Media Students Learning Innovative Ways to Share the Gospel Online

February 15, 2013

Media Students Learning Innovative Ways to Share the Gospel Online

February 15, 2013

Emily Ibarra helps media students from Moody Bible Institute make a short video (at the end of a seminar/workshop at the HCJB Global Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind.) for GraazTV in New Zealand.

(Feb. 15, 2013 - by Marla Bender) A shared passion for ministering via media amid rapid changes has brought together two evangelical organizations with long legacies in Christian broadcasting to produce innovative video content for an online television channel.

Six Moody Bible Institute (MBI) media students were hosted last month by the HCJB Global Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind., to exchange ideas with Emily Ibarra on various aspects of media and communications. Ibarra is a media specialist with the mission.

In a session called "Ethics in Christian Filmmaking," Ibarra explained that "in our desire to show people's needs around the world, we can end up exploiting or demeaning those we want to help. Honest portrayals maintain people's dignity and motivate the audience to action without manipulation."

"We should not get lost in the art and sacrifice the content," warned Ibarra, adding that it's tempting to be so artistic and creative that the clarity of the message is compromised.

After trading ideas on trends in media, conferees at the event finished the day by working together on a brief video for GraazTV, launched by staff members at the HCJB Global-New Zealand World Office. GraazTV is an Internet-based television channel (www.graaz.tv), offering on-demand content that seeks to entertain, educate and provide interaction with the digital community while prompting viewers to investigate the gospel message further.

Helping GraazTV with video projects is well suited for students at different levels of competency and experience. The newer students can produce simple station identification spots while those with more experience can edit video content created by GraazTV or create their own original videos.

"I'm bridging the gap between the two organizations," Ibarra explained. She will work with the New Zealand office to develop project ideas and be a resource for the MBI students as they complete the projects.

Ibarra, a communications graduate of Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind., has helped expand the capabilities of the Nikkel Media Center (a section of the Technology Center) in the following ways: creating media tools for ministry, training future media specialist through internships, and assisting ministry partners with their media needs.

"The Technology Center is looking forward to developing this relationship with Moody and hopes to replicate it with other schools in the future," reported Ibarra. "It makes sense to build these relationships because in reality, we are all on the same team."

Source: HCJB Global

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
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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.