Songtime USA went on the air in New England in 1964. However, my first radio opportunity was in Buffalo, New York on the 50,000 watt station WKBW. That was in 1950! 200 stations soon carried that weekend program. We have had many years to determine the format that promotes longevity. This format is based on John 1:34-51. It has had 58 years to be tested! Let me outline it and you will see why longevity is an important credential. The format of Songtime is based on the different ways people come to Christ.
1. Preaching the Word - John 1:34-39
Why we use a team of teachers and preachers with different areas of expertise and ministry.
2. Personal Witness - John 1:40-42
Why we provide resources to help people reach their family, friends, & neighbors.
3. Direct Encounter with Christ - John 1:43-44
Why we stay focused on the basics & the Gospel - (see Colossians 1:28).
4. Testimony of a Friend - John 1:45-51
Why we use the testimonies on air.
(i.e., Ergun Caner)
D.L. Moody once said, “Lighthouses don’t have to fire cannons to call attention to themselves. They just shine.”
If the uncertainties in the Middle East and the World scene do not hinder us, it would be great to celebrate 60 years on the air at the Annual Songtime Bible Conference in 2010. Your prayers and gift NOW will help us continue the “Longevity Principle”! Your gift is really an investment. Longevity proves that.
References
And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. John 1:34-39
One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). John 1:40-42
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. John 1:43-44
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Col. 1:28
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:43-44