JGMR GOSPEL REPORTER CERTIFICATION EXAM

“Using Your 1,440 Minutes to Build Ministry, Media, and Movement”

SECTION 1 — MINDSET & MISSION (Short Answer)

Purpose: Evaluate understanding of the JGMR mission and the reporter’s role in the gospel ecosystem.

1. In your own words, describe the mission of a JGMR Gospel Reporter.

2. Why is gospel reporting considered ministry, not just media?

3. What does the 1,440‑minute principle mean to you as a reporter?

4. How does a reporter help strengthen the multicultural gospel ecosystem?

5. What does “preeminence” mean in the context of your reporting work?

SECTION 2 — REPORTING SKILLS (Multiple Choice)

Purpose: Assess foundational knowledge of interviewing, writing, and communication.

6. A strong gospel interview should focus on:

A. The artist’s clothing

B. The artist’s testimony, journey, and message

C. The reporter’s personal opinions

D. Event logistics only

7. When writing a report, the MOST important priority is:

A. Making the story about yourself

B. Highlighting the artist’s ministry and impact

C. Using complicated vocabulary

D. Posting as quickly as possible

8. A reporter should verify:

A. Names

B. Dates

C. Event details

D. All of the above

9. When covering an event, the reporter should:

A. Arrive early and be prepared

B. Wait until the event ends to pay attention

C. Only talk to people they already know

D. Avoid taking notes

10. A gospel reporter’s social media presence should be:

A. Negative and confrontational

B. Inconsistent

C. Uplifting, accurate, and supportive

D. Focused only on personal promotion

SECTION 3 — INTERVIEWING (Scenario‑Based)

Purpose: Evaluate ability to think like a reporter in real situations.

11. You are interviewing an artist who is nervous and giving short answers. What do you do?

12. You attend an event and discover a new choir with a powerful testimony. How do you approach them for a story?

13. An artist shares something emotional during an interview. How do you respond respectfully?

14. You notice a multicultural expression of gospel music that is new to you. How do you report on it with cultural sensitivity?

15. An artist asks to review your article before you publish it. How do you handle this professionally?

SECTION 4 — WRITING & STORYTELLING (Practical Exercise)

Purpose: Assess clarity, accuracy, and storytelling ability.

16. Write a 3–5 sentence spotlight on a gospel artist of your choice.

17. Write a short recap of a gospel event you attended (real or imagined).

18. Write a headline for a story about a multicultural gospel choir.

19. Write a caption for a social media post promoting a gospel artist.

20. Rewrite the following sentence to make it uplifting and professional:

“Not many people came to the event, but the music was okay.”

SECTION 5 — CULTURAL SENSITIVITY & COMMUNITY (Short Answer)

Purpose: Ensure reporters understand the multicultural mission of JGMR.

21. Why is multicultural representation important in gospel reporting?

22. How can a reporter avoid cultural bias when covering diverse gospel expressions?

23. What does it mean to be a “culture carrier”?

24. How can you support another reporter in the JGMR movement?

25. Why is it important to promote artists from underserved communities?

SECTION 6 — PROFESSIONALISM & ETHICS (Multiple Choice)

Purpose: Evaluate integrity and alignment with JGMR standards.

26. If you make a mistake in a report, you should:

A. Ignore it

B. Blame someone else

C. Correct it quickly and professionally

D. Delete the entire report

27. When communicating with artists, you should:

A. Be respectful and timely

B. Be demanding

C. Use slang and unprofessional language

D. Only respond when you feel like it

28. A reporter should NEVER:

A. Promote artists

B. Share unverified information

C. Attend events

D. Encourage others

29. Confidential information shared off‑record should be:

A. Published immediately

B. Ignored

C. Kept private

D. Used for gossip

30. A reporter represents JGMR:

A. Only when wearing a badge

B. Only during interviews

C. At all times

D. Only online

SECTION 7 — THE 1,440-MINUTE APPLICATION (Reflection)

Purpose: Evaluate personal commitment to daily micro‑actions.

31. List three micro‑actions you can take daily to grow as a reporter.

32. How will you use your minutes to uplift gospel artists?

33. What is one area of reporting you want to improve?

34. How will you stay consistent in your role?

35. What motivates you to serve as a JGMR Gospel Reporter?

SECTION 8 — FINAL DECLARATION (Affirmation)

36. Write your personal Reporter Declaration beginning with:

“As a JGMR Gospel Reporter, I commit to…”

SCORING & CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES

Passing Score:

200 out of 330 points

Evaluation Pillars:

• Preeminence (Excellence, preparation, professionalism)

• Value Creation (How well you uplift artists and the movement)

• Cultural Sensitivity (Respect for multicultural gospel expression)

• Communication Excellence (Writing, interviewing, clarity, accuracy)

Certification Levels:

• Strong Pass — Ready for full reporting responsibilities

• Pass With Coaching — Certified with recommended skill development

• Not Yet Ready — Encouraged to continue training and re‑apply