Good Faith Media continued providing reflections and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens in 2021. Even though the pandemic lingered, political controversy ignited, and religious fundamentalism surfaced, GFM emerged as a trusted and valued source for people of faith with a social conscience and deep desire for advocacy.
January brought one of the darkest days in U.S. history as a large mob of former president Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to thwart the election certification of President-Elect Joe Biden. The violent mob made its way inside the Senate chambers. Because of the choices these insurrectionists made on that fateful day, several people lost their lives and democracy was left with a black eye.
Good Faith Media reported and offered insightful columns in the aftermath of the attempted insurrection. Zach Dawes, Cory Jones, Paul Lewis, Jim Holladay, Starlette Thomas, and I reflected on that dark day in order to offer a theological construct for processing what we witnessed.
After the assessment that white Christian nationalism was one of the ideological motives for insurrectionists, Bruce Gourley, noted historian and GFM’s managing editor of publishing, offered webinars on the history of the movement and how people of good faith should respond. GFM stood in the gap, revealing the dangers of white Christian nationalism as it sought and still seeks to dismantle democracy and harm the Gospel.
With systemic and overt racism still an enormous problem in the world, GFM hired Rev. Starlette Thomas to build on her work as a race abolitionist and launch the Raceless Gospel Initiative. Under RGI, GFM traveled to Tulsa, Okla., in May to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. We conducted interviews, offered video reflections, and wrote about our experiences.
Furthermore, Thomas and I traveled to Louisville, Ky., to attend the Festival of Faiths conference. After the death of Breonna Taylor at the hands of the Louisville Police Department, local clergy knew a critical conversation needed to happen regarding racism. GFM was honored to attend and interview so many thoughtful people battling racism and hoping for a better tomorrow.
Another special project GFM produced was a video series revealing the dangers of conversion therapy on LGBTQ individuals. We sat down with survivors and experts to discuss the mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma associated with this evil practice. At GFM, we are always working to expose unjust actions and advocate for the inclusion and equality of all people.
At the end of the year, GFM worked to develop a network of partners to launch the #RespiteforRevs Initiative. Local ministers are suffering under the pressures brought on by the pandemic and political tensions. GFM and our partners decided to offer some respite, offering to preach one Sunday at no cost if congregations were willing to give their ministers an extra week of vacation. We need to do everything we can to help our ministers.
In addition to these special projects, GFM continued to provide our regular and excellent content and resources throughout 2021. News and Opinion continued offering exceptional reporting and thoughtful editorials on critical topics. Columns were written by staff, contributing columnists, and volunteer writers from all over the world. Each brought their own insights and diverse perspectives.
GFM’s Media Production team released numerous videos as seen above, plus a wide variety of podcasts. GFM’s 2021 podcast offerings included Good Faith Weekly, Good Faith Stories, Good Faith Reads, Pilgrimages of Striving and Thriving, Raceless Gospel, Discovering Wholeness, and Revs on the Road. You can listen to these exciting podcasts wherever you listen to your podcast favorites.
Nurturing Faith Journal and Bible Studies remained one of the best resources on the market for thoughtful people of faith to gather research and study Christian Scriptures. The print publication team garners incredible content while maintaining a high level of quality. If you are not a subscriber or your church is not using the curriculum inside the journal, you really should be.
GFM’s book team continued to crank out some remarkable works this year. With a brand new bookstore interface, it’s easier now more than ever before to purchase your favorite authors. With a diverse group of authors comes insightful scholarship, thought-provoking reflections, and compelling stories. Sign-on today and place an order.
Besides creating and releasing amazing media content in 2021, we restarted our experiences offerings. Good Faith Experiences took people to Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and we enjoyed getting back to the roots of our faith through the Jesus Worldview Initiative. We have more trips scheduled for 2022 such as Hawaii, Pacific Northwest, and Israel, so make your reservations today.
Overall, while 2021 brought some significant challenges, it was a very productive year for Good Faith Media. I am extremely fortunate to work with the best team in the business, as well as exceptional governing and strategic advisory boards. I am thankful and honored to wake up each morning knowing I am part of an organization changing the conversion towards inclusion, freedom, and justice.
With all of this said, however, the only way GFM can continue providing these excellent resources is by the generous donations from our supporters. We value each supporter and donation, as we continue to educate, engage, and empower people of good faith. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, each donation is tax-deductible.
If you are interested in supporting this vital work, then please consider making an end-of-year contribution. You may give on our secure website or mail a donation to Good Faith Media, PO Box 721972, Norman, OK, 73070.
The GFM staff and I wish you the very best this New Year! Thank you for all the encouragement and support. We have the best readers, subscribers, listeners, and viewers in the world.
