Several denominations have TV commercials, The Mormons, Lutherans, and Presbyterians. Do you think the AME church should be doing more in the media to recruit new members?

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2001

Answers

The AME Church is the best kept secrete in America. We must use all avenues of evangelism that are available to us. In the 1800s word of mouth was plenty but in this age people are still searching for the Lord and we have t try and contact them is all possible ways.

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2001

You bet! As a matter of fact, Bishop Young, Presiding Bishop of the 10th Episcopal District formed a committee to explore all possibilities of using all media including the Internet and information Technology to project the image of the Tenth Episcopal District and all the churches in TExas. Praise the Lord! Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2001

Yes, I think that we should use all forms of media. We have a great legacy in the A.M.E. Church that should be shared. We have kept our light hidden for to long. Now is the time to let it shine.

-- Anonymous, April 08, 2001

Yes we should us the media. Distrcit and National level media would be most cost effective.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

I agree we should use the media. So where do we begin. One suggestion is to start at the national level. The Salvation Army, Lutherans, Mormons etc. are using commercials during prime time to get their message out. Do you think we should have a National Media campaign and is this something to present to the Bishops Council?

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

A national commerical would be wonderful! Praise the Lord.

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

I would agree with all that have replied to this question. I would also add that media use is also very effective within the worship experience. I am speaking beyond well established audio (PA systems, tapes,etc.) but also the use of lCD screens, Powerpoint presentations, intricate video and audio incorporation. I have used these at some churches where I have served as youth pastor (outside the AME church) and they proved to be very effective especially among those of us known as techies.

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2001

This is really a "no-brainer" answer. Of course the AME Church should use all media to promulgate the Gospel and expound on the church's mission of liberation theology. The more relevant question is why hasn't this been implemented. The Bishops are the key. Hopefully Bishop McKenzie, who has a prfessional background in mass media, and Bishop Bryant can muster enough influence on the bench to make a difference. QED

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2001

Well Bill since I am in the "fantastically faithful fifth district" I will be sure to pass on your input to our Bishop. Bishop Bryant. Seriously, I think we as clergy and laity need to put together stratgies and ideas regarding using the media and present it to our Bishops. Our Bishops are so busy and often overworked we need to be in prayer for our Bishops and develop ideas for our districts. I especially liked the ideas of Rev. Neal for using the Media in church, for it would make Bible study exciting. I have always been interested in the media, partly because of my creative arts background. But God wants to use all his children to bring the good news to the world. Do we have any AME's at BET? Or Jet, Ebony, Oprah's magazine etc. If we have cable access in our town let's do a AME worship service. How about an AME radio moment. The Salvation Army is doing it. I think this discussion board is an excellent place to germanate ideas. Perhaps we can then share these ideas at our Bishop's planning meeting. District meetings, annual conference and in the local church. Our young people know how to use technology let's get them to help us with media projects.

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2001

The Fifth District is blessed to have Walt "Baby Love" Shaw, a local who hosts the Gospel Trax countdown radio ministry every Sunday.

First A.M.E. Church Los Angeles and Grant A.M.E. both have radio programs each Sunday as well, where the invitation to visit is extended.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001