We cannot separate radio from community. Radio, used in the right way, fosters a strong sense of community and models Christian community to our listeners.
Most Christian radio stations are established on an interdenominational basis and so are already in the process of working across the denominational spectrum. A direct result of this is that Christians from a wide variety of denominations can all look to the station and say this is our station. Radio has a unifying effect among believers. But how do we cope with shades in theological persuasion or denominational distinctives?
While there may be many ways of handling this, FEBC's program policy is quite specific:
In order to obtain an adequate supply of programs in certain languages it is FEBC's privilege to work in co-operation with other agencies who share a similar vision and have the means for producing such programs. These agencies may represent a wide spectrum of denominational backgrounds, but co-operation with them is welcomed so long as they also subscribe to the Lausanne Covenant. This is done in full recognition of the fact that there may be some minor points of doctrine over which one co-operating group may differ from another. In such cases FEBC requires that, in dealing with such controversial issues, alternative views are also expressed and doctrines presented in such a way that the other group is not portrayed in a bad light.
This states quite clearly the delicate balance FEBC tries to preserve in its programming and co-operation with other partners.
But we can do more. By demonstrating our ability to function together in community we validate our message to the wider world. We can broadcast programs that provide news and information about other Christian groups. We can enter into partnership with organisations to help them extend their ministry or achieve their goals. For example, we may broadcast programs that support the field-work of a Christian community development agency. We might also air distance-education programs that help a Bible seminary be more effective by using radio to reach students spread far and wide. To demonstrate unity on air we could get people together in the studio and model for our listener how we as fellow believers can work together in spite of international and interdenominational differences. Another outcome of this is to reduce misunderstanding about the relationship between radio and the Church and disarm accusations of radio being isolated from the Church.
Interdev is one Christian organisation that has taken upon itself the responsibility of helping to forge partnerships among various Christian agencies with a shared interest. FEBC and FEBA have been involved in several of these, collaborating with non-radio agencies in a co-ordinated strategy. The process has often been lengthy because a lot of history has to be worked through and the various agencies and elements have to feel their need for each other. It has not been without pain, but where they have succeeded, these partnerships have been driven by the reality that, as they work together with a common purpose, they can not only be more effective in ministry but also better stewards of resources.