Pro-Formula 1-31: the wonder drug that heals media

October 26, 10:22 AMDenver Evangelical ExaminerRichard Beattie

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For the last few days the Denver Evangelical Examiner has been on assignment in a lab that looks like coffeehouses, galleries, antique stores and a local Subaru dealer. While he has been talking, singing, interviewing and producing he neglected to get to a keyboard to file a report! So today Richard Beattie, the Trusted Envoy and Evangelical Examiner will reveal what he has found in  his lab which looks exactly like Denver! In the lab and on campus RB has uncovered the motive for journalists and writers who really want to engage the culture.

Elements of discipline and discernment

The motive for writing and research should always be for attaining wisdom, discipline, and gaining insight. The approach for writers and communications professionals should be practiced as discipline and discernment into reporting what is good, what is right and also what is not. This is a basic hypothesis for reporting, research and writing for any media and should be practiced by all journalists no matter what their topic or expertise might be.

Engaging the culture

Last week at a coffeehouse on Lincoln and 9th near downtown last week I met with a young filmmaker who is raising funds for a film that he is producing. He was seeking me out for counsel on what he should do and the steps that he should take to attract sponsorship. Mentoring a young envoy is a big responsibility and he probably turned to me since many Denverites have referred to me as a "wise guy" and a "smart donkey." I know I have sought wise counsel many times and to seek fellowship and friendship with a godly group of men. (i think I should say that they are a group of fellows- but at the risk of offending anyone it could be women if you are indeed female and reading this.) Our approach to noodling the creative needs to be with other wise guys and smart donkeys! (In the Old Testament God spoke through an Jack Ass- so don't laugh.)

Prayer as part of the process

A true journalist is in relationship with God and he or she takes talking and listening to God in every story. I have found when I write I write for an audience of one, though as a missionary to the nation of Media, I am called to write a godly message to the worldly. Prayer is one of the tools for a journalist to take along in a backpack and pull it out while praying His Word for the audience.

More tools for the journey

A healthy respect for God's Truth in every matter is where we begin. Every game has a starting point and every journey has a beginning as well. The Bible is the beginning of knowledge of God's plan and yet the foolish in the mainstream often mock it. how would you know God's plan and design when you don't crack open His Book? It is where media so often goes wrong! My hypothesis is to visit every issue while praying to God, being in fellowship and living it out in my column, on my radio show, including the His Wisdom in the copy and in my motive and approach. From life issues to gay marriage, from health care to the economy, every week I will ask questions of pastors, of atheists, of scientists, doctors, activists, lobbyists, politicians and the homeless. I think I'll start with you as we colloborate on solving  the world's problems  through Biblical Truth.

1.  How can I live out Biblical truth on a daily basis? 

2. Is there any issue that we face today that does not have a Biblical response. If so what would that be?

3. Should journalists use the Bible as compass in covering a story?

4. Have you ever studied Proverbs? If so what is your take on Old Testament Wisdom? If not what do you know about Proverbial wisdom?

5. Should we embrace economic correction and how do we get through it together?

6. What challenges do you face personally today that you feel you need help with?

7. Are you involved in any fellowship group spiritual or otherwise?

8. What is the best thing about community. Do you experience commun ity where you live?

9. have you ever been mentored?

10. What is wrong with media and what might be the cure?

11. What is the best in media today? (News, art, film , books, broadcasts, theater, web)

12. What is the most effective advertising in your opinion?

13. What is the separation of church and state and why do you believe it?

14. How do you define wisdom?

15. What change do you want to see in your life? (if any- if not -explain why)

Lets talk!