Page 18 - MyFaith Mag JULY 2016 Web 001

CHANGE REVOLUTION

SHBORUWECATCKOE-BOSEUSAT OK – I’m actually going to be serious here. No jokes about bad
hair, polyester suits, gold furniture, or prayer cloths. In an ocean of
ON RELIGIOUS competition on a typical religious channel, how do you cut through
the clutter and get the audience’s attention? Better yet, how do you
TELEVISION get them to respond? I don’t have all the answers, and I’d love for
BY PHIL COOKE you to respond, but here’s my two cents. And by the way, let’s take it
for granted that you have an actual spiritual call to do this, so don’t
18 | JULY 2016 get mad that my list isn’t more spiritual. I’m making the assumption
that if you’re not spiritually mature enough and called to do this, you
shouldn’t even be reading this list.

1. The Message Matters
The truth is, 90% of TV preachers are teaching a message few even
care about. You’re either answering questions no one is asking, or
you’re not scratching where the culture itches. You may not like Joel
Osteen, but his message of hope and encouragement touches a
chord in millions of people. Likewise, Joyce Meyer’s message of how
God works in practical, everyday ways connects with just as many.
It’s not about tickling their ears, it’s about connecting – sharing a mes-
sage that strikes a chord and resonates with people. In their day, Billy
Graham had it, Oral Roberts had it, Bishop Fulton Sheen had it, and
others had it. The traditional media world is about what they think
the audience wants to watch. The new media world is about what
the audience wants. Learn something from that. It doesn’t mean you
pander, it means you listen.

2. What Makes You Different?
In the world of branding, one of our key questions is “What makes
you different?” Once again, 90% of preachers do very little that makes
them distinctive, and in a media-driven culture, people need that
help. In a world with thousands of choices, it’s the different choices
that stand out. Be the nail that sticks out of the porch. Be the blade
of grass that stands above the others. Be different. That permeates
everything you do – look different, have a different message, present
it differently, think differently, create a different program, and more.

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