Today, like never before, the whole world is within reach of our Media fingertips. Easier access to Satellites, National Broadcast Networks, extensive Cable TV systems, as well as the Internet, open the door for Local, Regional and National Media Ministries to "Go Global with the Gospel".

But is simply reaching the world enough? Broadcasting into Germany, the UK, Africa or Australia doesn't mean you have an International Ministry. It's only an indication of your ability to buy airtime. A true International Media Ministry needs the kind of sustainability that only comes from actual viewership. Viewership built on relationship will give you a concrete foundation from which to grow. That kind of growth is never accidental. At the foundation must be strategic planning, constructed from a good working knowledge of the country. Yet, how can each Ministry become an authority on every country they want to impact? Here is where the services of a reputable International Agency can be invaluable. Assistance with that critical cross-cultural knowledge is the first step.

Partnering with an Agency that specializes in global growth and operations facilitation can help your Ministry establish effective communication and operational infrastructure.

Effective communication is a two way street. Your Ministry bringing the message of the Gospel is one half of the equation. The other is the viewer's response. In that interaction is where Ministry growth can begin to flourish. When people who simply watch or listen to your program, decide to enter into a personal, supportive, family-type relationship with you, the beginnings of sustainability have begun. Ministry is about impacting real people, and real people are all about an effective relationship. Out of that relationship, they will continue their commitment to support your Ministry.

We all know relationships thrive within the parameters of a family-type grouping, or infrastructure. Here again, working with the right International Agency can give you that local presence, so vital to your Ministry. Instead of having to "re-invent the wheel" or build from the ground up in each different country or continent, your Agency should provide you with an existing operations platform on which to build further.

How are you going to interact with your International viewing public? How are you going to begin and fulfill the process of establishing a sincere relationship with them? What kind of contact needs to be implemented, from what geographical location, in order to extend your sense of "family" to include their home with yours? How can your International Ministry continue to be effective and successful in the long term? How can you find someone proactive and agenda-free that you can trust with your Ministry mailing list, the proper handling of all financial gifts, the necessary vendor relationships, the efficient and accurate reporting of critical International Operations information, and most importantly, your Ministry's good name?

These are questions whose answers hold the key to success as your Ministry expands its broadcast presence globally. Be cautious to crawl before you walk, and walk before you run. The time invested in establishing a proper and solid foundation, with the right team members at the table, will be the difference between success and failure. Your International Ministry will only be as strong as the effectiveness of the infrastructure that is committed to its ongoing growth and efficient operation.

Without proper assistance, going "Global" can result in a short term flash-in-the-pan with a massive clean-up operation and enormous costs.

With the right Agency committed to your growth and efficient operation, it can produce an ongoing legacy of life-changing Ministry to humanity worldwide, solidly based on integrity, honor and commitment to your new and growing International "friends and family".

Dr. Frederick Tanner - President
International Facilitators Plus, Inc.
Vancouver, BC    CANADA
Tel. (604) 557-1127
Fax. (604) 557-1129
Email:  fred.tanner@ifpglobal.com