Studio Carries Teachings to 6 Million

In 1972, a group of Seventh-day Adventists bought unincorporated land near what was then the small town of Thousand Oaks.

Less than an hour away from studios in Burbank and Los Angeles, founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Radio, Television and Film Center were in quest of a place to produce programs to spread the church’s evangelical message.

Today the media center is the church’s largest studio, producing programs that reach 6 million followers in Latin America, Europe and soon the Soviet Union.

In a field rocked by sexual and financial misconduct, the Seventh-day Adventists’ evangelical formula is low-key and sober.

The flagship show, “It Is Written,” uses more of a documentary than a religious format. And, church leaders are quick to point out, hosts make no overt appeals for money.

“We do not go on the air asking for contributions,” said Glen Aufderhar, president of the media center. “It just doesn’t fit our personality.”

In fact, the television hosts are limited to the same salary other pastors get: about $2,400 a month.

“We don’t believe anyone should grow wealthy through the spread of the Gospel,” he said.

If the Adventists have not grown rich, their savvy business decisions are expanding viewership worldwide and increasing the ranks of followers.

Last month an agreement was signed with Trinity Broadcasting Network in Tustin to air “It Is Written” over its cable channels. TBN reaches more than 140 stations in the United States and 10 foreign countries.

“Trinity broadcasting will saturate the top 50 markets,” Aufderhar said.

In addition, the center this fall will start production of “Teen Life,” a television program aimed at the home video market.

“Our goal is primarily to help parents and teens look at the issues,” Aufderhar said. “We are hopeful we can enter the home video market first.”

Home video is a relatively new step for a religious sect set apart from other Protestant groups by its strict observance of a Saturday Sabbath and strong belief in an imminent second coming of Christ.

Followers adhere to biblical interpretations inspired by Ellen G. White, considered a 19th-Century prophet.

Many are vegetarian or refrain from eating meats considered to be unclean, including pork, shellfish and rabbit.

Compared to other televangelists, the Seventh-day Adventist church was slow to use the electronic media as a pulpit, Aufderhar said.

The first Adventist evangelists taught themselves to use radio and television without assistance from the church, and when they became successful, “the church on the whole got on the bandwagon.”

“I think we should have placed a greater share of our resources into this in the past,” he said.

Today, the Seventh-day Adventist Church finances most of the $25 million needed to run the media center. About $3 million comes in through donations. Although hosts do not solicit money on the air, donations are encouraged through the airing of telephone numbers.

“It’s a soft-sell approach to Christianity,” he said.

Newbury Park, unlike cities in the South and Texas, was an unusual move for the church.

The Adventist church built the media center on 19 acres bought from MGM Corp. It is located in an industrial area near high-tech assembly firms such as Northrop Corp.

“It was close to Hollywood, close enough to take advantage of and still not be swallowed by Los Angeles,” Aufderhar said.