Managing editors of several of United's larger publications, television program and Web sites gathered at the home office Jan. 24 and 25 to discuss ways to assess and improve the Church's media efforts to more effectively preach the gospel to the world.

The agenda centered around key sections from the Media Philosophy statement the Council of Elders produced to guide the media efforts.

President Clyde Kilough opened the meetings asking if those in attendance were satisfied with what they are currently doing. Of course we can't be satisfied, he said, since there is always room to improve. "Don't get me wrong, I'm immensely satisfied with the effort—you have your lives in it," Mr. Kilough added. "But we don't want to get in a rut," he said. "We are not on a search for new truth. But we are looking for ways to be more effective in presenting the truth."

Much of the discussion addressed the questions: How do we assess our effectiveness? How do we know we are right? How do we improve?

As an outcome of the meetings, a number of action steps were outlined to improve the publications, continually upgrade the skills of the writers and better evaluate the results of our efforts. A survey of Good News readers and a survey of newly baptized members of United are being developed.

Specific plans for future articles and booklets were discussed. Practical tips, effective approaches and new ideas were also shared.

The key agenda items from the Media Philosophy statement were:

• We seek to provide the world with the message of hope for salvation, to help those who believe and repent, and to warn all of the consequences of sin.

• We must speak and write in a way that challenges our audience's beliefs in a manner that is simple to understand, engaging, convincing and compelling. We must tailor the message to fit different cultural, national, religious and linguistic groups.

• In a spiritually blind world, the deep truths of God are most effectively presented in a manner that leads from "milk" to "meat." For that reason, we must present the truth of God in a way that does not overwhelm people in either content or quantity.

• We are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God and followers of Jesus Christ. As ambassadors, our message must transcend the ideologies, politics and religions of this world.

Those in attendance at the meetings were Scott Ashley ( Good News ), Mike Bennett ( United News ), Aaron Booth (Internet), Bob Dick (Council chairman), Peter Eddington (Media and Communications Services operation manager), Clyde Kilough (president), Vic Kubik (Media and Communications Committee of the Council chairman), John LaBissoniere (media buying agent), Darris McNeely ( World News and Prophecy and Beyond Today anchor), Steve Myers ( Beyond Today anchor), Gary Petty ( Beyond Today anchor), Tom Robinson (Bible Reading Program and Good News ), Clay Thornton ( Beyond Today ) and Dave Treybig ( Vertical Thought ). UN