http://www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au Jesus. All about life is the name of a prime-time media campaign run by the Bible Society NSW in conjunction with local Churches in the target area that aims to ‘mobilise quiet Christians to share their faith’. The campaign buys prime-time television advertising supported by posters, billboards, radio and press ads. The cost of this media is raised by a local committee.
Key to the success of the campaign is the involvement of local churches. It is the local church membership that this campaign seeks to motivate to share their faith. This is done through a one-night training program that leads people through the response book which is sent to those who enquire after they see the advertising.
This book is made available to churches at cost price for free distribution and the one produced for Jesus. All about life contains a Gospel of Luke, a short section on apologetics, background to who Jesus was and where the Bible came from, why Jesus’ words and teachings are still relevant today and how Jesus is ‘all about life’.It will also lead the reader through a prayer of commitment and encourages them to join a local church or fellowship.
Dave Morse, Southern Tasmanian Regional Leader of the “Jesus all about Life” campaign says, “I have never considered myself a great salesman, but during my career as an auto electrician I had no problem selling all kinds of products. I now realise that this was because I understood and believed in the quality and ability of our products. As an auto electrical business, most people came to us because they were seeking a solution to a problem and we could offer them something that would fix that problem.
In Luke 14:23 we read, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled”. Compel, or urge (as another version says) are not passive word; they speak to me about clearly and enthusiastically communicating that there is a solution. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to experience the love, acceptance and grace of Jesus, believe and understand His message, love and power. We know that He is the solution for humanity’s need for spiritual fulfilment, restoration and security.
Between 12th September and 30th October the name of Jesus will be heard right across the media throughout Tasmania. I am looking forward to the campaign with great expectation, not only because I believe in the message, but also because I know that Jesus is the solution. The message of Jesus will be heard in cars, trucks, pubs, homes, city streets and highways (the highways and the hedges).
As the church of Tasmania pulls together to raise up the name of Jesus, I want to encourage people to think, plan and dream about what part they can play as a Christian who wants to make the most of this exciting opportunity. Be encouraged as churches to pray thoughtfully and fervently. Consider how you can equip your people to respond when the community asks, “What are these ‘Jesus ads’ all about?” and plan to do the community activities and services that you are good at. We can all be part of the solution.
At the time of preparing this article 174 Churches have signed up to be part of the state-wide campaign. These represent approximately 25 different church groups and denominations, demonstrating a wonderful expression of Christian unity to the people of Tasmania.
The campaign preparation has included business functions to encourage Christian businessmen to partner with the Churches in the execution of the campaign. In addition training sessions have been held to assist Christians generally to get to know more about the campaign and what part they can play in its implementation.
The aims of the campaign are:
*To generate interest in the Christian faith and provide a response mechanism or ‘call to action’ which people will feel comfortable in accessing
*To produce printed and web-based material that will move the inquirer to consider the words, teachings and person of Jesus Christ and His claim on their lives
*To ensure that 90 percent of the population see or hear the ads at least 10 times
*To motivate quiet Christians to share their faith as the media campaign rolls out and develop ‘one-on-one’ conversations with people
*To encourage inquirers to enrol in an Alpha type course run by a local church
*To bring people into the Kingdom of God
*To bring people into the Kingdom of God.
For more information go to http://www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au/ or ring 03 6349 1932.
Source: Jesus all about Life Tasmanian Campaign Office