Models of religious broadcasting,

by J. Harold Ellens

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Unknown Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080283437X
• ISBN13: 9780802834379
• Release Date: January 1974
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Presenting...A Fresh Approach to Televangelism

Ellens is to be commended for not being afraid to dive into the subject of religious broadcasting and televangelism. These fields need all the clear-minded, theologically oriented critiques they can get. He is particualrly good on showing the Incarnational model of media evangelism by citing examples of groups not afraid to try spot ads without the heavy oversell that so clutters this field today. His application of Hebrews 1:1-3 to this discussion is most illuminating--one wishes he had spent more time on this. His four analyzes of the basic televangelist models are trenchant and thoughtprovoking: 1. The Pulpit Model--Bishop Sheen and The Lutheran Hour are his two main histroical examples here. This is the straight-out Personality Model which depends on one-directional powerful preaching. Long on charisma, says Ellens, but more in the Old Testament mode--not exactly respectful of the audience since the Pulpiteer is the self-proclaimed expert. Still, Ellens is consistently fair throughout even his criticism. 2. The "Mount Sinai" or Mighty Acts of God Model--Billy Graham and Rex Humbard and Oral Roberts are the exemplars here tho today we would add Benny Hinn and a host of others. Ellens fairness is on display--he is not afraid to tread on toes. A good critique of the Graham style of evangelism--the TV audience is looking in on what God is doing. A bit distancing as the Messenger will set the terms of the debate. Point well taken. 3.The Instructional Model is more his cup of tea--historically the DeHaans and the Lutheran's "This is the Life" TV program are his favorite examples here but he is not afraid to praise the SDA's Faith for Today. This resonates with me remembering the Lutheran "Pastor Martin" persona from the 1950s--a good remembrance for a church, the Missouri Synod, not usually thought of as on the cutting edge, yet those 30 minute dramas were tasteful, non-pushy and suspenseful. Ellens quotes people such as Everett C. Parker for arguing that drama has the best potential for reaching today's skeptical audiences and, says Ellens, it follows the Incarnational model--the message is carefully "dropped in" rather than depending on a media superstar and all the temptations attendant on that approach. 4. The Little Leaven Model--Ellens favorite. He praises the Franciscans for their lively 30 second spot ads making one provocative point thus revealing his own ecumenicism and generosity as well as showing he has done his homework. A point Ellens misses is that there should be some kind of a follow-up or response device. In the closing days of The World Tomorrow program in 1996 (better known historically through the Armstrongs out of Pasadena) their TV Department was having quite good success with one-minute spot ads. One wishes they could have continued. Overall, Ellens gets a lot done in 168 pages and I found it immensely helpful for my own prospective biography on Herbert W. Armstrong. Readable and thought-provoking and theological-