Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an NRB strategic international partnership?
A: It is a partnership between a US Christian broadcaster or broadcast ministry and a Christian broadcast ministry in another part of the world. Typically it begins with a specific project to meet a need for the international partner. The hope is that through this project, long-term relationships will be built that will prove to be mutually beneficial for each partner.
Q: What kinds of projects are there...and what are the costs?
A: There are a wide variety of projects in various places around the globe. These include projects in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and in countries such as Ukraine, Liberia, Nepal, China, Venezuela, Indonesia, and others. Many of these projects are by special arrangement with our NRB partners, Trans World Radio, HCJB Global, and Far East Broadcasting Company.
The costs of current projects run from as little as $20,000 to major projects of over $1 million. The larger projects can be broken down into smaller groups or phases, and can be shared by several stations or ministries.
Q: How does a partnership project work?
A: There are a variety of ways for a station or ministry to present a project. Sometimes key station personnel will travel to the international site to see firsthand the need and the opportunity. In other cases, the station can draw upon material provided by the NRB Strategic Partnership team. Both of these methods provide the station with material to use to inform their listeners about the need, the opportunity, and what they can do to help. The station would then schedule an on-air campaign to raise the needed funds for the partnership.
Q: What about these "long-term relationships"?
A: Past experience has shown that these relationships are the natural outgrowth of participation in the projects. Most of the international broadcasters are looking for training, encouragement, prayer, and broadcast insight that US Christian broadcasters can provide. Your personal visits, calls or emails, training, and prayer will mean much.
In return, US broadcasters see the deep faith, often in the face of great challenges, that many of their counterparts in other parts of the world possess. It both encourages and inspires US Christian broadcasters in their own ministry and calling.
Q: What other benefits would there be?
A: Most US stations today are looking to build a unique personality that positions them in the mind of the listeners. Being seen as a mission-minded station on a global basis helps build loyal listeners who are ready to support the station in many ways...by their listening, by support for sponsors and underwriters, and by their further involvement in these projects.
Additionally, the key station personnel who travel to the international site are often recharged spiritually and professionally. They see their role as a Christian broadcaster in a different light, and that often impacts their station work in a strong, positive way.
Q: In light of today's economy, how can our station afford to do this?
A: Our challenging economy certainly has impact. Most stations must watch their expenditures carefully to maintain the level of broadcast ministry and service the listeners have come to expect. However, investment in a strategic international partnership project can be a positive experience on many fronts.
First, the successful project can be fully funded by the listeners, so there is no financial impact on the station's budget.
Second, stations can partner locally with businesses and/or churches on the projects, building stronger relationships within their communities.
Third, there is growing indication that these types of ministry projects actually increase overall giving to US broadcast ministries, often in a dramatic way. The end result may be a stronger bottom line for the station as a by-product of an international project, as listeners support a station that helps them minister in unique ways on a global basis.
Q: If I do this I want to be successful. What kind of help is available?
A: The NRB Strategic Partnership team will be working alongside your broadcasters to provide resources such as pictures and articles for websites, information about the needs, the opportunity, and the international partner. It will assist in setting up visits to the international site, both before and after the on-air campaign, and will provide assistance in getting your reports and stories back to your listeners.
A key to being successful is presenting a compelling story, giving listeners a picture of themselves as God's agents to bring His message to many around the globe.
Q: OK...I'm interested. What do I do now?
A: Contact Dr. Ron Harris, NRB's Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships. He has a list of current projects available for your station to consider. He can also fill you in on other details that will help you in your decision. You can reach Ron at:
Contact Dr. Harris:
Office: 817-446-1094
Cell: 214-912-7658
