GAiN Americas Inspires Adventist Communicators for Mission

Adventist communicators gathered for GAiN Americas from June 7 to 11, 2023, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s North American Division headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, United States. Over 100 participants traveled to the event from across North America, Inter-America, South America, and the Northern Asia-Pacific region to learn about digital communication strategies for evangelism and mission. This event is an annual event hosted by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GC) in collaboration with division leadership.

During his welcoming devotional thought, Williams Costa Jr., GC Communication director, emphasized the value of media in mission. He stated, “We live in a time that we need to share vision, enthusiasm, knowledge, and technology. We need to communicate hope by sharing content in all possible ways. That is our mission! That’s our goal!”

Media Synergy for Mission

This year, GAiN Americas featured 50 different speakers who presented on diverse topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), the new branding architecture and governance structure at the GC, content production, public relations, technology, and innovation.

The four-day event also featured breakout sessions and panel discussions, including one with World Church leaders Ted Wilson, GC president, Erton Köhler, GC executive secretary, and Richard Stephenson, GC associate treasurer, representing the three administrative bodies of the Adventist Church. During their panel session, they, along with Sam Neves, GC Communication associate director, emphasized the Gospel as the center of all communication efforts. “Our goal as a church is … to proclaim, preach, and communicate,” said Neves.

GAiN Americas also fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity in which participants shared their experiences, challenges, and success stories freely. This unique networking opportunity allowed like-minded professionals to forge valuable connections, exchange best practices, and form lasting partnerships that contribute to the global advancement of Adventist communication efforts.

According to the GC Communication department, GAiN Americas seeks to highlight and encourage media synergy taking place amongst GC departments and ministries, as well as support the increased collaboration among Adventist communicators worldwide.

“What an honor to be a part of tearing down of silos and joining hands [with GC departments and entities] to proclaim the love of Christ and the Three Angels’ Messages together,” shared Alyssa Truman, GC Communication assistant director.

Technological Mission Developments

GAiN Americas invited division leaders across the Americas to share how their regions push innovative boundaries and implement technology for mission.

In February 2023, the South American Division (SAD) hosted a free and fully virtual “10 Days of Prayer” event via the Metaverse, a virtual reality (VR) world where users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users in real time. Jorge Rampogna, SAD Communication director, discussed their work within the Metaverse and celebrated that over 150 users joined the digital series and many requested Bible studies due to the effort.

“The church needs to take every opportunity to take its message to where people are. Many are submerging the internet into new virtual worlds. It’s a challenge to conventional methods, but we need to connect,” said Rampogna.

The SAD is also focused on reaching young people through its Christian media platform, Feliz7Play. The digital site features hundreds of movies and series created by the SAD for young people to enjoy and share in both Spanish and Portuguese. The content explores biblical and practical themes young people can relate to.

The North American Division (NAD) has also embraced film production, encouraging young filmmakers to produce inspirational content through the annual Sonscreen Film Festival. Created and sponsored by the NAD, Sonscreen is a place where “young creatives who have a passion for using film for the purpose of creating timely and relevant productions for social awareness, outreach, and uplifting creative entertainment can do so,” said Julio Muñoz, NAD associate communication director.

In the vein of content creation and production, the Inter-American Division (IAD) has developed Creative Disciples, encouraging young people to use whatever talent or skill they have to share the Gospel. Abel Márquez, IAD Communication director, informed attendees that while many consume content on a daily basis, creative disciples take advantage of social media and other digital platforms to share Jesus.

Recommitted and Inspired for Mission

The highlight of GAiN was a Sabbath service where attendees participated in fellowship and communion on June 10, 2023. During his Sabbath sermon, Elder Billy Biaggi, GC general vice-president, reminded attendees of their calling to mission. “We have been called to use the technology God has given us to witness to the world,” he emphasized.

After a few presentations in the area of digital evangelism and online pastoral care, GC and division Communication leaders invited attendees to participate in a communion service as they recommitted themselves to broadcasting the Gospel to the world.

For Henry Salgado, general producer for Esperanza Colombia Radio from the Northern Colombia Union, GAiN inspired him to recommit to mission. “This event was inspirational. Sometimes we often talk about global communication, but it needs to start in every local context. GAiN has inspired and motivated me to join all the initiatives mentioned and contribute to them by promoting and using them to help tell the world that Jesus is coming soon.”

About GAiNThe 2023 GAiN Americas event marked the first in-person GAiN conference since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. GAiN created continental events this year as a response to the GC’s decision in 2022 to limit global events.For nearly two decades, GAiN conferences have equipped communicators with tools, strategies, and ideas for effective ministry within digital communities. Since its inception in 2004, GAiN has evolved into a global platform for education, training, and collaboration.

This year’s GAiN continental events are scheduled to take place in three other regions across the globe. GAiN Asia will take place in South Korea in September. GAiN Europe will occur in Montenegro in October, and GAiN Africa is set to take place in Johannesburg in December.

With its unwavering commitment to spreading the everlasting gospel, GAiN will continue to push the boundaries of communication, technology, and media to empower the Adventist Church in its mission to reach every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.

For more information about the GAiN event and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit the official GAiN website at www.gain.adventist.org.