BUILDING RESILIENT RADIO MINISTRIES

“Running a Christian radio station is really challenging for many of our partners,” says David, who directs Reach Beyond’s ministries in Asia Pacific. “They have the vision and the passion to use radio to reach their communities with the Gospel, but it is difficult for them to just stay on the air.”

David smiles for a photo with a radio station manager at one of Reach Beyond's leadership training conferences.

Many stations are located in areas where there are few believers, so there is little support. David explains, “Typically, it is the station manager who carries the whole burden. If he is the pastor of the church, he might get some support from that. But most stations will only have one or two announcers. And maybe a producer or two, all part-time, all volunteer.”

David says the biggest expense most stations face is their electric bill, $30-50 per month. “Most of the stations are small. They’re isolated. There’s not a lot of money—just a couple hundred dollars a month. There’s not a lot of encouragement. The station managers are having to do a lot with a little, and they’re out doing that on their own.”

Reach Beyond uses a multi-level approach to deliver training that ranges from one-on-one or small group mentorship to multi-day training events for 20-30 station managers.

EQUIPPING STATION MANAGERS

David says, “We want to equip leaders with skills to make their stations more resilient and self-sustaining so they can better share the Gospel. Radio is still very effective in these places. But we also train them to use social media and digital platforms, because if they don’t use digital media, they are really limiting their potential ministry.”

Breakout groups enable station managers to learn from one another as well as encourage and pray for each other.

Training events for station managers are custom-designed to equip leaders with practical skills. David says, “One of the biggest requests we get from station managers for training is in the area of marketing. They need help learning how to attract listeners to their stations, and how to approach businesses that could potentially advertise on their station.”Spiritual nourishment is another key aspect of training. David emphasizes to station managers the importance of growing spiritually. He tells them, “How can you expect to give out if you’re not growing in your walk with God? Leadership is an outflow of your personal relationship with God.”

Group events are also designed to build a sense of community among ministry leaders who have the same challenges and struggles, reminding them that they are not alone.

Small breakout groups facilitate self-learning discussions where leaders share experiences, challenges, and ideas. They also encourage and pray for each other, which brings renewed passion for ministry to their souls.

TRAINING COHORTS

Earlier this year, local Reach Beyond trainer Anita began meeting monthly with a small group of station managers via Zoom. The group has focused on ways they can grow their audience to improve their sustainability and expand their Gospel impact. They have been encouraging each other to go out and directly engage with their community.

Offering free breakfast for a smile was a creative way our partners used to engage directly with people in their community.

David described one of their creative solutions, “One of the stations went down near a school early one morning, and put up a sign that said, ‘Smile for free coffee or tea and a snack.’ And as a result, a whole bunch of people heard about the station.”

“But this act of kindness did something more,” David explained, “The station realized that it shifted their focus from all of the difficulties they’re facing, to being a blessing to others.”

INVESTING IN LEADERS

For David, building resilient radio ministries really begins by investing in their leaders. “We want to help them thrive. If they’re not thriving as good leaders, it carries throughout the whole radio station.”

David says, “Our partners have a passion for using radio and digital media to reach their neighbors. They are willing to sacrifice for it. They’re willing to spend their time and energy and efforts. They love Jesus—it’s very clear. And we’re here to help them use their enthusiasm and passion so that many more people will hear about Him.”