How Christians Can Use the Media to Share the Gospel
It is no surprise that Christians have permeated the media space today. From Christian-based content to Christians in the secular world, the influence of our faith is as widespread as it has ever been. Such influence at hand begs the question, "How Can God Use Christians in the Media?" This is a significant question to consider given the digital age we live in, and it is where content reaches audiences worldwide.
Gospel Awareness
Jesus commands us to preach the gospel to all of the world, as highlighted in his great commission to his disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). While God may call those to travel abroad to preach the Good News, others can reach the world for Christ through media content which can minister to those who don't know Him.
In addition to providing gospel awareness through media, Christians can also foster relationships with their audience. It is essential for content creators to build their following and be able to reach out. This will keep followers engaged with your content and create that interpersonal connection. Moreover, they will end up spreading the news to those they know and bring them over to you.
Christians cultivating relationships in media also includes networking with secular content creators. This can range from having them on your platform to vice versa. Just recently, Christian apologist Wesley Huff appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast, where he presented The gospel in an articulate fashion and provided a historical take on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was also a blessing to see Rogan hear what Huff was saying as he asked questions and expressed interest. We must pray that Rogan and his millions of listeners will ultimately come to Christ.
It is amazing to see one of the biggest podcasters in the world platform a fellow brother in Christ. That interview is a solid example of networking with secular content podcasters where the gospel can be shared without compromising one's own beliefs. We must remember that we are ambassadors of Christ; thus, we are to deliver His message of the gospel wherever we go, to whomever we speak. Being able to share through a public platform entails a significant impact, as many will listen and prayerfully come to saving faith.
Discernment
We live in a world where deception is everywhere, and the media is no different. As consumers of media, we must tread caution in what we consume because not everything shared is good or truthful. Christians are to take this into account, discerning everything we listen to because it's so easy to become deceived. It's bad enough that there is deception in churches today due to false teachers spewing heresies, and how much more is when discerning content is put out by individuals who don't know the Lord.
Whatever content Christians create in the media should be conducted with truth and transparency. If presenting the news, it should be as factual as possible as opposed to overly political bias and pushing a narrative. If speaking on matters of Scripture, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Sadly, just because there is a lot of faith-based content, doesn't mean that what is being taught or portrayed on the screen is biblically accurate.
Truth and Transparency
Discernment should go hand in hand with truth and transparency. Christians understand that truth matters as God Himself is truth in nature. We must be honest in the content we are producing because that will create trust from those who tune in to what they have to say. Additionally, transparency plays a part in honesty, where Christians are honest and vulnerable about themselves, which can make them relatable to others. For instance, sharing one's testimony allows people to see a more human side of you as opposed to just seeing you on a screen. Moreover, it glorifies God in what He has done in your life and would bring others who don't know the Lord to consider turning to Him.
Many athletes have cited their faith during interviews as well as on social media. Riley Leonard, who is the quarterback for Notre Dame, said that he is "trusting in Jesus" ahead of the 2025 National Championship Game, where his team will face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Jan 20.
"I looked up and said, 'Jesus, whatever Your will is for my life, I trust it 100%.' And I know that this offense and this team trusts in Jesus and His plan for this season," he said in a postgame interview after Notre Dame defeated Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl.
Being transparent about one's faith in the media glorifies God, unashamed of pointing others to Him. This is what we are called to do: to know God and to make Him known. Like I said at the start of this post, Christians have the opportunity to create a wide impact on the world through the media, and we must pray that momentum continues. That we may not shy away but continually proclaim the great name of Jesus to the world.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Tero Vesalainen
Originally published January 17, 2025.
