OCJ to Challenge Scarcity of Faith-based Reporters in Modern Society

January 27, 2007

San Francisco , CA – It is no secret that the need for faith-based reporters is urgent as the influence of secular culture increases in modern media.

 The Olivet College of Journalism will continue its tradition of challenging the secularist wave with by equipping aspiring Christian journalist the tools to survive in the competitive field of journalism.

 
"As we begin a new year…you must never lose sight…that you are a generation of young pioneering reporters, who will give Christianity its voice in modern society," said Dr. Carol Hansen, OCJ academic dean, in a letter to incoming freshmen.

"You will be witness to God's greater glory, through reporting today's events and developments…in the context of the Lord's will on earth. You must, therefore, be the 'light and the salt' that changes the world."

 
 Every year, Olivet University invites aspiring Christian reporters/journalists from all over the world to learn from professional or former journalist/reporters.

 
"This is training money can't buy," said OCJ alumni Lillian Kwon. "Besides learning theory in the classroom, we are learned 'what works' and 'what doesn't work' from people who have been there."

 
 The start of the semester in year 2007 reveals the need for professional Christian reporters has not diminished in the despite the resurging Christian influence in .

 
"We want to see Christian reporting develop into a well-respected and honest discipline," said Kwon.

 
"All too often the average Christian either misunderstands or underestimates the potential of power and influence in journalism/reporting. It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword. For too long, the pen has been under the control of the secular world. We must take back that pen in order to bring godly influence to the world."

 
 This year OCJ will further increase the number of its summer 2007 seminars due to their success last year. For each seminar, OCJ invites professional still working in the journalism field.

 
 Students at the seminar are not only expected to learn the tools of the trade, but to apply their skills in a faith-based environment.

 
"In many ways being a Christian reports is a challenge," said Hansen. "It's always being developed. Unlike worldly reporting, which follows a long-established tradition, Christian reporting is going a fresh new route. We are not in the business of promoting sensationally bad news as most newspapers do. We promote God's work, and in doing so, bringing light to an already darkened world."

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