unique message to the community at large and drive church visitation.  It may be the best way to get on television without investing a large part of the church budget on lights, camera, sound and skilled production personnel. 

Yes, your church can be professionally presented on television and in many cases air before or after some of the biggest television ministries in the world.