This doesn’t apply to you, of course. Or does it?

Until last year I would have said I needed no media training because I was never going to be called upon to speak to the media on behalf of God and the Church. That was until the vote on women bishops. I suddenly found myself being interviewed on the telephone by two radio stations for ‘my’ views (and they were looking for someone who could speak authoritatively and with confidence on behalf of the Church of England). How on earth did they arrive at me, you may wonder. Well, I wondered, I can tell you.

There is no mystery. You remember Andy Warhol’s comment about modern life meaning that everyone would achieve 15 minutes of fame? I had always assumed this meant you could be famous if you went looking for it. But it is a two-way street. The media is like a hungry octopus – 24 hour coverage and ever more radio and television stations taking up ever greater bandwidth means it (the octopus, I know media is plural) is desperate – and the fact that they interviewed me shows how desperate! – for fodder.

If you are on Facebook or twitter, it is likely you already know media people covering religious affairs. And more importantly, they know you. Or, as in my case, they know someone who knows you and offers you up. Be warned – the octopus may have you in its radar at any moment…!

That being the case, don’t you think it would be a good idea to prepare? I have the very thing. I can highly recommend the following course. And they are held at regular intervals, so if you cannot make this one, why not contact them to see when you might be able to do so in the future. And it’s actually fun. Honestly.

#MediaLit13

MediaLit is a one week intensive course in Media Literacy for Christian Ministry

• Date: Monday 17th – Friday 21st June 2013
• Venue: St John’s College, Durham
• Cost: £175 (excluding accommodation)
• Book: Download Booking Form (Word doc)
• Programme: Draft Programme
• Speakers: More Information
• Accommodation Suggestions: Premier Inn; St John’s B&B; ThisisDurham; Travelodge

MediaLit offers an opportunity for first class training and resources in media for ministry for those engaged in formal pre-ordination training, those already engaged in local or national ministry and anyone concerned to connect Christian faith with communication in a digital age.  We will explore communications media, an overview of the workings of the media – both broadcast media and the press, as well as offer some key skills training in how to create material for the media and how to handle various media opportunities.  We will be reflecting theologically on the media’s interaction with society and public values and encouraging you to think critically about how you and your congregations consume the media’s products – and what products we might produce ourselves to assist and engage with the media.

The Week

• Lectures will normally be held in the Leech Hall at St John’s College.
• Prayers will be held in the College Chapel.
• Meals and breaks will be taken in the Bowes Dining Room.
• Practicals will be held in appropriate venues.

Since the course begins early on Monday morning, those travelling any distance may need to find accommodation for Sunday night to ensure they get the most from the course.

Teaching team includes: @pmphillips, @drbexl, @iPreacher007, @revarun, @rpdawilkinson, @stiltwalk, @tim_hutchings, @kerron_cross