A new evangelistic course aimed at post-moderns has grown out of a ministry for media workers.
Gameplan with Stuart Robinson
Dominic
Steele, the founder of Christians in the Media is a self-confessed
radio fanatic. “I still have scrap books at home with photos of the
Sydney radio stars of the 1970s,” he quips.
Dominic
worked for Sydney radio stations 2UE and 2WS and did everything from
covering the Anita Cobby inquest, to editing and reading breakfast news
through to reporting the 1988 Olympic Games in South Korea.
During his time at 2UE Dominic was invited by a colleague, Russell
Powell, to consider the claims of Christ. “I attended church with
Russell and after about six months I became convinced that it was true
that Jesus had paid the price for my rebellion against God, and that
since he had risen again, he should be my Lord.”
Dominic was recently ordained a deacon in Sydney Diocese. I asked him
to give us an overview of his ministries in recent years including his
relationship with the congregation at Annandale Anglican church.
SR: Dominic, how did Christians in the Media begin?
DS: Well, I was interviewing Bruce Baird (former deputy premier of NSW)
and towards the end of the interchange he mentioned that he was part of
a ministry to politicians. He encouraged me to do the same with media
people. Fairly soon, along with Russell Powell, I was coordinating
irregular gatherings of up to 20 journalists.
SR: What is the stated Mission of Christians in the Media?
DS: To bring glory to God by evangelising and edifying media workers
and communication students. As a result of this charter, we have
developed a network of media people who are involved in other Christian
ministries and also a core group who meet more frequently each Sunday
evening.
SR: Are you making a difference?
DS: Christians in the Media is primarily a network ministry. That is,
groups meet in workplaces, university campuses, and one on one
discipling. Success therefore is not measured in numbers at a weekly
meeting. Having said that, I’d also want to add that many people in the
industry have now heard of Christians in the Media or have direct
contact with Christians who are media workers.
Most of those involved with us at the moment are still relatively
junior in the industry. We would hope that in the years to come these
people will have a significant impact for Christ in the Australian
media.
SR: Please explain the link between Christians in the Media and Annandale Anglican?
DS: Annandale Anglican was on the verge of closure and our core group
(for Christians in the Media) was meeting at Annandale public school
and looking for a home base. So, it now works like this; there’s a
community morning ministry at Annandale (which I oversee and pastor), a
media workers’ evening ministry (which also meets in the newly
renovated church building) and the wider ministry exercised by myself
and the Christians in the Media team.
SR: That wider ministry now includes the Introducing God program.
DS: Correct. In order to reach a post-modern audience who ‘hear with
their eyes and think with their feelings’, we’re in the process of
building on Two Ways To Live to create a multimedia package
(video/powerpoint) which introduces people to the God of the Bible in
twelve sessions (nine dinners and a weekend away). Introducing God
seeks to create a context which is social, friendly, relaxed, happy,
informal, pleasant, thoughtful, where people can feel safe to be
themselves and to hear others speak honestly as well!
SR: And the response to date?
DS: The course is relationally gentle and theologically strong. This
means Christians have felt confident bringing their friends. People
have entrusted their lives to Jesus through the course.
SR: Dominic, what lessons have you learnt in the church planting/ ministry founding arena?
DS: Let me give you three. The first is that in the early days I
probably lacked confidence in God’s ability to build his church. This
meant that I pushed myself too hard, and gave beyond my ability to
give. I think I trust God more deeply now, am a bit more humble, have a
few more bruises and am a little more circumspect.
The second lesson is to do with delegation. I have wanted things to be
just right, so I’ve been reluctant to delegate. I was doing too much
for too long.
The third area is staff appointments. I now take great care (and time)
in inviting new members to join the team. I am at pains to explain the
mission and vision of the ministry. We want staff who understand and
are comfortable within that framework.
SR: How might we pray for you?
DS: Thank God for the partnership with my wife, Cathie and for our
three children Hannah, Solomon and Abraham. Also give thanks for the
many people who have faithfully upheld us (prayerfully and
financially). And pray Introducing God will make a real impact for the
Kingdom when it is launched nationally.
February 2003
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