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August 29, 2024
NRB Files Johnson Amendment Challenge
On August 28, NRB joined with First Baptist Church Waskom (Waskom, Texas), Intercessors for America (Purcellville, Va.), and Sand Springs Church (Athens, Texas) to file a complaint challenging the Johnson Amendment’s restrictions on the First Amendment freedoms of nonprofit organizations, including churches.
“For too long, churches have been instructed to remain silent on pressing matters of conscience and conviction during election season or risk their 501(c)(3) status,” said NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller. “We believe that all nonprofits should have the constitutional right to freely express their point of view on candidates, elections, and issues on the ballot. Our challenge to the Johnson Amendment is about securing the future of free expression for all Americans, particularly those standing in the pulpit.”
“The Johnson Amendment has long been applied in a discriminatory manner that respects the First Amendment freedoms of some, but not of others,” said NRB general counsel Michael Farris. “Our intent is to vindicate the right of every church and religious nonprofit to express what their faith teaches on every issue, including political matters, as is their right and their duty.”
Read more about this important legal action in NRB's press release here and view the full complaint here.
Jim Bowman, a beloved ministry leader and former president of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), passed away on August 8, 2024. Born into a missionary family in the Philippines, Bowman’s life was deeply intertwined with the work of spreading the Gospel.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the Bowman family during this time,” the FEBC said in a statement on their website.
Lights, Camera, Faith: The Rise and Reach of Christian Cinema
Once dismissed as a niche market, Christian film is quietly moving into center stage at the box office. Examples abound of Christian productions reaching into wider audiences, as television and film projects focused on the life of Jesus, stories from the Bible, and edifying spiritual truths reach the homes—and hearts—of millions.
Just this year, “Testament: The Story of Moses” became Netflix’s most-watched show of the week in the United States and garnered 13.5 million views in the first five days of its release on Netflix in March 2024.
Just last weekend, “The Forge,” the latest faith-based production from the Kendrick Brothers, immediately landed at the fifth spot in the box office and outperformed several films with much higher production costs and gross revenues. What’s more, audiences gave the film a perfect A+ CinemaScore grade, a rare feat to accomplish. This achievement makes Kendrick one of only two directors in film history to earn this perfect score four times, joining fellow faith-based filmmaker Jon Erwin and surpassing renowned directors like Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis.
Media Roundup | August 29, 2024
Catch up on highlights from recent NRB media coverage, including NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller's recent interviews with Sebastian Gorka, Craig DeRoche, and Stacy Washington.
Early Bird Registration for NRB 2025 Now Open!
Early Bird registration for the 2025 NRB International Christian Media Convention is now in full swing!
Take advantage of early bird registration to get the lowest rates offered for 2025. Members can register now for only $200.
NRB 2025 will be held February 24-27, 2025, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
Come be a part of the world’s largest gathering of Christian communicators and ministry professionals! Visit www.nrbconvention.org for news on the 2025 NRB Convention agenda, booking your stay, and more.
Reminder: NRB President & CEO to Address Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast in NYC
From September 15–16, 2024, the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast (JPB) will bring together thousands of friends of Israel to support the nation and unite in prayer for Jerusalem.
Troy A. Miller, President & CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) will deliver remarks. Taking place in New York, N.Y., the global prayer conference will coincide with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Last Call: NRB Award Application Window Open—Apply Now!
Receiving an NRB Award will encourage your team, validate your supporters, and inspire the community of Christian communicators!
If you are an NRB member and your ministry recently marked its 50th anniversary without receiving a Milestone award, please contact our membership team or fill out the short application form.
The NRB awards program is a benefit of membership, and most awards are open only to NRB members. Click any award link to see its eligibility requirements. Need to check your membership status or have other questions? Contact the membership team at membership@nrb.org.
Submit your application materials for the 2025 Annual Media Awards by Saturday, August 31, 2024. Click the button below to view application, awards criteria, and more details.
Member News
• EMF Adds Cybersecurity Vet Bryon Hundley To Ministry Leadership Team
• Nick Vujicic Visits, Inspires Israel's Wounded Soldiers 'For Such a Time as This'
• Moody Radio: A New Podcast Families Can Bee-lieve in
• TWR Interns with Impact 2024: Minki Electrical Engineering
• ADF: NY Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Score a Victory in Abortion Pill Reversal Case
• Hutchcraft Ministries: Summer of Hope Provides Momentum for Class of ‘25
• 50,000 People Pray “Sinner’s Prayer” at Angel Stadium With Evangelist Greg Laurie
• Samaritan's Purse: Refugee Mom Tailors New Life in South Sudan
• Superbook Brings the Gospel to Children in Iran
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Subscribe to Washington Next Week, NRB's biweekly public policy newsletter, to stay informed about important Hill happenings and benefit from the insight and intel our team is gathering here in the Nation's capital. This publication gives you a front seat to what NRB’s policy team is watching in Washington through feature stories, industry toplines, and key calendar items.
Industry Trends and Insights
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• Leaders: Don’t Wait Until a Crisis Happens
