Faith Stories Now a Click Away on Social Media Sites

February 24, 2012

Faith Stories Now a Click Away on Social Media Sites

February 24, 2012

(Feb. 24, 2012 - by Ralph Kurtenbach) An AK47 rifle pointed at your head with the demand that you mustn't go to church. You do what? A young boy in Pristina, former Yugoslavia, stood up to such a threat, willing to die for what he believed. His faith inspired a bystander, a soldier named Danny.

Toaster radio

Now Danny tells his own account of faith in God on a recent "Toaster Challenge," a 60-second audio spot that begins with, "So why do people believe in God?"

"The 'Toaster Challenge' is mainly an opportunity for one person's faith story to get a much wider audience on Facebook and Twitter," says Colin Lowther, chief executive of HCJB Global-UK. During his 13-year run as host of "The Full Breakfast" radio program on Sundays, Lowther aired many such faith stories.

"We stuff two rounds of bread (insert two slices) into the toaster," he'd tell listeners to Radio Station Pulse 2 in West Yorkshire, "then give one person just 60 seconds to tell us their story before the toast pops up." Although the program is brief, it invites people in rather than putting them off.

"It also stops the page from sounding too religious," Lowther said. "It's important in the world of Facebook for users to know that their attention will only be required for 60 seconds."

Colin Lowther

Not all the "Toaster Challenge" participants tell dramatic accounts of threatened martyrdom as "anyone with a faith in God can be a participant," according to Lowther. "We have secretaries, care workers, builders, teachers, nurses, shop assistants, you name it. I guess we're trying to show that not just pastors and clergy have a faith; the person who lives next door or works in the local shop may believe just as much."

But has the micro messaging of Facebook and Twitter caught on with people of all ages? And in Western cultures where faith is an intensely personal matter, do participants immediately touch on such themes as sin, guilt, grace, salvation and heaven?

"We tell them to be concise but most people end up talking for three to five minutes," Lowther said, explaining that producer Luke Haley edits the "toastermonies" (testimonies) to a clear, one-minute message.

"The first question is, 'Why do you believe in God?' Sometimes this can lead to lots of religious language and jargon, so we always follow it up with, 'And how did it happen to you?'" said Lowther. "That's when we get the meaty bits!"

Despite the fanfare and promise of friendships, social networking sites may not satisfy people. "They may be suffering with loneliness, addiction, illness or whatever," Lowther offered, excited about the prospect of faith stories reaching into people's needs. "Hearing how one other person in the world found help and release with God's help could be the catalyst for change."

To listen to the "Toaster Challenge," visit: http://audioboo.fm/TheToasterChallenge.

Sources: HCJB Global, Audioboo

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.