Who is shaping the culture? 

Missions isn’t just about geography—it’s about influence and if we’re really serious about shaping the next generation—about discipling young minds and hearts, we must come to terms with one undeniable truth:

Popular culture is not random. It’s crafted. And most of it is crafted by the media.

Whether it’s the music we enjoy, the movies we watch, the trends we follow on TikTok, or the cartoons our kids binge on—you better believe someone is preaching a message.

And the crazy thing? We don’t even notice half the time.

Let’s make it real.

Have you ever seen a 5-year-old throwing a superhero-themed birthday party? The party packs are covered in Spider-Man. The birthday cake has Batman on it. The T-shirt says “HULK MODE.” The school bag? PJ Masks. The water bottle? Paw Patrol.

From Nigeria to Nairobi, Namibia to New Zealand and all over the world, children everywhere are being influenced by these characters.

You might think it’s not a big deal. Until you realize these characters don’t just entertain—they teach. They shape our kids’ imaginations, desires, even their values. Whether it’s Punjab, Captain America, Elsa, Barbie, or some new talking animal on Netflix—these aren’t just characters. They are cultural messengers.

Now, let’s talk music.

Some of the dance moves we now call “trending” are straight-up copy-and-paste from music videos. Lewd lyrics. Half-naked bodies. Fast money. Reckless living.

Our kids aren’t inventing these moves—they’re imitating them. Because that’s what media does—it disciples by exposure.

Even the way we dress, talk, or act is rooted in what we’ve seen. A reality show here, a viral reel there, a scene from that one movie that “everybody” watched. And it begins to feel normal.

It’s no wonder Jesus didn’t just say, “Go and make believers.”

He said, “Go and make disciples.”

Because someone, somewhere, is always doing the discipling.

So here’s the deal:

If we as Christians truly want to make a difference—if we want to raise godly children, influence society, shape culture—we must engage the media space. Not just criticise it. Not just avoid it. But create in it. Compete in it. Influence it.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2”

We need Christian:

• • Cartoon creators with a calling
  • Animators with a message
  • Film producers revealing the truth
  • Fashion designers designing glory
  • YouTubers reshaping the narratives
  • Music artists with a conviction
  • Techies with a testimony
  • Storytellers carrying the story of redemption

…putting out content that is wholesome, family-friendly, and spiritually sound.

Because silence is not neutral. When we don’t speak, other voices will fill the gap.

Let’s stop thinking the media is “their thing.”

It’s our thing too. Especially if we believe that the earth is the Lord’s—and everything in it.

Remember, the ‘Go’ Mission is just as relevant in the media as well as in the fields.

So the next time you hear a kid singing lyrics that make you cringe… or see a birthday cake with characters you can’t even identify… ask yourself:

Who’s shaping the narrative?

And what are we doing about it?

May God raise up a generation of creatives, storytellers, and culture-shapers who will shine light into the world’s noisiest spaces.

Because the Gospel isn’t just good news on Sunday—it’s good news for every screen, stage, and stream.

By Niyi Osomo