Keeping Tabs on How the News Media Influences Your Church

https://youtu.be/guDMYqZYYM0

Part of shepherding your church is understanding the major cultural influences impacting people in your congregation. News media can have a big effect on the perspectives of your members. How can you be proactive to prevent as much polarization as possible? What news sources are good to track? Thom and Sam answer these questions on this episode. 

Different generations receive news differently. Older generations are more inclined to watch network news, while younger generations receive much of their news on social media. More watch the news than read it. 

Preaching the news will not help facilitate discipleship in your congregation. Shepherd your people online and stick to encouraging others via social media. 

Don't be afraid to talk to someone if you notice or hear something from them that is potentially damaging to the church.

Get out of the echo chamber and help people understand how to prioritize what is important. 

Not every issue deserves a comment from you, especially issues in which you have limited knowledge and experience. 

Consume a broad spectrum of news sources: WSJ, NYT, WaPo, CNN, Fox News, local newspapers and broadcasts, and key leaders and thinkers on social media. 

Resources:

Immerse Bible

Tyndale House Publishers

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Bob Newhart - “Stop it”

Wall Street Journal

The New York Times

The Washington Post

CNN

Fox News

BBC

The Economist

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

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