More on MediaLit

So, what’s MediaLit – and why is it something to take notice of?

The MediaLit website says this:

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.

So, that’s the basics. But the point of the whole bit is ‘anyone concerned to connect Christian faith‘. This is not a course just for preachers and training priests (and ordained priests). This is for anyone who needs, or wants, to know. Admittedly on this course I am in the minority being a non-ordinand. But it doesn’t matter. I’m learning as much as anyone else.

The course is only 5 days – I say ‘only’ because we could easily spend a whole day on some of the sessions which get squashed into an hour and a half. Here is the list of sessions:

• Theology of Communication
• Vox Publica
• Nooma Night
• Biblical Literacy and the Media
• Religion and Broadcasting
• Running Church Comms
• Undersanding the Media as Business
• U2-Psalms Night
• Preaching Breaking News
• Communication and the National Church
• Stars Wars Night
• The News and International Concerns

Good mix – the titles don’t really give an accurate idea of how interesting and diverse the actual sessions are. This, I think, is enhanced by the addition of a TwitterFall Wall, which has been running continuously throughout the course. To follow this, search #medialit on Twitter or http://www.twapperkeeper.com/hashtag/medialit

A comprehensive set of notes is available via Dr Bex Lewis’ blog – http://digital-fingerprint.co.uk/ This includes some slideshows and presentations – well worth a look!

Anyone interested should contact Theresa Phillips at St John’s College/Cranmer Hall.  theresa.phillips@durham.ac.uk

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