Word from Wayne on Leaving Moody Radio

I don’t want this to be about me. Because it’s NOT all about me. I’ve loved what I do at Moody Radio. I love my friends at Moody Radio. I love their commitment to Jesus Christ, to proclaiming the Word of God and helping listeners grow in the way they follow Him.

I love the magic of radio. This week we did the live show with Michael W. Smith in front of a live audience. The countdown concluded. Chris pointed to Mark. It was a magic moment. The microphone opened and tens of thousands of people were instantly connected. I’ve done this for 40 years and have never lost the magic of radio.

This isn’t an easy job. Media is changing. The way people use radio is changing. There’s the challenge of raising funds for a $20 Million ministry. I know through years of listener response, you can’t please everyone. Someone’s not going to like the music. You have too much talk. You’re too liberal. You’re too conservative. You’re too serious. You joke too much. So I’ve graduated from Toughskin University, knowing Christians care so much about life, their faith, their radio station, they express strong feelings about how we do things.

The toughest thing is leaving the people. The people who make up the Moody Radio team are the best--the most talented, most dedicated team I’ve ever worked with. And, with a few exceptions, they're nice. After all, out of a staff of 200, you’d expect a few grouches, right? (You know who you are.)

But really, I’m glad I’m sad. Frankly, I’m honored they're sad. I’d hate after all these years they'd be having parties in their offices knowing I was leaving. It’s interesting even people I didn’t think liked me have expressed appreciation. So I think, Man, if I had known I was so well liked, I would have stayed. It’s a reminder that we should all be more encouraging to our colleagues.

And though it’s with deep sadness we move on, intellectually, spiritually, we know it’s God’s direction. Henry Blackaby once told me: “Don’t tell God you’ll do anything for Him if you really won’t do it.” That’s the problem. I have a note in my journal that I’d “do whatever; go wherever” God would so lead. Through His Word, the Holy Spirit’s quiet voice, the counsel of godly, respected friends, and through God’s hand in life circumstances, we got the call. One of the verses I discovered in the process of seeking His direction was Romans 9:12 in The Message: “His purpose is not hit-or-miss, dependent on what we do or don’t do. But a sure thing determined by His decision flowing steadily from His initiative.”

So God directed us to HCJB Global, whose declared end is to use media and human care to reach those people groups who have never heard, those with limited access to the Gospel. And my deep passion is to reach the lost with the Message of Jesus of Nazareth. I don’t have the gift of evangelism. I have a passion for evangelism--and the spiritual gift of leadership that will facilitate the passion.

And the strong work at Moody Radio will go forward: Proclaiming God’s Word, helping listeners take the next step in their walk with Christ, being a trusted voice and friend, unpacking issues from a Biblical world-view.

I pray my investment in articulating those ends, placing great people where they can shine for Jesus, and establishing a positive environment for ministry will produce decades of effective radio ministry.

And you’ve not heard the last of me. HCJB Global will be partnering with Moody. You’ll hear reports of what God is doing around the Globe. Which fulfills another verse God showed me: Those who were never told of Him will see. Those who’ve never heard of Him will get the Message.” How’s that for confirmation?

From the depths of our hearts, Norma and I thank you.