The Good Faith Media board of directors met this week in Nashville, Tennessee. It was the first in-person meeting for the organization since its launch in July 2020.
The despair and isolation of the pandemic gave way to a celebratory atmosphere at the meeting, as board members shared hugs and smiles for the first time in over two years.
The GFM board is composed of two groups: the Governing Board, which handles the business dealings of the organization and the Strategic Advisory Board, which guides each offering (News and Opinion, Videos and Podcasts, Publishing, Experiences and Advancement) with feedback and strategy.
Here are some of the highlights from the meeting.
As Chief Executive Officer, I reported that the first two years of Good Faith Media were both challenging and rewarding. The challenges brought about by the pandemic limited growth but provided time for creativity and strategic planning.
Good Faith Media provides reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. Since GFM’s launch in 2020, we have provided an alternative theological perspective to the religious right on numerous issues through our multiple platforms.
We are also amplifying diverse voices otherwise silenced. We want to extend GFM’s various platforms to an emerging generation committed to inclusion for all, freedom for all and justice for all.
Because of GFM’s mission and strategy, we are looking to engage communities with opportunities for education and empowerment. Besides our traditional offerings, here are a few items I want to highlight.
GoodFaithMedia.org continues to be a trusted source for articles covering a variety of critical issues. It also provides a model for civil discussions by publishing different viewpoints that are respectful and productive.
Our video and podcast productions has been hard at work creating meaningful content. As travel opportunities increase, GFM has covered events such as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina and BioLogos’ Faith and Science Conference, while also producing a series on the harm of conversion therapy, and working on the soon-to-be released Baptist Women in Ministry video featuring the ministry of Danielle L. Bridgeforth, pastor of The Church at Clarendon.
Podcasts have been the most significant addition to our lineup since the 2020 launch. GFM currently has eight podcasts and is in the process of developing a larger network with other organizations and shows. Tune in to Good Faith Weekly to keep up with the latest GFM news, and subscribe to the upcoming third season of The Raceless Gospel.
Publishing has continued to climb as GFM is publishing more books than ever before. If you or your organization have ever thought about writing a book, please consider Good Faith Media as your publisher. We have a wealth of experience at your disposal.
Nurturing Faith Journal and Bible Studies continues to provide incredible stories, interviews and Bible studies. Our most recent edition of the journal addressed first-hand accounts of stories about migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. If you do not subscribe to our journal, please consider doing so.
Experiences were completely shut down during the pandemic, but they are now up-and-running and looking for eager travelers. We have taken groups to Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park and Amish Country. We have three upcoming trips to Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and Amish Country.
In addition to these amazing offerings, we have two exciting initiatives to share, as well as one special project. The Jesus Worldview Initiative continues to provide Jesus-followers, churches and organizations the opportunity to refocus their faith, ecclesiology and missiology around the life and teachings of Jesus.
The Raceless Gospel Initiative, led by Starlette Thomas, breaks down the human construct of race while building a theology and praxis upon the notion that humans are created as equal and are deserving of respect and justice.
A new project discussed in Nashville is the Good Word Initiative. Good Faith Media is working with strategist Glenn Smith to develop a toolkit for individuals to discuss critical issues within their communities that provides a theological framework through an inclusive Christian lens.
Financially, the board adopted an aggressive budget of $1.4 million, anticipating growth over the coming fiscal year, 2022-2023. We have seen some positive growth, but as our platforms grow, so do our expenses.
We need the support of all our readers and viewers to continue providing high-quality resources. Donations of any and all sizes are critical to our continued success.
So, I encourage you to make a donation to GFM, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, by following this link to donation page, or by contacting me about other ways to contribute.
In addition, GFM is relaunching our Good Faith Gathering events. We are looking to travel to homes, churches and institutions interested in providing inclusion, freedom and justice for all people. If you are interested in hosting a Good Faith Gathering, contact Autumn Lockett for more information.
Overall, GFM’s annual meeting was upbeat and positive. The staff and board acknowledge real challenges ahead, but everyone is willing to put in the hard work.
The future of faith and culture is too important for us to fail. We believe a rising tide lifts all boats, so if you or your organization want to partner with us, please email me.
Good Faith Media is excited and optimistic about the future, but we need more individuals, faith communities and institutions involved in our work. With our hands outstretched, we welcome anyone ready to bend the arc of the universe towards justice.
