Troy Miller, president and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), has dedicated his life to faith, leadership, and advocacy. A Nebraska farm boy turned U.S. Navy veteran, Miller has journeyed from the open fields of the Midwest to the helm of the world's largest association of evangelical Christian communicators. In 2024, his support for Israel earned him a place among Israel's Top 50 Christian Allies, as bestowed by the Israel Allies Foundation. Under his leadership, NRB has defended Christian media and promoted the US-Israel relationship.
"I'm a Nebraska farm boy," he says, recalling his childhood spent on his grandparents' farm. They raised hogs and harvested alfalfa, a grueling but fulfilling way of life built on a strong work ethic.
Despite growing up far from the ocean, he was drawn to the Navy. "I had an uncle who was a career Navy man... he would always tell his Navy stories," Miller says. That inspiration led him to enlist, and he served aboard a guided-missile cruiser, playing a role in crucial operations, including escort missions during the Iran-Iraq conflict. "We were the first battle group with a battleship as our main ship since the Korean War."
After leaving the Navy, Miller transitioned into the technology industry as an employee with Gateway Computers. He played a role in introducing customizable computer systems, a concept that revolutionized the market. "Ted Waite, who was the founder of Gateway, was just a marketing genius... it was a great crew of innovative people around him," Miller says.
But Miller says his calling led him toward Christian media, and he took on leadership roles at James Kennedy Ministries before finally joining NRB. As the head of NRB, Miller champions Christian communicators in what he describes as an increasingly restrictive media landscape.
"We started 80 years ago representing radio, and even back then, people were trying to be gatekeepers," he says. NRB now serves broadcasters, podcasters, publishers, and filmmakers, ensuring they can spread their messages without censorship. "We're out there to make sure they can do what God has called them to do," he says.
One of Miller’s strongest commitments is to Israel, a cause he has prioritized during his tenure. "NRB has had a very close relationship with Israel for years," he says, noting that the organization’s advocacy dates back decades. But after the October 7th attacks, his dedication intensified. "As the day unfolded... you suddenly found out this was not normal; this was a much more deadly and evil event," he says.
Within days, NRB mobilized, launching prayer initiatives and communicating with Israeli leaders to offer support. "Three weeks later, when the IDF started to go in, we were praying for soldiers," he says.
Miller traveled to Israel in December to witness the devastation firsthand. "We went to Be’eri, saw the kibbutzim that were overrun, and met families who had lost everything." The experience deeply moved him. "I'm not sure my tear ducts weren’t just empty from hearing their stories," he says.
That trip solidified his mission to combat misinformation and educate Christian audiences on what he describes as the realities in Israel. "One of the biggest manipulations is the media’s use of terms like ‘West Bank,” he says. As a result, NRB launched the ‘Keep God’s Land’ initiative to urge Christian media to use biblical terms, including Judea and Samaria instead of “West Bank.’
He also fights anti-Semitism. "We’re involved with the Israel Allies Foundation and the American Christian Leaders for Israel to push back against false narratives and ensure Christians understand the biblical and historical truth of Israel’s right to the land," he explains. He sees the battle for Israel’s legitimacy as part of a larger spiritual war. "Deception is the enemy’s big play,” he says, and adds, “all these terms—Palestinians, homeland, West Bank—are deceptions meant to keep people off guard."
Despite hostility toward Israel, Miller remains hopeful. "People should be encouraged. Out of all the communities, it has been evangelical Christians who have been Israel’s megaphone, prayer partners, and warriors." He cites NRB’s impressive reach: "Through radio and television alone, we reach 140 million homes every month in North America.” Globally, he says “nearly a billion people have access to our content every day."
According to Miller, Christians and Jews are not alone in the fight. "We are closer together than we’ve ever been,” he says. He draws inspiration from scripture, particularly the Psalms. "God is with us; we are never alone."
