John Sandeman: A Career Shaping Faith-Driven Journalism
John Sandeman stands as a pivotal figure in Australian religious journalism, blending theological insight with investigative rigor. Over a 15-year career, he has pioneered faith-based media while maintaining a commitment to ethical storytelling. His work at Eternity News and THE OTHER CHEEK has redefined how Christian narratives intersect with public discourse.
Career Trajectory: From Print Pioneer to Digital Innovator
- 2009–2022: Founded Eternity News, building it into Australia’s leading Christian publication with 5M annual website views and 100K print circulation.
- 2022–2024: Transitioned to Writer-at-Large for Eternity, focusing on investigative features about institutional accountability in religious organizations.
- 2024–Present: Launched THE OTHER CHEEK, an independent platform analyzing faith’s role in public policy and cultural debates.
Defining Works: Three Articles That Frame His Approach
- Good news: More people are going to church in the UK This 2025 analysis of UK census data challenges secularization narratives by highlighting rising church attendance among young adults. Sandeman cross-referenced government statistics with interviews from Anglican and evangelical leaders to identify revival trends in urban centers. The piece sparked international discussion about post-pandemic religious renewal, cited in Christian Today and Premier Christianity.
- "What if the 'nones' aren’t the only story? Our data shows millennials filling pews not for nostalgia, but for community they can’t find in digital spaces." – Rev. Sarah Williams, London Diocese
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- Interview with Michelle Pearse, Australian Christian Lobby CEO Conducted during the 2025 federal election campaign, this profile dissects the ACL’s strategy to influence religious discrimination legislation. Sandeman’s questioning reveals tensions between pragmatic policymaking and ideological purity, using Pearse’s responses to map shifting evangelical political alignments.
- Faith-based health organisations face moral dilemma over NSW abortion bill This investigative piece exposed how proposed legislation could force Christian hospitals to choose between funding and conscience rights. Sandeman obtained leaked memos from three major health networks, illustrating the bill’s unintended consequences. The article became a reference point in parliamentary debates, cited by three MPs during floor speeches.
Strategic Pitch Guidance for John Sandeman
1. Focus on Policy Impacts on Religious Institutions
Sandeman prioritizes stories where legislation intersects with faith-based operations. His coverage of NSW’s abortion bill demonstrates how he traces laws from parliamentary drafts to real-world impacts on hospitals and charities. Successful pitches should include legal analysis paired with institutional case studies.
2. Highlight Data-Driven Faith Trends
The UK church growth analysis shows his appetite for demographic research that counters secular assumptions. Pitch longitudinal studies on giving patterns, attendance data, or sociological research about Gen Z’s spiritual practices, particularly with comparative international angles.
3. Investigate Institutional Accountability
His work on Brindabella Christian College’s financial collapse revealed his method: pairing whistleblower accounts with forensic document analysis. Propose stories about governance crises in religious nonprofits, emphasizing paper trails and stakeholder interviews.
Awards and Industry Recognition
- 2023 Australasian Religious Press Association Award for Investigative Journalism Recognized for exposing financial mismanagement at a major Christian college, this award highlights Sandeman’s skill in balancing hard-hitting reporting with respect for faith communities. The judging panel noted his "unparalleled ability to hold institutions accountable without cynicism."
- 2024 Shortlist, Walkley Award for Religion Reporting His series on post-pandemic church growth marked the first time a niche religious journalist reached this national mainstream media shortlist, signaling his crossover appeal.
