Christian European Visual Media Association
To bring together a body of committed Christians with a focus on Europe,
who are actively involved in the visual media, networking, teaching, and encouraging each other to be more like Christ and communicate Him effectively.
1980
CEVMA was founded, responding to needs of Christians working in visual media who felt God calling them to work in Christian film and television.
Many had nowhere to turn. Those already "in the business" often felt isolated and discouraged, working alone or in small organizations with little encouragement or support. In the early 80s, the church hadn’t seen the medium’s potential as a means of effective Gospel communication – a situation which, to some extent, prevails today.
CEVMA’s co-founders were Nigel Cooke – Founder of International Films in the UK – and Kurt Sprenger, head of the new Television Unit of ERF in Germany.
Both were experienced producers and Bible teachers. They set the CEVMA agenda to provide European Christians working in media with opportunities to connect, share their dreams and visions and meet with God. Both believed the spiritual life of the communicator was more important than the equipment they used.
Today
What made CEVMA stand out from other ‘business-oriented’ conferences was this emphasis on personal growth in the Christian faith.
Status was never important - instead real fellowship happened, where people felt free to share their joys and frustrations, to laugh together and cry together, sharing the load.
CEVMA is about friendship with each other and Jesus as the unseen but not unfelt guest. About becoming better at what we do and sharing our expertise. Spiritual input, seminars on every subject related to programme-making and distribution and business accomplished and partnerships formed, but as between friends and fellow believers.
Future
CEVMA is always looking for new locations, where the annual conference will also bring encouragement to local Christians working in media.
Decades later, those values still characterise the annual CEVMA conferences held each September in one of a number of European countries which rotate from year to year. CEVMA looks to grow internationally reach while maintaining its European home.
CEVMA began in a world of change, meeting needs that never change. Today it continues to do so in a world of increasing change, a world that increasingly needs to hear of God’s Redemption story through Christ.
