(The following column by Ellsworth Kalas was originally published on March 9, 1972 in the newsletter of First Methodist Church of Madison, Wisconsin.)
I was initiated into radio over 33 years ago when I was appointed to a committee to produce a new, weekly radio show for our high school, and I've had something to do with radio most of the time since then, including some 20 years of broadcasting Sunday morning sermons. This winter, however, an exciting experience has given me new enthusiasm for the power of the airwaves.
The opportunity has come through Jon Whirry of our congregation, and WISM. Like a majority of contemporary broadcasters, WISM uses a format of music, news, and commercials, with no "full-length" programs. They've been willing to make a place for religion, even without cost, but it had to fit the format.
So for the past 2 1/2 months I've been preparing five "religious commercials" for a week for WISM. My name is not mentioned, nor is any church. Right in the midst of hit songs and commercials, there's suddenly a voice making a case for God, for goodness, for faith, for brotherhood. They are nothing other than 45-second sermonettes. The impact is great because the appeal is so unexpected.
These "commercials" have now ben broadcast many hundreds of times. We've received a very great many comments from people who recognize the voice; we have no idea how many thousand others may be touched. We only know that the message is going where the people are -- and we trust the Lord of the Harvest.
During the late 1960s, when Dr. Kalas was the Senior Minister of First United Methodist Church in Madison, WI, he worked with Jonathan Little at WISM to record a number of brief meditations for radio. We're grateful to Jonathan for sharing these with us so many years later!
Like his preaching through the years and his books later on, these radio blurbs were winsome, insightful, and spoke to the business of living.
At its best, philosophy was not removed from daily life. On the contrary, philosophy spoke to all the stuff of daily life. These little radio vignettes are rightly called "life philosophies."
While always a Bible preacher, Dr. Kalas did not merely explore the ancient texts and stories. He also explored contemporary culture and current events. And he did not hesitate to bring a biblical worldview to what he saw going on in the world around him.
During almost every year of his 38-year preaching ministry, Dr. Kalas had a weekly radio broadcast of his sermons. He was also delighted to be able to reach folks who were listening to regular weekday programming with these quick, thoughtful pieces.
The Old Testament prophets engaged with the issues of their day, and Dr. Kalas stood in that godly tradition. He spoke God's word to the everyday business of living, and people were blessed and edified to hear it.
Dr. Kalas' ministry in Madison was truly a community ministry. He served a large, prominent downtown church. He was frequently interviewed and quoted by the newspapers. He appeared on local television. A street in town was even named after him. These radio spots were part of his voice in Madison.
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