Sale of GraceFM
Dear Grace FM Supporter,
On behalf of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church elder board, I am excited to announce the sale of our radio station, Grace FM, to the Bible Broadcasting Network (BBN). This is exciting because it begins a new chapter in Coral Ridge's commitment to spread the Gospel as far and wide as possible. Declaring that Good News was Dr. Kennedy's goal when the radio station started, and remains our goal some 40 years later.
As you know, times have changed dramatically since then. The development of new media, new technology, and the formation of Christian radio networks have drastically altered the landscape of ways to reach the world.
After nearly a year of rigorous prayer, thorough evaluation, and detailed discussion among the elders, staff, and outside consultants, the Session unanimously voted to sell the station to BBN. It was not an easy decision. But, like Dr. Kennedy before us, we want to be ahead of the game, push forward, and be as aggressive as we can to take advantage of the newest tools available.
The sale of Grace FM is a win-win.
It is a win because Grace FM has been purchased by a large Christian radio network and the programming that is aired on 90.3 locally will be the same programming aired nationwide. We decided to sell to BBN because of their commitment to good, solid, orthodox Christian programming. In fact, many of the programs you hear on Grace FM are the same programs that BBN airs nationally. Our local listening audience will still be able to enjoy much of what they've enjoyed for so many years by tuning into 90.3 FM. In other words, Christian programming on 90.3 is not going away—it’s here to stay locally and it's going national.
It is also a win for the church because the proceeds from the sale will help CRPC develop and distribute Gospel content farther and wider than ever before. One of the great things about the internet (and all new media) is that it is so much cheaper than old media (TV, radio, etc.). I'll give you just one example: we Livestream our worship service on the internet every Sunday morning (crpc.tv), and people from all over the world tune in. The cost to make this happen was a one-time expense of $1,500! Twenty years ago, it would have cost millions of dollars for people to watch a live worship service. The elders thought that if we could do that with $1,500, imagine what else we can do. A brand new day with brand new tools presents many new and exciting opportunities.
So, when the elders considered the unambiguous win-win, we knew God had made it clear what He wanted us to do with His assets (after all, they are His assets. We are owners of nothing and stewards of everything).
In closing, let me voice my deep appreciation for the staff and the board of Grace FM. Their many years of hard work and service are unparalleled. They have been a breath of fresh air to the Ft. Lauderdale area for many years. Our station manager, Dolores King-St. George, has been a huge help and support during this long process. Dolores is top notch and has done an amazing job shepherding her staff through this transition.
As the change-over happens this summer, please be in prayer that everything would go smoothly. Also, be in prayer for our ongoing aggressive efforts to reach the world with the good news of the Gospel.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask one of our Coral Ridge elders. They are here to serve you.
God bless you,
Tullian Tchividjian Senior Pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
