Without question, the radio station I listen to the most is our local ESPN Radio affiliate, 1380 AM. A few months ago our local FM radio station (106.7) announced that it's parent company was going to be a mirrored broadcast of the ESPN 1380 station. While it meant that our community would lose out on having a great local station, personally I was excited since the 1380 station would not always have a clear signal. The move to an FM station meant that I could listen to my sports station without any interruptions or static. However, the end result has been less than disappointing and borders on out right frustration! It has been more than a month since the transition and what has resulted is not what was advertised. Rather than broadcast the ESPN schedule they have introduced several new talk shows lead by local hosts. I have tried to give it some time thinking I will eventually enjoy it, but I don't think that will ever happen.
Something happened last week that put me over the edge. While a local host was on vacation the voice of the fill-in host was familiar. After listening for a few more minutes it occurred to me that this was a disc jockey from a classic rock station that was also owned by the same parent company. What in the world did this guy know about sports?!?!?! I also identified why this transition frustrated me and why I will probably never get over it. These people think they are experts in the world of sports simply because they have a radio platform.
ESPN has the means to provide excellent and educated journalist, current and former professional players, owners, commissioners, and others who can provide expert opinion, information, and analysis. The most a classic rock disc jockey can provide is an opinion as a fan - not as an expert! How can someone host a sports radio show when they have never played a professional sport and have no education or background in sport's journalism? Have we come to the place where we will give anyone a platform just because they have an interest or an opinion on a subject?
I oversee the local outreach and global missions ministries at County Line Church. I could read all the books, talk to every missionary, and do some research on the internet and none of that would give me a license to become a missionary. I cannot speak as an expert on the subject until I have actually experienced living cross-culturally and have gone through the emotional, relational, and physical turmoil.
As leaders, it is critical that we stay within our realm of expertise. We need to acknowledge the various areas in which we are not experts. More importantly, we need to network with and befriend those who are experts in those areas. This is one of the reasons why I visit our missionaries and learn about their ministry context. It would be irresponsible of me to speak into their life and ministry without knowing what they go through on a daily basis.
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