Rob Anthony “Is This What Kingdom Ministry Looks Like?”

A program director smiles as he pens an email to a PD of another station in his market, a station that would typically be considered… a “rival.”  The email suggests a DJ swap, where on April Fool’s Day, the two stations would trade hosts, a prank that would be a fun surprise for their listeners and demonstrate a camaraderie that the community needs.  Is this what kingdom ministry looks like?

A promotions director shakes her head and hangs up the phone after a conversation with a national concert tour coming through their town.  After she offers a partnership to share the event with an even bigger audience, the tour promoter regretfully declines.  Turns out, the bigger station in town had threatened to blacklist the tour if the promoter allowed any other radio station to have a booth or any presence at all – total exclusivity or nothing.  Is this what kingdom ministry looks like?

The office assistant of a small station curiously opens an envelope emblazoned with the logo of a larger radio station in their city.  Enclosed is a donation check.  “Keep up the amazing work.  We’re in this together,” It says in the memo line.  He shows it to his office manager shrugging his shoulders.  Without batting an eye, she smirks and casually replies,  “Oh, they do that every year.”  Is this what kingdom ministry looks like?

An older couple, following God’s calling to start a radio station in a rural community, reaches out to the leadership of a well-established station who graciously offers their contacts to FCC lawyers, engineers, and direction to begin a huge undertaking.  “This is a great thing you’re doing, and don’t worry, we have no plans to set up in your market,” they say.  It would be decades before this statement would not only be nullified, but the larger entity would set up two stations, strategically making deals to swap channels with others and put both of their signals less than 2 clicks above AND below the small, local station’s frequency.  Is this what kingdom ministry looks like?

In the center of a packed arena, filled with thousands of concertgoers eagerly chanting for their favorite artist to take the stage, two on-air hosts from rival stations are behind the curtain anxiously awaiting the MC’s introduction to bring them out and give their customary 60 second station spiels.  “Why don’t we go out together?  We’re the local stations in town…” one of the hosts suggests.  The two step out under the spotlight, introduce each other, and encourage the listeners to take part in each other’s community events to make a difference for their city at large.  Is this what kingdom ministry looks like?

These are not hypotheticals.  In my 13 years of working in Christian radio, I have observed in some capacity each of these scenarios, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you have as well.  This is a reminder to myself to never stop asking the question, “Is THIS what kingdom ministry looks like?”

Rob Anthony serves as Director of Programming for Worship 24/7, heard on 15 signals throughout the U.S., including Portland, OR, Tacoma, WA, Houston, TX, and a streaming audience from over 200 countries and territories worldwide.  With over 13 years of experience in programming, Rob serves stations with a tried-and-true philosophy utilizing data and discernment to give listeners impactful music and content.  Rob met his wife almost 16 years ago as a worship leader in Southern California, and they currently live outside Portland, OR with two kids (ages 11 & 9).  You can talk music, worship, and life by reaching out to rob@worship247.com.