Idea, prayer result in unique radio ministry for Trevecca professor

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Nashville, Tennessee

One of the primary trends of debate-style radio over the last few years has been the move from polite, intellectual conversation to yelling matches with guests speaking over each other to boisterously make their all-or-nothing points on significant issues. Even the host will engage in this activity, sometimes at the encouragement of his or her producer.

Some listeners find this entertaining, others do not.

Count Trevecca Nazarene University Adjunct Professor Jeff Lilienthal, an avid listener to debate radio, in with the latter group.

A few months ago Lilienthal grew tired of this abrasive style and rather than give up listening, he decided to explore the possibility of creating his own program - one in which God would use him and the program for His honor and glory.

A logical outlet for this program would be Christian radio, but Lilienthal didn't limit this possibility to just Christian radio stations.

"I love Christian radio and thank God that it's there making an impact, especially with regard to ministering to the body of Christ," he says, "but let's face it ... there are millions of people who won't go near Christian radio."

Lilienthal, who attends Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene with his wife, Ronda, an assistant dean of students at Trevecca, and their two children, would instead expand his target to stations in major radio markets that he says have been suffering from a definite lack of Christian influence.

"As I initially approached different networks here in Nashville," he says, "I prayed that God would open the right door if He wanted [the program] to happen."

The result was a very favorable response from radio giant WLAC (Clear Channel Communications).

"Now, keep in mind that while I didn't use 'stained-glass' terminology or quote scripture, I did get a sense that they were open to not only a conservative approach, but even an overtly Christian influence," Lilienthal states.

The project was in motion and the more he learned about the station, the more Lilienthal could see God's hand in this endeavor.

As the program began to get off the ground with WLAC, the person working closest with him turned out to be a Trevecca graduate. And when things progressed further, he was assigned an account manager who is also a Christian.

"Nothing more than a coincidence?" he asks. "Maybe ..."

Now, Lilienthal's unique radio ministry is being heard in 28 states and 3 foreign countries. He has nearly complete control over programming, topics, and guests he chooses to have on the air.

"Currently, we have a debate-type format where guests with differing perspectives can challenge each other's ideas and assertions, while attempting to support their own positions - professionally," he says.

Regardless of the topic, Lilienthal examines various world view and social issues from a Christian perspective.

"I believe that when the naked light of scrutiny shines on an issue, the truth shines so much brighter!" he states.

On May 9, Lilienthal welcomed Joni Earekson Tada to speak on stem cell research. This week, May 16, the topic is "Should Religious Expression Be Allowed in the Public Square?", and in July, the entire month will be devoted to a four part series entitled, "Religion in America: Past, Present, and Future." Guests during July will include David Barton, president of Wallbuilders, Terry Mortensen from Answers in Genesis, Gary Habermas from Liberty University, Dwight Gunter, pastor of Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene, and Richard Land, executive director of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. 

The show airs Saturday nights from 9-10 P.M. (Central) on 1510 AM/WLAC in Nashville and is also streamed over the Internet at greatamericandebate.com and wlac.com. WLAC coverage during this time slot reaches the U.S. Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, and most Northeast states.

As it turns out, a ministry that began with an idea and a prayer that God would open a door has opened up most of the country for His honor and glory.

Coincidence?

"Maybe," he says. "But, I really believe God's hand has been in this all the way."

There's no debating that.

--NCN News
Note: For more information on the program, see greatamericandebate.com or write Jeff@greatamericandebate.com.

 

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