DBU Hosts MEDIAlliance International Christian Communicators Summit

Dallas, TX - This past week Dallas Baptist University hosted a unique gathering of Christian media leaders from around the world for the Media Leadership Summit, sponsored by MEDIAlliance International. The event, which was held in Jim and Sally Nation Hall on the DBU campus, lasted for three days bringing together 30 religious broadcasting leaders from around the world.

Ron Harris, founder of MEDIAlliance, began the conference as a means to provide refreshment personally, professionally, and spiritually for those whose calling is to tell others about the Good News through radio, television, and the internet.

"This gathering of media leaders from all over the world was unique and timely," explained Ron Harris. "Most of the people are from countries where the evangelical population is less than two percent, and sometimes far less than one percent. Some are facing great opposition and persecution. Yet their heart is to see that the Gospel reaches into the darkness that surrounds them, to bring light and hope."

The vision for the conference comes directly from Harris' heart for those in Christian broadcasting. Having spent 50 years in the industry, including 15 as a leader at KCBI in Dallas, Harris understands the demands that come with the unique ministry of Christian media. After serving for several years as Senior Vice President of the National Religious Broadcasters organization, Harris left to found MEDIAlliance International as a ministry to train and mentor Christian media leaders around the world.

Harris, who is a former professor at DBU and current member of the Board of Trustees, approached Dr. Adam Wright, President of DBU, with the unique opportunity to serve as the location for this inaugural event.

"DBU was honored to host this incredible group of Christian communicators," shared Dr. Wright. "We seek to have a global impact in our work and to be a Kingdom resource in all we do, and we especially want to be supportive of the wonderful work of MEDIAlliance."

Drawing from his life-long relationships in the religious media world, Harris invited leaders to come and share with the international group during the Summit. These leaders included:

• Phil and Kathleen Cooke of Cooke Pictures, a Hollywood Studio;
• Dr. Jim Denison, President and Co-Founder of the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture;
• Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship;
• Dr. O. S. Hawkins, President and CEO of GuideStone Financial Resources;
• Bob Lepine, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of FamilyLife;
• J. Keet Lewis, marketing consultant and co-founder of the Lewis Group International; and
• Dr. Adam Wright, President of DBU.

The speakers shared with the group concerning various topics related to Christian leadership and ministry. In addition, times of fellowship and interaction allowed the group to grow in their sense of encouragement and mission. As one participant commented, "This conference has given me the assurance that I am not alone and that there are others like me who are in the battle."

"The entire experience proved to be a blessing for the attendees, as well as everyone else involved," shared Harris. "It turned out better than we could have hoped for, and we are so thankful to DBU for hosting this event, but more importantly, grateful to the Lord who gave us His Spirit of unity and purpose throughout our time together."

As Dr. Wright stated, "Spending time with these leaders, who are bold voices of light within a sea of darkness, encouraged each of us to seek the same level of engagement within our spheres of influence. It also further illustrated the need for men and women who are willing to speak up with the truth of the Gospel, no matter what the cost."