Episode 93: Christianity Today Editor Kate Shellnutt on the Importance of Christian Journalism

In No Hurry with Cole Douglas Claybourn

The role that journalists play in our society is so vital. Not only do they inform the public, but they hold those in power accountable.

As stories of church abuse and unethical behavior from Christian leaders continue to sprout up, we see just how important journalists are in brining these stories to light and so that these leaders are held accountable for the pain they've inflicted upon people.

One of the leaders in Christian journalism is Christianity Today, which you may know either from visiting their website for news or by listening to the popular podcast "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill," which chronicles the Seattle-based church that crumbled almost as quickly as it grew, largely due to abuse of power from pastor Mark Driscoll.

My guest this week is Kate Shellnutt, the news and online director for Christianity Today and an influential voice in the world of Christian journalism. Kate has covered stories on sex trafficking raids in Cambodia, the aftermath of the Emanuel AME church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, the funeral of famed evangelist Billy Graham, stories of Christian leaders gone bad and analyzing the intricacies of evangelical politics.

It was fun to talk with a fellow journalist, but I has just as much fun talking with her about baseball, as she's a huge Atlanta Braves fan.

Be sure follow Kate on Twitter @KateShellnutt and check out her work her work online at kateshellnutt.com and christianitytoday.com.

Thanks for listening!

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If you enjoyed this conversation, you might like these as well:

• Episode 81: Reading, Writing, & Thinking Well with Author Karen Swallow Prior
• Episode 49: Faith & the Election with Journalist Adam Wren
• Episode 43: Using Our Online Words for Good with Dan Darling