By Alleyhandra Celio anak Anis, Media Volunteer Sarawak Mission
Friday, 6 September 2024
The first Communication Laboratory in Kuching, Sarawak, gathered over 100 media enthusiasts eager to learn innovative strategies for sharing the gospel through mass media at Batu Kawa Adventist Church on August 23–24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Sarawak Mission Communication Department]
Digital evangelism using online platforms and tools to share the gospel has emerged as a powerful method to extend the church’s reach far beyond traditional boundaries. This approach is not just about adapting to modern communication methods but embracing a mission-driven strategy to engage with a broader audience and promote a deeper connection with both new and existing members.
The Communication Department of the Adventist Church in Sarawak, Malaysia, recently hosted a pioneering communication laboratory (CommLab) to advance its mission of spreading the gospel through digital media. Over 100 delegates from all 13 divisions of the Sarawak State attended the event under the direction of Pastor Chan Tin Loi, Sarawak’s communication director, underscoring the Adventist Church’s growing importance of media ministry. Eleven trainers are involved in the Commlab Program, scheduled for August 23 to 24, 2024, at the Adventist Church in Batu Kawa, Kuching, Sarawak, with the program running for 2 days, which will also feature guest trainees Edward Rodriguez from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD).
This training, a central component of the Adventist Church’s global strategy to strengthen media efforts, was designed to equip participants with advanced skills in news writing, photography, videography, live-streaming, design, PA system training, slide preparation, website, poster and banner design, and branding. Mastery of these skills is crucial for effectively communicating the message of hope and salvation in the digital age.
Pastor Chan emphasized that media plays a key role in mission work, saying, “Digital ministry isn’t just about technology; it’s about reaching people for Christ everywhere. We need to use all available tools to share Jesus’ love and truth.
Digital platforms allow the gospel to reach a global audience instantly. Social media, websites, and online videos can transcend geographical boundaries, making it possible to share messages with people in different countries and regions who might not have access to traditional church services. Digital tools provide access to religious content 24/7. People can engage with sermons, devotionals, and Bible studies at their convenience, which is especially valuable for those with busy schedules or limited access to physical church locations. The digital landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for spreading the gospel, making it easier to reach, engage, and support a global audience in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Participants actively took part in hands-on workshops and collaborative projects throughout the event, which allowed them to put their new skills into practice immediately. The training sessions were crafted to ignite enthusiasm and foster a renewed dedication to digital evangelism. By engaging deeply with these activities, delegates left feeling empowered and inspired, ready to bring a fresh, passionate approach to their digital outreach efforts in their own divisions.
The CommLab in Sarawak represents a major milestone in the Adventist Church in the region in its ongoing initiative to harness media for evangelistic purposes. As more church members become skilled and actively involved in digital ministry, the reach of the gospel is set to broaden, impacting and engaging audiences worldwide. This progress underscores the expanding potential of digital outreach to advance the church’s mission in an increasingly globalized and interconnected environment.