What do you do and how did you get there?
(God called me :) !) I am Head of Communications for the Baptist Union of GB. Before starting this role in Sept 2005 I was – and am – a Director of the Baptist Times, had served as a member – then Moderator – of the BUGB Comms Committee and had been in the BU Council…as a lay volunteer. I heard of this role being created through these contacts.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
Knowing that a church has been supported by my gifts in tricky times when adverse media attention is on them. Also knowing that churches have tried new mission or discipleship initiatives through reading the stories we cover…and Christ's kingdom is growing.
What's your all time favourite advert?
Oxfam 'one click' campaign (was that Oxfam or Nike?)
How can we help the church to engage with the media more effectively?
By walking alongside them offering access to online and face to face training. Building their confidence by showing them ways other have managed to engage successfully.
Why do you think theMediaNet is important and what would you like to see it become?
From the viewpoint of the Baptist Union and our 2,000 + churches, I would love to see the MediaNet enable and grow the confidence of people in our churches getting more involved in the media at all levels. The stories often hidden within the life of the local church are a real treasure trove containing messages of hope, active caring, enabling people to feel they belong and making a huge difference in local communities.