Jesus on Tassie TVs in September
Jesus on Tassie TVs in September
from Stephen Carnaby
Perhaps like me you grew up in Tasmania and can remember some of the Christian TV ads of the 80s and 90s. The legendary 'I've got three pockets in my overalls' kids' ad was known far and wide, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse! (I never did work out why the little girl had a mouse in her pocket.)
But as Christians, we don't generally make much of an impact on our TV screens. That's why I was excited a few months ago to hear about a new TV and media advertising campaign put together by the Bible Society. I was even more enthused when I saw the ads - professional quality, well-targeted to three different age groups (youth, parents, seniors) and highly appealing.
The name of the campaign and the theme of the ads is Jesus. All About Life. The ads are not aiming to convert anyone. Rather, they want to create awareness and interest in Jesus over a six-week campaign. People can find out more about Jesus via a 1800 number and website. Local churches then run all sorts of events and courses using the 'brand' as a springboard.
For example, at Bellerive we will be running a five-week DVD-based course where people can discover more about Jesus in a non-threatening context. We are asking any baptism families this year to do it as part of their preparation and will be encouraging parishioners to pray for and invite their friends.
Jesus. All About Life. will be hitting our TV screens (and billboards, buses etc) in September and October. It has already run very successfully in Canberra and Adelaide. Training sessions will take place in different parts of Tassie in early July. Find out more at http://www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au/www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au[/url.
So far 106 local churches have signed up, and every major denomination (including Anglicans) is supporting it. In fact, this is the most widely supported Christian event in Tasmania that I've ever seen!
Historically, Anglicans have laid claim to being the church of the people. And where are the people today? Watching TV! So start praying and planning for how God can use this innovative idea in our workplaces, our schools and unis, our communities, and our local Anglican parishes. Stay tuned for more...
