The Gulf States Conference hosted their annual Adventist Digital Evangelism Training (ADET) at the Conference office at the end of September. The training, which had more than 120 attendees, featured guest speakers, hands-on activities, food, fellowship, and giveaways.
This is the second annual ADET hosted by the Conference. The training is organized by Daniel Claudet, Gulf States Conference communication director, with the support of the Conference. Claudet said events like these are extremely important for digital evangelism.
“I hosted ADET because it offers an opportunity to connect, learn, and equip communication leaders from our local churches,” said Claudet.
To accomplish his goal of equipping communicators at a local church level, Claudet arranged a packed two-day event which covered relevant topics.
The event opened with a worship that included singing and a message from Gulf States Conference President Brian Danese. He emphasized the importance of communicators’ work. He affirmed each attendee that they were called to ministry and were a mouthpiece for the Church — a digital disciple.
Justin Khoe was the first keynote speaker. Khoe discussed his online journey, how he realized the potential positive impact of online ministry years ago, and he’s since used it to bring thousands to Christ. In the afternoon, Khoe gave a demonstration on how people could simplify Gospel content creation to make quality content in a short amount of time.
Many in attendance rose their hands when they were asked if they helped with their church’s livestreaming. To help church members better understand livestreaming, Kirk Nugent, Oakwood University Church media pastor, presented. In the afternoon, during a breakout session, Nugent conducted a live audit where he reviewed existing livestreams from churches represented at the training.
Pablo Fernandez, associate professor for media production at Southern Adventist University, gave a short presentation on how to create visually interesting and well produced videos. Using the principles taught by Khoe and Fernandez, the attendees were tasked with breaking up into groups to create short form videos that were shared on social media.
The participants were able to choose from different seminars which covered topics like design, social media in Spanish, writing, and livestreaming. After the seminars ended, to conclude Sabbath’s training, the attendees gathered in the main meeting room to ask questions to a panel of the event’s presenters.
Sunday again opened with worship followed by short presentations about the Southern Union communication department and the Conference’s Digital Church.
Khoe delivered his final presentation. He focused on his digital missionary academy — a program he created to help grow online ministry. At the end of his presentation, Khoe gave away a scholarship for his course to one person in attendance.
The Gulf States Conference also sponsored four scholarships for Khoe’s course which were randomly selected during the main giveaway portion of the event. Other giveaways included three sets of wireless microphones and three scholarships to next year’s event.
The event featured another seminar session which focused on creating short form content, audio, and livestreaming. Certain seminars were held again in the afternoon fro those who missed them due to other sessions.
Following a time for lunch and fellowship, attendees gathered in the main meeting room one final time. Thanks was offered to the speakers, the Conference, and Claudet. A prayer was offered for the speakers and all attendees, asking that they may utilize their online ministries to advance God’s work. The meeting concluded with a group photo and high spirits.
“This was my first time attending this important event. It was a very pleasant experience,” said attendee Cristina Rodríguez.
Claudet plans to host another ADET next year in Montgomery, Alabama from September 14-15. Topics he hopes to cover include crisis management, content creation, church tech, church websites, online evangelism, and online reputation. For updates on next year’s event, visit www.adet-gsc.org.
Gulf States | December 2023
Comments are closed.