Arnold Ens of the Christian Communicator and the Ibero-American Federation of Mass Media (Coicom) has issued a strong call to the church and the Christian media.
“We are reaching the digital generation using the method we were 60 years ago,” ENNS said in an exclusive interview with Diario Cristiano Internacional, the Spanish version of Christian Daily International. His assessment shows that the church has gained access to media and platforms like never before, but it still fails in the most important areas. We produce relevance, effective, mission-centric content.
Communication as an inseparable part of mission
ENNS doesn’t speak from theory. His life is deeply rooted in the history of mission and communication. “My father was a Paraguayan missionary for over 60 years, evangelizing it in public squares using 16mm film,” he recalls.
These evangelism campaigns combined new technology with the gospel message. “Communication was essential. Jesus was the biggest communicator in history. He used parables, stories… he knew how to connect.”
The missionary legacy shaped his perspective. Media is not just a tool to provide information, but a strategic channel for mission mobilization.
According to ENNS, today its vision must adapt to a digital environment. “People live on social media. We need to be there too. But with content that not only entertains and informs us, but also turns people into action and calls.”
From technology limitations to content urgency
ENNS compared the current landscape to Coicom’s early days, more than 30 years ago. “At the time, we didn’t have access to radio or television stations. Today, the problem isn’t technology, it’s creativity, intention, and connection to the center of our audience.”
He criticized the fact that many ministries continue to work as they did before the pandemic and do not understand the deep changes in the consumption habits, language and values of the new generation.
“What I’m worried about is that we still use outdated vehicles. We haven’t read the cultural code correctly.
Media-led generation
For ENNS, the challenges are not technical, they are spiritual and strategic. The message on the cross has not been changed, but the format to deliver it must be updated. “How do you talk about hope, identity, or salvation to an audience saturated with images, speed, and stimuli? Only with content that speaks their language.”
He urged Christian communicators to leave their comfort zones, get trained and cooperate. “This generation is always connected. The problem is that they have a message that makes a difference. It’s not enough to replicate the model of the last century. The kingdom needs creativity and boldness.”
Coicom (Ibero-American Union of Christian Communicators and Mass Media) was founded more than 30 years ago to connect, train and equip Christian communicators throughout the region. It was an important platform for building a network of radio, television, printing and internet with a missionary focus.
Currently, under ENNS leadership, organizations promote continental gatherings, workshops and innovation spaces. “There is no evangelism without communication. And there is no effective communication without listening to the audience. We need to relearn how to communicate for our students,” he concluded.
It was originally published by Diario Cristiano, the Spanish version of Christian Daily International.
