My Matthew 18 encounter with K-Love

At this moment last week I was on the verge of posting a nasty message about our K-Love radio station. I even planned to twist their motto into something like, "I am POSITIVE that I will no longer listen to your station and I will ENCOURAGE others to do likewise." I'm glad I didn't and here's why...


My email sent on 8/15/2010:

I was extremely disappointed while listening to 94.1 K-LOVE in Lexington this morning (8/15/10) around 7:00 AM. The station broadcast an interview with Barry Petersen who described his wife's tragic descent into Alzheimer's Disease. I listened intently because my grandmother suffers from the same illness and I was hoping to pick up some helpful advice. All was well until Petersen spoke of his relationship to his wife after her deteriorating condition led to institutionalization. He spoke of moving overseas for his work and becoming involved in an adulterous relationship while still married to his wife. Both of these events were portrayed in a positive light by the story. Petersen even spoke of how some people "judged" him because of his choice to have an intimate relationship with another woman.

As a Christian station, K-LOVE should maintain biblical standards in its programming. This presentation portrayed adultery and spousal abandonment as reasonable ethical choices. Clearly, the scriptures teach otherwise (Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:31-37, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 5:8). While I appreciate that K LOVE attempts to provide helpful information to its listeners, the station should also have careful regard to the content and the worldview it promotes.

I have decided to stop listening to K-LOVE and will encourage friends and family to do the same for the reasons cited above.

The reply received 8/17/2010:

Hello Joel,

Thanks for your e-mail. I appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts with us regarding the discussion you heard on the air. I apologize for the delay getting back to you.

After researching this, I can tell you that it was not a K-LOVE program that you heard Sunday. The station at 94.1 is not owned by K-LOVE and while we provide most of the programming on the air, the local station owners have a Public Affairs window every Sunday. I'm afraid that this is what you heard.

I am so sorry for the frustration and disappointment you felt and completely understand your concern over the content of the discussion. I have already forwarded your message to our management team. We WILL be working with them to be sensitive to the expectations of our audience.

Thanks so much for keeping in touch. The Bible says "iron sharpens iron" and we are grateful for input from our listeners. I do hope that you will give us another chance. We strive to be encouraging and God honoring with all of our programming!

In His Service,

Lisa Torres
Correspondence Assistant

I will continue listening to K-Love and the Word of God.