Written by It was obvious from the outset of the show that Jim was passionate about the subject matter. It radiated from him.
The show began, Jim welcomed people and then the discussion quickly turned to the Master’s Media students beside him.
The students not only worked on the Jim Bakker Show but also were part of a new internet based ministry called GenerationNOW. It’s a YouTube based outreach where the students will produce their own mini-shows addressing various topics of interest to those in their teens and early 20s.
The students introduced themselves and shared their hometowns. One of the students had her mom in the audience and so everyone applauded and they put the camera on mom. (She actually has two daughters as part of the Master’s Media program.)
Jim started to talk about the concept of GenerationNOW and how it will rub many of Jim’s generation the wrong way. He shared about how today’s youth are looking for real answers and so many times pastors avoid the heavy issues because they don’t want people to leave their churches. He said that’s why many churches just feature happy, uplifting messages week after week.
Then the students brought up some of their struggles with drugs and sex. One talked about how he’s gone to jail. One of the girls mentioned struggles with a sex related activity. They said these were things that they had gone through and overcome through Christ’s grace and they wanted to bring that grace and joy to those they see around them. The students obviously had a passion for reaching out to bring hope to other people. Call it youthful naivete if you wish but the kids seemed very sincere and not quite as polished on camera and you would expect if everything was deeply rehearsed and scripted!
Jim and Lori then talked about a recent trip where Lori witnessed to a woman who had five abortions just like Lori had in her past. They said it’s that kind of connection that can make a huge difference and the youth of GenerationNOW will reach out in ways that Jim could never do.
The taping went on and on…and it became clear that Jim wasn’t going to get to use the sermon he had written for the day. He alluded to it toward the end and the fact that Revelation is in the Bible despite many people not wanting to read it or preach it. He didn’t dip far into the end times theology that you normally see on the program but rather seemed to be very enthusiastic about the students. He repeatedly said he wanted them to get the same chances he did to transform Christian broadcasting.
But what struck me was the amount of time he spent pitching the food products and asking for support during the taping.
Tomorrow…we wrap up the series.
