About - Council on Church and Media

About Anabaptist Communicators

History

In the 1970s and early '80s a group of Mennonite agencies involved in radio and television production worked cooperatively to produce national media campaigns. Known as the Inter-Mennonite Media Group (IMMG), the organization worked successfully for many years.

With the deregulation of radio and television in the U.S. as well as reduced church media budgets, interest in IMMG waned. By 1984 IMMG members considered a new organization with a new mandate, serving a much wider range of communication professionals. In December of that year the Council on Church and Media (CCM) was created as a non-profit, church-related organization. In October 2007 the organization changed its name to Anabaptist Communicators.

Today AC continues to serve broadcasters, writers, editors, filmmakers, videographers, artists, graphic designers, journalists, web designers, marketers, publishers, educators, pastors, administrators, and others interested in media. Members include professionals who work in church, para-church and non-church communication.

Our Mission and Benefits of Membership

AC facilitates and enhances communication, professional enrichment, fellowship, and development among its members. Here's how:

AC provides a network and support system for members who share similar vocational interests and a common understanding of the Christian faith from an Anabaptist perspective.
Through a quarterly newsletter, "e-Forum," members stay in touch with each other and with new developments in church communication.
AC's main activity is an annual conference that provides opportunities for growth and networking. Acclaimed speakers in communication-such as Martin Marty, George Barna, Dave Pomeroy, James Wall, Tex Sample, and Reg Bibby-provide input. In workshops, participants hone skills or learn new ones. Seminars at television studios, advertising agencies, newspaper publishing companies, and other sites introduce conference-goers to new technology and recent developments in communication. During the conference and at scheduled free times, participants may interact with others and enjoy the places where AC meets. Locations in recent years include Chicago, Denver, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
AC serves as a clearinghouse of ideas through which cooperative activity can emerge. These may include joint video productions or agreements to market each others' products.
Occasionally AC sponsors research and resource development projects based on the needs and interests of its members. Past projects include an analysis of media-related data gleaned from the Mennonite Mosaic research project.
Members receive a membership directory containing contact information for current AC members as well as a list of the organizations holding corporate member status and the contact person for each.

Membership costs are minimal compared to those for other professional development organizations. Annual conference fees take into account the fact that many AC members work for non-profit, church-related organizations or are free-lance agents with limited funds for professional development. AC members also receive a discount on their registration fees for the annual conference. Here's how to join.

Current executive committee members are Melodie Davis, chair; Kirsten Klassen, vice-chair; and Rosa Perez Perdomo, treasurer.