Doug Hastings Interview
Doug Hastings
Vice President
Moody Radio
Career Capsule: I began my work at Moody Radio in 1981, first working in the marketing department reaching out to radio stations offering programming from Moody Radio. A little over two years later, I moved into the Network operations area, then co-managed the Programming department, eventually solely managing that area. About 15 years ago, I moved into administration, eventually serving as General Manager up until 3 ½ years ago when I was asked to serve as Vice-President.
Doug, tell us what’s new at Moody Radio … any news, changes etc… and what’s new with YOU?
Moody Radio has experienced a season of great ministry and harvest over the last 24 months as we have all navigated the ravages of COVID. Our listeners have been so generous, which I believe is because we have focused on ministering to them during this very difficult time, and they have thanked us with their strong and generous support.
After serving in various roles at Moody Radio over the last 40 years, my wife and I are both retiring from Moody (she is the Executive Director of the Moody Alumni Association) together on February 28, 2022. We are excited to begin this new season of a more relaxed pace, but ever ready to find new avenues of ministry in our church and community.
How do you balance work & family, how important is it for someone in Christian Radio to ‘have a life”?
Work life balance has become a buzz word over the years, and it’s no joke. When you are involved in ministry, you can easily get out of balance. God didn’t ask us to “flame out” for Him, so finding that right balance of being fully invested, with also recognizing your responsibility and privilege to serve your family, neighbors, and church is vitally important.
What were the determining factors for your decision to “retire” this year?
We’re blessed to be involved in the ministry of Moody Bible Institute our entire married life, and even before that as students. As I approached 40 years this past June, it felt like the right time to look at a transition, handing the baton off to the next leader who can take Moody Radio strongly into the future.
What’s something you’ve learned due to the pandemic, about Christian Radio, that you didn’t know before?
Every single person who listens to Christian radio or our digital content is hurting, somehow. The pandemic has left no one “untouched.” We have the awesome privilege to be right there as a trusted voice and friend. That is a heavy responsibility, but one that reaps tremendous rewards. We get to remind people of the truth of God’s Word, of His power, of Him being in total control, and of His love and care for each one of us, personally. Reminding listeners to have faith over fear is often the encouragement they need to get through that next hour, day, or week. It’s a honor to be able to do that all day, everyday!
What do you feel are your greatest accomplishments at Moody Radio?
The first thing that comes to mind is our ongoing commitment to sharing the message of salvation consistently, everyday. We produce 190 hours of original programming a week (our network programs as well as local morning shows at 9 of our locations). We have averaged sharing the Gospel over 300 times per month during 2021, and we know of hundreds who have placed their faith in Christ. That’s THE most important thing we can do.
The other thing that comes to mind relates to our partnerships. Whether it be Bible League, Trans World Radio, Far East Broadcasting Company, or Buckner Shoes(to name a few), we get to use the power of the airwaves to share these needs with our listeners and see them pour out their hearts of compassion and generosity to do Kingdom work…we are always better when we work together. I’ve always said, it’s the great commission, not the great competition!
Regarding the future of Moody Radio, what do you think it will look like after you’re retired?
Moody Radio will continue to strongly proclaim the Gospel and help people take their next step with Jesus using our traditional radio stations. But we can’t ignore the fact that the trends have listening and content consumption going to digital devices and channels, and in many cases, on demand content. We will continue to minister over the radio , but also use those signals to point people to other ways they can connect with our content through their digital device.
Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?
I think the work that NRB is doing to protect our access to the airwaves is critical. We have a message that changes lives for eternity, and if we lose access to deliver that message, nothing more would please the enemy. Staying relevant in our methods of content delivery, and staying true to the truth of God’s Word will be paramount as we minister in the coming years.
Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?
Bob Neff was the VP of Moody Radio for many years, and mentored me in my early days of joining the Moody team. I’ve been able to serve in this role because of what he taught me over a good number of years. I also have fond memories of Moody Radio Pastor Donald Cole, who served on the mission field in Angola, Africa for many years, and then came back stateside and served as the radio pastor at Moody. His calm and gentle spirit was an example of someone who boldly proclaimed the Gospel, but did it with grace and compassion, always pointing people to Jesus.
