LESSONS FROM GRAHAM SPENCER: 5 WAYS TO NAVIGATE MEDIA IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Written by Praise Afolabi on 12th April 2025

Everyone has a message and a well of knowledge worth sharing. When your message matters, silence isn’t an option. Imagine a world where content is constant, a world where even a singing dog can go viral. In our world today opinions are loud, and attention spans are short, how do you make a message of hope cut through the noise?

That’s the tension Graham Spencer knows well. He never set out to be in Christian media. In fact, he resisted it. But one unexpected phone call set him on a path that would shape faith-based broadcasting for decades.

From the early days of Christian Channel Europe to the global reach of God TV, Graham has helped ministries connect with audiences across borders and generations. On Throwback Thursday with Eloho on Heartsong Live Radio, he shared the lessons, missteps, and mindset shifts that every message bearer needs now.

Because in a digital age overflowing with content, clarity and calling make all the difference.

Here are five powerful takeaways to help you thrive in the digital age:

1. Embrace the Unexpected: Your Calling May Come Disguised

Graham’s entrance into the media wasn’t planned. In fact, he was at a personal low point and had just become christian, unemployed, and applying for hundreds of jobs across Southern England.

“I think I sent out something like 300 applications,” he recalls. Eventually, he enrolled in a media course, hoping it might open a door. A small freelance opportunity came his way—and then a phone call from a Christian TV start-up that would later become God TV.

“I never wanted to do Christian TV,” Graham admits, “but God had other plans. It felt like He was saying: ‘This is where I want you.’”

Key Lesson 1: Your biggest breakthroughs may come disguised as inconveniences or side-quests. Be open to where God leads you, it could be the very foundation of your impact.

2. The Gatekeepers Are Gone. You Can Publish Now

In the 90s, media access was controlled. You needed permissions, licenses, and expensive equipment to get your message out.

Now? You can live stream from your bedroom, record a podcast on your phone, and have a global audience by morning.

“The landscape has shifted dramatically,” Graham says. “The barriers to entry are gone. The question now is, do you know who you’re speaking to?”

Key Lesson 2: It’s not about needing permission anymore, it’s about taking ownership of your message. You have tools. Use them with intention.

3. Strategy Over Scatter: Know Your Audience and Message

One of the biggest problems Graham sees is activity without direction. Ministries, creators, even businesses are “doing social media”, but without clear goals or messaging.

That’s why he developed the Digital Ministry Assessment Tool, a guide to help organizations ask key questions like:

Who are we trying to reach?
What are we trying to say?
Where is our audience actually engaging?

“You can be everywhere and still not be effective. A great message with no direction is just noise,” Graham warns.

Key Lesson 3: Don’t copy trends blindly. Build a strategy rooted in your mission. Know your audience, your platforms, and your why.

4. Partner with Technology, Especially AI

Graham is quick to acknowledge what massive shift AI has brought to content creation. From captioning to editing to ideation, AI is changing how we work.

But he also gives a word of caution: AI is a tool, not a replacement for spirit-led creativity.

“AI is great for repetitive tasks generating transcripts, summaries, captions but it still needs a human voice behind it.”

Key Lesson 4: Let AI support your workflow, not substitute your purpose. The most powerful content will always come from a place of authenticity and divine inspiration, not just automation.

Emphasizing how his journey highlights the importance of embracing new platforms and technologies (from VHS to TikTok), You could include some of his reflections on overcoming challenges and how technology can serve as a powerful tool for sharing faith. His story shows how embracing technology, even when initially intimidating can expand your reach far beyond traditional broadcasting.

5. Stay Grounded in Purpose, Not Popularity

With the constant push for views, likes, and reach, it’s easy to lose focus. But Graham reminds us that media is neutral it reflects the intention behind it.

“God’s not on a particular platform,” he says. “He’s wherever His people are willing to be light.”

Whether it’s TikTok, a podcast, or a blog you don’t need to go viral to make an impact. You just need to be faithful.

Key Lesson 5: Don’t chase influence steward your message. The goal isn’t to be famous; it’s to be faithful with the audience God gives you.

Graham Spencer’s journey, from VHS tapes to digital strategy consulting shows us that faithfulness beats flashiness. You don’t need the fanciest gear or the loudest voice. You just need a clear message, a willing heart, and the courage to share your light.

Your message matters. The tools are in your hand. Now’s the time to create with conviction.