Real Life Network Founder Jack Hibbs Gives Clarion Call at NRB’s International Christian Media Event
Christian broadcasters were urged to be bold in their mission and unwavering in their commitment to sharing the Gospel by Pastor Jacke Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California, who is also the founder and president of The Real Life Network, during the opening session of NRB held recently in Dallas.
BY NRB – AN ASSOCIATION of CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATORS
(Alex Murashko Edited)
“God, the Holy Spirit, through your ministry, through this awesome organization, gives us the voice to proclaim the truth of God,” Hibbs said during his clarion call to the Christian media. “And we don’t have to apologize for it.”
Hibbs called for a renewed urgency in advancing Christian values: “We’ve got a moment to move. We’ve got to act. We can’t relax, we can’t sit back and wait for the next election cycle. We’ve got to stand up like never before.”
Hibbs also spoke about the transformative power of being a light in the world, challenging Christian media organizations to be the light in a time of increasing darkness. “If light leaves, the darkness comes. If light invades the darkness, the darkness must flee,” he said. “When we practice righteousness, evil steps back. When we stand up and show courage, people are inspired.”
Nearly 6,000 in Attendance
The opening session at the NRB 2025 Convention was a vibrant event, setting the stage to bring together nearly 6,000 attendees over the course of the week. From powerful speeches to poignant messages, the session underscored the vital mission of the NRB, while rallying its members to continue advancing their work in media and faith-based communication.
NRB 2025 Opening Session. LEFT to RIGHT: Troy A. Miller, president & CEO of NRB, Pastor Jacke Hibbs, singer-songwriter Matthew West, and NRB general counsel Mike Farris.
The session also included an inspirational moment of worship, with singer-songwriter Matthew West leading the attendees in powerful musical praise. His performance united the crowd, lifting spirits and reinforcing the collective mission of those present.
Rights and Freedoms
Troy A. Miller, president & CEO of NRB, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of coming together to advance faith-based broadcasting. His words reminded everyone of the essential role NRB members play in both protecting and promoting the values they hold dear.
“Whatever you’re involved in,” said Miller, “we believe, and the Founding Fathers believed, you have the right and the freedoms to do it. We are here to keep those rights and freedoms open to you.”
Extraordinary Calling
David Michael Jeremiah, a stalwart leader in the Christian broadcasting community, kicked off the session with a reaffirmation of the NRB’s mission and vision and gave the opening word of prayer. Jeremiah serves as president & COO of Turning Point Ministries as well as a member of the NRB board.
“What we do here is an extraordinary calling,” Jeremiah said. “And as you all know, it is an incredibly great challenge.” These words set the tone for what would be an evening of profound reflections on the state of Christian media and its indispensable role in today’s world.
Tracy Trost, creator of a TV series by Mercy Ships, which sponsored the Opening Session, introduced a new chapter in the effort to blend faith and media. His remarks were followed by a video message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who highlighted the importance of the NRB’s mission in the current cultural climate.
“We’re living in a time where Christian viewpoints are not as easy to find in mainstream media,” Abbott said. “That’s why the mission of the National Religious Broadcasters is more important now than ever before. Christian evangelists need legal protection and fellowship to effectively build God’s Kingdom. Your voices are so much more powerful when they are joined together.”
The session continued with an address by Mike Farris, NRB’s general counsel, who gave an insightful “State of the Union” on the association’s ongoing legal work and achievements. Farris passionately spoke about the courage and responsibility of NRB members.
“You give voice to people who believe what you believe. You speak when others remain silent,” Farris said. “We’re the ones that are speaking the truth in a bold and sometimes lonely fashion.”
He also emphasized the NRB’s critical role in advocating for faith-based causes, stating, “NRB is called to speak that truth that we all believe—in court, in Congress, in the agencies like the Federal Communications Commission, and others. We are there.”
Cruz: You are On the Frontlines
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent his regards through a video message, recognizing the tireless work of NRB members in defending religious liberty and free speech. Cruz, who has been a champion for faith-based media, emphasized the importance of the “AM for Every Vehicle Act,” which seeks to ensure that AM radio remains accessible in all cars, thereby preserving a crucial avenue for Christian broadcasting.
“I want to thank each of you for your commitment to sharing the Gospel and standing for religious liberty,” Cruz remarked. “You are on the frontlines, pushing back against censorship, standing firm in your faith, and providing hope. … I’m honored to stand with you in defending religious liberty, protecting free speech, and ensuring that Christian media continues to thrive.”
David Kinnaman, CEO of the Barna Group, provided an exclusive look at a groundbreaking study commissioned by NRB, revealing a hopeful and revitalizing trend in Christian media. The full study will be published later this month.
“This was a really surprising study about the health and vitality of Christian media,” Kinnaman shared. “In the last three years, we are starting to see real positive change that you might start calling a revival, and I don’t use those terms loosely.”
Mercy Ships
The Opening Session was sponsored by Mercy Ships. Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care.
The NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention will take place in Nashville, Tenn. from February 17–20, 2026. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.
NRB story found at Advancing the Mission: NRB 2025 Opening Session Set the Stage for a Transformative Week
Photos: NRB
