We don’t change things very often on Know Your Bible – “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But we have changed. Probably the most frequent change has been our set. We’ve tried all kinds of “looks” over the years, including sitting around a coffee table in a living room, at a conference table in a library, and for the last few years we’ve used the news anchor look. (We get the old stuff every time KSN upgrades their newsroom.) When we started 35 years ago, we had one camera on an actual Bible to show our scriptures. Now it’s all digital and we can show scriptures, pictures, and charts. We’ve changed from a flower pot on the coffee table to five big monitors that display our background.
One thing we really haven’t changed very often is the personnel answering questions. David Lawrence, Louis Tandy, and I taped Program #1 in 1986. Right after we started, David was offered a teaching job at David Lipscomb University, so he only taped eight programs. Bill Oakley began his KYB career at #9, and his last broadcast was in 2013 – 27 years and 1,138 programs later. Louis retired after 21 years in 2007 with program #1000 (at age 85). Toby joined Bill and me, and after 14 years recently completed his 500th show. When Bill retired, we tried a two-man format with just Toby and me – and it has worked well. But it’s time to try a three-man panel again, mainly because we’ve got a “new face” who will fit perfectly.
Jeff Martin recorded his first program this week, and will add a lot to the program. (Since we record quite a bit ahead, his debut won’t be broadcast until this summer.) Jeff brings some “youth” to the panel and we imagine he will appeal to a younger demographic. I know Jeff will be a great addition to the KYB ministry and will give him some great exposure in the community.
As we welcome Jeff, I am reminded that Paul told the Philippian church, “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” God continues to bless Northside with awesome talent for every need!