Andy “Crash” Connell ” Is God Telling Us Something?”
Christian Radio: Is God Telling Us Something?
With the recent news of major Christian radio stations and networks selling off and consolidating, many of us in Christian radio are waking up to the fact, nothing anymore remains static. These moves aren’t just business decisions—they’re reminders that our work is tied to something bigger than ratings and revenue. And for some, it begs the question:
Is God telling us something?
Because this moment isn’t just about jobs—it’s about calling. It’s about reevaluating why we’re here. Is it for the love of radio, or the mission of ministry? Or is it both?
Over 1,000 stations are using AI-generated voices for liners, weather, and even devotionals. These voices sound natural, seamless, and efficient. Meanwhile, some smaller stations are consolidating or changing hands. The message remains, but the method continues to evolve.
So what’s next?
Where is the next generation of talent—those who can carry the message with authenticity and clarity?
Many young communicators today are building platforms through podcasts, YouTube, and social media. Christian radio often isn’t on their radar—not because they’re uninterested in ministry, but because we haven’t actively invited them in.
Small and medium markets, especially, no longer have a bench of emerging talent. The pipeline from where I sit has dried up. No interns waiting in the wings. No résumés coming in. Just faithful staff trying to keep things running. Remember the cover letters? “Tight board, third phone, will travel.”
Major market stations don’t feel this pinch as sharply. They don’t need a bench—they’re the NFL. Top talent is already drawn to them. But in smaller markets, where ministry is often more personal and hands-on, we’re left asking: who’s next?
Recruiting takes time—and in many places, resources are already stretched. So stations fill time with music, teaching programs, or automation. It keeps us on the air, but it doesn’t build the future.
Here’s a real-world question:
How many are willing to relocate their family to a smaller market for $15 – $30 an hour, with no benefits and limited housing options? And no “contracts”?
That’s the reality a lot of us are facing. And it’s a reminder that even as we follow the call to serve, we’ve still got to walk in wisdom. First Timothy 5:8 says, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith.” Ministry doesn’t cancel provision. They go hand in hand.
Colossians 3:23 encourages us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” So—are we working with clarity and purpose? Are we growing in the gifts God’s given us? Or are we just repeating old rhythms that no longer reach?
The headlines are a reminder to reflect.
Maybe it’s picking up a few new skills—learning better ways to fundraise, getting familiar with social media, trying some audio production, or even figuring out how AI might help with what you already do.
Maybe it’s just praying over your situation and asking God, “What now?” Maybe a lunch with your pastor or a mature believer you trust.
Perhaps God’s still calling you to radio—just with a renewed focus and fresh eyes.
Like Paul, who made tents to support his ministry, we’ve got to stay flexible and faithful. The tools might change. The methods might shift. But the mission? That hasn’t moved.
1 Kings 19:12 reminds us that God often speaks in a whisper—not the wind, fire, or earthquake. Maybe that’s what this season is. Not a disruption… but a whisper.
So what’s God saying?
If He’s calling you to stay, stay strong. If He’s leading you somewhere else, step out with confidence. Either way—He’s not done with Christian radio. And He’s definitely not done with you.
Andy “Crash” Connell is the GM/OM and live morning co-host at Q90 FM (WORQ 90.1) in Green Bay, Wisconsin—a role he’s served in since 2013. His radio career spans both ministry and major-market secular formats, with past experience in Dallas/Fort Worth, New Orleans, El Paso, and Madison, WI. He was born-again in 2010. Known for his bold approach to broadcasting and a deep commitment to biblical truth, Crash leads Q90 FM under the station’s mission: Truth at Any Cost. Email crash@q90fm.com