MTV has good Missiology

MTV embodies what YouthHOPE is all about. False, but not completely.

MTV is known for TRL, Carson Daly’s black finger nails and The Real World. At least that is how I was introduced to them as an adolescent. I didn’t (and still don’t) like music, but my brother was bigger and therefore controlled the remote, so we watched music videos often.

MTV is known for many things around the world, mostly negative things within the Church. To some youth in Southeast Asia though it will begin to be known for advocacy on behalf of their peers. MTV Exit creates campaigns to stop exploitation and human trafficking. You could argue that they have ulterior motives, simply wanting to increase their brand and advertise in new circles and in new ways. Or that they actually contribute to the issue by their presentation of the female gender much more then they could ever help, so their campaigns must be viewed in the same light as cigarette companies that do mandated advertisements.  This post is not about that though. What makes this noteworthy is their approach.

Check out this video - especially between 33 seconds and 1:03.

MTV brought together 40 youth from 5 different locations with media professionals and trafficking experts to create their own content in their communities with messages that are specific and relevant to the people of their communities.

That is good missiology. MTV is quite capable of making campaign videos. They did not need the help of the youth. However they realized that the youth could communicate the message in a much more culturally appropriate way. They realized they could add value to the project.

Youth are ready for ministry today. They must be seen as part of the solution, not only as a problem. Leaders from within the community must have buy-in and ownership of the project. Youth must be seen as an asset. All elements of YouthHOPE’s working missiology are embodied within this project by MTV. MTV believes in the potential of youth. They were willing to give them real responsibility. Are you?