Myra Gilmore
Engage magazine intern
July-August 2016 – In 2012, AFA’s Wil Addison envisioned a ministry opportunity to expand the reach of American Family Radio. Addison had big dreams, but he serves an even bigger God, and his dreams quickly materialized as Urban Family Communications radio network launched the next year. The goal for this ministry was simple: Speak truth to urban Christian families.
Addison looked at other urban radio stations and quickly found a common thread – their liberal tendencies rarely allowed for the kind of biblical truth the people needed. Addison explained to AFA Journal his original plan for the station: “The main thrust was to have a concentrated outreach to the black community. To be able to deal with the issues in our voice, but with biblical principles.” Addison believed the urban communities in America needed more than just a program or two on other stations.
The potential of UFC excited Addison and other AFR team members, fueling their passion for the project. UFC speaks truth about real problems facing urban communities. There was finally a voice on the air that mixed current social issues with sound, biblical teaching.
“I feel that the difference we bring [to Christian radio] is just that element of applying biblical truth to all of the same issues,” Addison said.
While the network is focused on meeting the needs of the urban community, Addison said he wants to minister to “anybody that will hear, whatever race they may be.” The message of UFC does not change by location or race, and UFC wants to reach as many people as possible.
UFC’s flagship show is the morning talk show Airing the Addisons. The show began airing in 2014 and is hosted by Wil and his wife, Meeke. The Addisons focus on family life, pop culture, the church, and social issues in their three-hour program on weekday mornings from six to nine. One of the couple’s favorite subjects is their frequent discussions of married life.
“We have a lot of fun,” he said. “We laugh a lot, especially on Airing the Addisons, but we really hit on topics that are of a concern to us as well.”
At press time, UFC was set to add a show hosted by Bishop E. W. Jackson. While Jackson mostly focuses on politics, he will fulfill UFC’s goal by espousing a conservative, biblical worldview. Addison says the show will discuss how Christians should respond to cultural and moral problems that constantly arise in D.C. The show is scheduled to air on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. (CT).
As it grows, UFC continues to realize its purpose as a reliable and biblically-based radio network. Addison has ambitious plans to extend the reach of UFC. He said, “My personal goal is that Urban would be in every major city in America.” 
Festivals for Life is a companion ministry to UFC. The FFL team visits churches to share a fast-paced, family-friendly presentation on ways to get involved in local pregnancy resource centers. To have a Festival for Life in your church contact Joseph Parker at 662-844-8888 x381 or [email protected].
