By: Dharma Leksana, S.Th., M.Si. – Chairman of the Indonesian Church Journalists Association (PWGI)
Jakarta, In this era of fast-paced information, the role of the media in disseminating accurate and reliable news and information is becoming increasingly crucial. For churches in Indonesia, the media has a very important role in conveying religious messages, church activities, and social issues that are relevant to Christians.
To carry out this role effectively, church journalists need qualified journalistic skills. Journalism training is an important investment to improve the quality of church news and communication in Indonesia.
Improving the Quality of Church News
Journalism training equips church journalists with the basics of professional journalism.
The activities of the Indonesian Church Journalists Journalism Training include:
• Effective News Writing Techniques: The training teaches how to write clear, concise, and interesting news, in accordance with journalistic principles. Church journalists will learn how to present facts accurately and avoid bias in reporting.
• In-depth Interview Skills: Church journalists need to be able to dig up information from various sources effectively. Journalism training provides good interview techniques, from preparation, implementation, to writing the results of the interview.
• Understanding Journalistic Ethics: Ethics are a compass for a journalist. Journalism training instills ethical values such as honesty, objectivity, balance, and social responsibility. This is very important so that church journalists can present information responsibly and not harm any party.
• Use of Digital Media: The current media landscape is dominated by digital platforms. Modern journalism training also includes an understanding of digital media, including church websites, social media, and other online platforms. Church journalists will learn how to use digital media to reach a wider and more diverse audience.
• Verifying Facts and Countering Disinformation: In the era of fake news, the ability to verify facts is becoming increasingly important. Journalism training equips church journalists with techniques and tools to check the truth of information before it is published, so that the church can become a credible and trusted source of information.
Building a Positive Church Image
Trained church journalists can help build a positive image of the church in the eyes of the public. Quality, accurate, and ethical reporting will increase public trust in the church.
Professionally managed church media can also be a means to:
Communicate Church Activities and Programs: Church journalists can report on various church activities, from worship, social services, to educational programs. This helps the congregation and the general public to know the active role of the church in social life.
Voice Social and Humanitarian Issues: The church has a responsibility to voice truth and justice. Church journalists can be agents of change by reporting on social, humanitarian, and environmental issues from a Christian faith perspective.
Building Dialogue and Bridges with the Community: Church media can be a platform for building constructive dialogue with the wider community, including with other religious groups. Wise and inclusive reporting can help create harmony and tolerance between religious communities.
Challenges and Opportunities for Church Journalism in Indonesia
Church journalists in Indonesia face unique challenges. They need to understand the diverse social, cultural, and religious contexts of Indonesia. In addition, they also need to be sensitive to sensitive issues related to religion and belief.
However, these challenges also open up opportunities for church journalism to become agents of positive change. With the right journalism training, church journalists can:
Become a Prophetic Voice: Church journalists can use the media to voice the values of truth, justice, and love in the Indonesian context.
Promote National Values: The church has an important role in building a nation with character and integrity. Church journalists can report inspiring stories about the church’s contribution to national development.
Become a Partner to the Government and Society: Church media can be a constructive partner for the government and society in building a better Indonesia.
Journalism training is a very valuable investment for church journalists in Indonesia. With good journalistic skills, church journalists can improve the quality of news reporting, build a positive image of the church, and play a more effective role in society.
My hope is that the Church in Indonesia needs to provide full support for journalism training for its journalists so that church media can be a blessing for the church, the people, and the nation.
(Mas Dharma eL – Ketum PWGI Medio 02/14/2025 @Valentine Day)
About The Author
