Christian `Hot Talk' -- Look Out, Rush, Dr. Laura

Christian radio is changing.

Like secular "hot talk" shows, the number of Christian call-in radio programs has increased over the past five years.

"Call the Pastor," hosted by the Rev. Wayne Taylor of Wallingford's Calvary Fellowship, is one of the newest. It encourages listeners to phone in and discuss Biblical or personal issues with a host, and doesn't shy away from "hot" topics like abortion, evolution and euthanasia.

Interactive programs rank high among the needs of Christian-oriented radio stations, according to Eric Halvorson, vice president of Salem Communications Corp. of Camarillo, Calif., the largest radio group in the United States that specializes in producing and syndicating Christian radio programs.

"To some extent, its growth is tracked to the secular-style programs like Rush (Limbaugh) and Dr. Laura (Schlessinger)," Halvorson said.

Fifteen of Salem's programs are syndicated nationally. But smaller, locally based shows are best received, Halvorson said, because listeners want to discuss local issues that have an impact on them.

For a new listener, it can be difficult to separate Christian vs. conservative call-in programs. But just because a host is a professed Christian - for example, Oliver North - doesn't make their show Christian-oriented, Halvorson said.

Christian-radio hosts make an attempt to weave their faith in their shows, like syndicated Janet Parshall of Washington, D.C., he said.

"At times, I think it's a very blurred thing," Halvorson said. "But a show can be identified by the topics and the radio stations they are affiliated with."

Taylor's show, as he describes it, is an opportunity for people to discuss questions and problems with a pastor, while he helps to find their answers in the Bible.

"We're not a political show or a right-wing-conservative thing," Taylor said. "We're a biblical counsel."

With its call-in style programming, Taylor's show is among several local shows of its kind catering to liberal and conservative Christian audiences.

Born and raised in Ballard, Taylor, 46, is a pastor at Calvary Fellowship.

"Call the Pastor" is broadcast live from the church's recording studio, a former classroom at the old Lincoln High School, every weekday from 10-11 a.m. on KLFE A.M. (1590).

Although much of the show's success could be attributed to the teamwork of the soft-spoken pastor, producer Robert Case and engineer Dan Nelson attribute it to God.

Before the start of each show, Taylor, Case and Nelson pray for guidance in finding answers for their callers. They don't look for the answers in encyclopedias or the Internet; they only use the Bible.

"Call in with your questions, and let's find out: What does the Scripture say?" Taylor challenges at the beginning of each show.

Sometimes the answers aren't clearly written in the Bible, Taylor said, but most of them are. A large variety of issues are addressed on his show, including morals, politics, religion and family issues, he said.

Occasionally, his wife, Cathy, and their four young sons guest star on "Call the Pastor." And anytime he gets a chance, Taylor opens the floor to sports talk.

"I'm a big sports nut," he said.

Whether it's Mariner pitcher Randy Johnson or catcher Dan Wilson - both who have given outreach talks for Calvary Fellowship - or the spirituality of shortstop Alex Rodriguez, listeners hear about God's impact on sports, Taylor said.

The show was created after Taylor made a guest appearance this spring on KGNW A.M.'s (820) "OnLine with Stewart White," a Christian-oriented program that is also broadcast from Seattle. The 5,000-watt KLFE can be heard from Tacoma to Bellingham. Most of its audience is made up of married Christian women, between the ages of 25 and 54, according to KGNW/KLFE officials.

Some callers are seeking Bible trivia answers, while others want Taylor's advice on problems in dealing with addictions and relationships.

"The Scripture is filled with wisdom and knowledge and help," he said. "We're not here to give our opinions or thoughts."

Taylor and Case said they still get goose bumps when recalling a specific caller's experience.

The first-time caller, who was not a Christian, said she wanted to know how she could get the type of smile and happiness that she had seen demonstrated by Christian women, Taylor said.

The woman said she had continually prayed for peace, happiness and joy, but wasn't fulfilled, he said.

"Then, right over the air, she realized her need for Christ, and Wayne was able to lead her to Jesus," Case said. "It was like the light went on. It was very exciting."

Sometimes, callers don't have a specific question. They just need to talk.

"I like to think that we're giving callers a warm pastoral hug over the air," Case said.