The Bridge website and current culture

Captain's Log, Stardate 06.20.2007

My friend Ruth (ChristianFictionQueen) sent me this announcement about a new website she's involved in:

WorldofCM.com Announces Re-Launch and Name Change
Site Enters New Phase with New Writers and Coverage as The Bridge

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Chris D. Unthank, editor and owner of WorldofCM.com, is proud to announce the re-launching and name change for the popular site. Effective immediately, WorldofCM.com will now be called The Bridge ( http://www.thebridgelive.net) in order to effectively reflect the site's new content and focus.

In addition to focusing on contemporary Christian music, The Bridge will now feature an all encompassing look at Christianity and the arts – showcasing even more topics such as movies, television, books & literature, pop culture, Christians in mainstream culture, and much more.

"I've been at this for a very long time," mentioned Chris Unthank. "I started this site over 10 years ago on a little Geocities site and eventually developed it into what it is today. As I got older, my ideas about how Christians were to engage culture also changed, and the site needed to reflect that."

In addition to a re-launch and name change, the site is also welcoming three new writers in addition to Unthank and current staff-writer Leah Lowrance.

Ruth Anderson will be joining the site as the Books & Literature Editor. She will be contributing all content regarding Christian fiction, Christian literature, and additional writing from Christians, in addition to author interviews for the site. Ruth is a member of the Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, and she is currently working on her first novel.

Jeff Relyea is joining the staff as the Hard Music & Hip Hop Editor. Jeff will be focusing on all reviews that fall under the hard music and hip hop umbrella. He has extensive knowledge in both areas of music and adds a unique voice to the site.

Greg Webb will be joining the site as the Mass Media Editor. Greg will be focusing his attention on all areas of pop culture, movies, and television. Greg is no stranger to the Christian music industry through his many years with CMCentral.com and About Christian Music.

Leah Lowrance will continue to write the monthly devotional and do additional reviewing and interviewing for the site. She is the Christianity & Culture Editor.

"Words can not express how grateful I am to have these people in my life," mentioned Chris. "Ruth, Jeff, Greg, and Leah all bring extensive knowledge to this site, and I'm excited for our future together."

The new site went live today and features writing from all five staff members. If you have any questions regarding the new site or would like to find out information on how to be featured on The Bridge – email chris@thebridgelive.net.

More information can be found at http://www.thebridgelive.net.

Camy here: The Bridge sounds totally cool! I like the intersection of media (books and music) with culture, because I try to make my novels an intersection of books and culture.

From working with my church youth group for so many years, it's very obvious to me that today's generation of teens and young adults is very embedded in the current culture. It's the nature of the times, I think. Today's youth cannot make an impact without understanding and moving within the culture.

That brings up challenges for those of us supporting them or trying to reach them. We have to equip them with methods to help them reach their peers, but also help them to keep Christ first even as they immerse themselves in the current culture, so they can act as missionaries to their own friends and families. We cannot ignore the fact that this generation needs to work within the culture in order to reach people.

Sorry, got on my soapbox for a moment. Anyway, check out the new website!