We commit ourselves to a renewed critical and creative engagement with media and technology, as part of making the case for the truth of Christ in our media cultures. The Cape Town Commitment II-A–4
The media dominates our world. It is part of virtually every society on every continent. It is the primary way in which news and stories travel. It is by far the most important channel for ideas to spread. It shapes every aspect of human experience, from our sense of identity to our views on the biggest challenges facing humanity. The Lausanne Media Engagement Network (one of a number of issue networks within the Lausanne Movement) is helping the global church to engage with media in three main areas, as highlighted in The Cape Town Commitment. Lars Dahle, Lausanne Senior Associate for Media Engagement, introduces them:
Media awareness
Many Christians in the west are so accustomed to a media-saturated culture that we often take it for granted and fail to think critically about it. Many parts of the majority world, on the other hand, have experienced extremely rapid and unsettling changes in the media’s presence within the culture.
Whatever the context, the church often struggles to know how best to respond. What does faithful discipleship in a media-dominated world look like? We are developing ways of resourcing the global church to think critically about, and to respond constructively to, the messages of mainstream media. See our Media Awareness section.
Media presence
The world of mainstream media, whether news and current affairs, or creative and entertainment media, is a challenging place to be a Christian. But it is also a highly strategic place to be a Christian, since the media has such an enormous influence on society. We need Christians to be salt and light as they work with professionalism and Christian integrity in mainstream media. We are working to encourage and equip churches to support and disciple such Christians. Many Christians are also active in social media, so we are providing resources to help them do so thoughtfully and intentionally. See our Media Presence section.
Media ministries
There is a long history of the global church using media technologies — from papyrus through printed books to radio, television, and the Internet. Digital technologies have developed so much that it is now possible — maybe essential — for every Christian organisation, institution, and church to be involved in media ministry. Individual Christians, too, can have a significant, far-reaching ministry through social media. We are connecting media ministries and various groups in order to discover innovative ways of using media technologies in global mission, and to create media to the highest possible standards, both creatively and technically. See our Media Ministries section.
The Lausanne Media Engagement Network is helping connect key Christian media professionals, influencers, and leaders. We want to enable effective co-operation, sharing of resources, and the development of emerging leaders. The network is continuing to reflect biblically and strategically on the whole area of media engagement to better understand the needs of the global church and identify the highest priorities.
Leading the network is Lars Dahle, the Lausanne Senior Associate for Media Engagement. The network co-ordinator is Tony Watkins.
You can connect to the network by signing up for our newsletter or following us on Twitter.
About Lars Dahle
About Tony Watkins
Share this Post