Radio Planting

A short interview with Pastor John Stewart, on how Christian radio is making a difference in his community.

While Christian radio is very common in the U.S.A. many people have wondered why it is comparatively rare here in Canada.

The reason stems from religious broadcasting’s turbulent history that stretches back to the 1920s, when fiery radio preachers thought nothing of offending other faiths while preaching on the air. In response a royal commission banned religious broadcasting in Canada and established federal control over the airwaves until the 1980s when the broadcast world was inundated with new channels and radio frequencies.

In 1993, the CRTC re-examined its religious broadcasting policy while maintaining discussion regarding a continued requirement for balance. Ultimately it was decided to ease some of the regulations. More recently however, as conservative radio programs become somewhat more common, discussion is being heard once again pertaining to revisiting some of the previously mandated restrictions.

For many years Ian Leaver (presently serving as Director for Canada) grieved over the fact that HCJB Global was actively involved in helping other nations but was doing nothing in the way of radio planting inside Canada. In view of the changing trend to ease regulations for Christian radio inside Canada, he began to hope that one day HCJB Global Canada would be able assist anyone inside the country with a burden to share Christ using the tool of radio. Due to our nation’s vast land mass people many groups isolated due to geographic location were also of concern. Additionally, he felt a very real burden for Christian Canadians from various ethnic backgrounds that had a desire to share Christ via radio in their own language. In 2002 he presented the vision of Christian radio in Canada to the Board of Directors and together they began to pray.

They knew that for this ministry to become a reality it would need someone to lead it that not only had a passion for Christian broadcasting but significant experience in the field of broadcasting as well. While attending a conference in 2003, Ian reconnected with former HCJB Global broadcaster Brian Seeley. In 1990 due to family medical needs, Brian and his family were forced to leave Quito, Ecuador where he had served as a broadcaster in the English department since 1976. In the years since their return to Canada, Brian’s dream of returning to Christian radio had never faded.

HCJB Global Canada extended to Brian the opportunity to use his gifts and knowledge in the field of broadcasting to inform, encourage and mentor those who approach us for assistance here in Canada. Brian's experience and contacts make him the ideal choice for guiding people through the daunting process of obtaining a license and "learning the ropes" of radio broadcasting. On January 1, 2004 Brian Seeley rejoined the HCJB Global, but this time as part of the Canadian team.

God is using this rapidly growing arm of HCJB Global Canada to reach out in English, Urdu, and Low German. In addition Cree and Dene languages are broadcast via radio station CIAM in northern Alberta. Although the number changes regularly there are now approximately 11 ministry partnerships with various radio stations across Canada. At this moment in time a group in Sherbrook, Quebec is in the process of seeking a license to begin broadcasting. In addition to the vast field of opportunity in Quebec, many pastors in the northern part of the province feel very isolated and a Christian station will be of great encouragement to them.

NEW! Radio Planting Video