At one point in time New England was the birth
place and new home for Christianity in America.
Today, many people refer to it as "the cold
north." In a spiritual sense, that may be so.
Unlike many of you who manage or work at stations
in the south and west, we have fewer Christians per
square mile; this, I think, makes New England
unique. So reaching the lost and ministering to "the
church" while remaining viable are among our
challenges.
2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to
you personally about Christian radio?
Hearing from people who accepted Christ as their
Savior because of our stations. Second to that would
be hearing how our station has helped listeners grow
in Christ and encouraged them to live for Him and
share their faith.
3. How do you personally keep the ministry
in the business?
I remind myself that I am here because the Lord
wants me here. I am also very much aware that God
is my boss, not my co-pilot. 1 Cor. 6:20 says, "For
you have been bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body."
4. What is the criteria that determines if
a song receives airplay on your station?
Lyrics are number one, followed by song
intensity. If I receive one of those "You" songs,
it doesn't get added. I believe if you listen to a
"Christian" song and can't tell it from a secular
love song, then it shouldn't have been
submitted to Christian radio in the first place.
5. What kind of promotions work best for
your station?
On air give-a-ways seem very popular. Even after
years of doing it, it seems people still like
getting something for free.
6. How do you think Christian Record
labels can better serve Christian radio?
By getting back to their roots. "Christian" songs
ought to sing about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit,
or something Biblically based; anything else
is secular music. Now that many "Christian" record
labels are now owned by secular companies, the
bottom line is more important than lyrical
substance. In addition, I keep hearing about the
stations that receive little or no service from the
record labels because a station doesn't play at
least 50
percent music. In many markets, that's not possible.
Some air play is better than nothing.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest
obstacles facing Christian radio today?
Christian radio has lost its focus. Revelation
2:4 says, "But I have this against you, that you
have left your first love." It's great that
Christian stations are now as professional as most
secular stations. It's great that Christian radio
is also relevant. But let's not forget about
pointing people to Christ. Let's be Biblically
correct and forget about being
politically correct.
8. What do you believe is the primary role
of the Christian radio air personality today?
To be interesting, compelling and succinct. You
can encourage people in their faith without being
"preachy" on the air. You can also speak about our
modern culture without endorsing or encouraging its
worldly element. Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what
the will of God is, that which is good and
acceptable and perfect."
9. What (if any) other Christian radio
stations do you consider as innovators today?
WAWZ (a.k.a. Star 99.1) seems to have a nice
balance between the professional "sound" and
reaching people
for Christ.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5
years?
Hopefully, Christian radio will be better
equipped and ready to take advantage of technology
for the purpose of reaching people for Christ. Some
stations and Christian ministries are
now experimenting with pod casting.
Other stations have already jumped on the HD radio
bandwagon. Whatever comes down the pike, we need to
influence our secular culture and not let the
culture make us more like them.
