A new evangelistic course aimed at post-moderns has grown out of a ministry for media workers.

Gameplan with Stuart Robinson

Dominic Steele, the founder of Christians in the Media is a self-confessed radio fanatic. “I still have scrap books at home with photos of the Sydney radio stars of the 1970s,” he quips.

Dominic worked for Sydney radio stations 2UE and 2WS and did everything from covering the Anita Cobby inquest,  to editing and reading breakfast news through to reporting the 1988 Olympic Games in South Korea.

During his time at 2UE Dominic was invited by a colleague, Russell Powell, to consider the claims of Christ. “I attended church with Russell and after about six months I became convinced that it was true that Jesus had paid the price for my rebellion against God, and that since he had risen again, he should be my Lord.”

Dominic was recently ordained a deacon in Sydney Diocese. I asked him to give us an overview of his ministries in recent years including his relationship with the congregation at Annandale Anglican church.

SR: Dominic, how did Christians in the Media begin?
DS: Well, I was interviewing Bruce Baird (former deputy premier of NSW) and towards the end of the interchange he mentioned that he was part of a ministry to politicians. He encouraged me to do the same with media people. Fairly soon, along with Russell Powell, I was coordinating irregular gatherings of up to 20 journalists.

SR:  What is the stated Mission of Christians in the Media?
DS: To bring glory to God by evangelising and edifying media workers and communication students. As a result of this charter, we have developed a network of media people who are involved in other Christian ministries and also a core group who meet more frequently each Sunday evening.

SR: Are you making a difference?
DS: Christians in the Media is primarily a network ministry. That is, groups meet in workplaces, university campuses, and one on one discipling. Success therefore is not measured in numbers at a weekly meeting. Having said that, I’d also want to add that many people in the industry have now heard of Christians in the Media or have direct contact with Christians who are media workers.

Most of those involved with us at the moment are still relatively junior in the industry. We would hope that in the years to come these people will have a significant impact for Christ in the Australian media.

SR: Please explain the link between Christians in the Media and Annandale Anglican?
DS: Annandale Anglican was on the verge of closure and our core group (for Christians in the Media) was meeting at Annandale public school and looking for a home base. So, it now works like this; there’s a community morning ministry at Annandale (which I oversee and pastor), a media workers’ evening ministry (which also meets in the newly renovated church building) and the wider ministry exercised by myself and the Christians in the Media team.

SR: That wider ministry now includes the Introducing God program.
DS: Correct. In order to reach a post-modern audience who ‘hear with their eyes and think with their feelings’, we’re in the process of building on Two Ways To Live to create a multimedia package (video/powerpoint) which introduces people to the God of the Bible in twelve sessions (nine dinners and a weekend away). Introducing God seeks to create a context which is social, friendly, relaxed, happy, informal, pleasant, thoughtful, where people can feel safe to be themselves and to hear others speak honestly as well!

SR: And the response to date?
DS: The course is relationally gentle and theologically strong. This means Christians have felt confident bringing their friends. People have entrusted their lives to Jesus through the course.

SR: Dominic, what lessons have you learnt in the church planting/ ministry founding arena?
DS: Let me give you three. The first is that in the early days I probably lacked confidence in God’s ability to build his church. This meant that I pushed myself too hard, and gave beyond my ability to give. I think I trust God more deeply now, am a bit more humble, have a few more bruises and am a little more circumspect.

The second lesson is to do with delegation. I have wanted things to be just right, so I’ve been reluctant to delegate. I was doing too much for too long.

The third area is staff appointments. I now take great care (and time) in inviting new members to join the team. I am at pains to explain the mission and vision of the ministry. We want staff who understand and are comfortable within that framework.

SR: How might we pray for you?
DS: Thank God for the partnership with my wife, Cathie and for our three children Hannah, Solomon and Abraham. Also give thanks for the many people who have faithfully upheld us (prayerfully and financially). And pray Introducing God will make a real impact for the Kingdom when it is launched nationally.