What is a digital evangelist? Conduct a quick Google search and click on the first link to discover the role of an employee in the business world to highlight the virtues and need for communicating digitally. The emphasis is clearly on the word “digital.”
In contrast—and as a first on Tuesday evening, January 24, via Zoom for the Trans-European Division (TED)—a group of digital evangelists met together to find ways to support and help each other. Driving their passion was not so much the word “digital” but rather the word “evangelism.”
Hosted by Vanesa Pizzuto, associate director of TED Media and Communication, whose vision it is to create a TED network of digital evangelists, the initial meeting was about discovery. Who is already sharing the gospel through digital media? Can we find ways to work together and support each other? What resources are available to support our respective ministries?
First in the room was Timo Flink, Communication director for the Finland Union, who also leads Hope Channel Finland. With a vast library of wide-ranging video resources, his ministry demonstrates a commitment and consistency ensuring that the gospel goes to the people of Finland and beyond.
With just as much enthusiasm and passion for sharing Christ, Iain Irvine, Irish Mission Communication sponsor, has for many years managed the Belfast Church web page and the streaming of its worship services; but now he wants to move into developing videos and, in order to create new content, set up a writing club.
Responsible for internal communication in the Swedish Union of Churches Conference, Frida Pascal-Röhken has expanded her ministry by searching for content suitable for evangelism. Currently creating a video series involving young adults who share what it means to follow Christ in terms unchurched viewers will understand, Frida is also planning to create a verse-by-verse podcast on the Gospel of Mark. Likewise, Želimir Stanić, executive secretary for the South-East European Union, is looking for resources on finding content to help young adults study the Bible.
As participants shared together, Weiers Coetser, Scottish Mission Communication sponsor, noted a reality in his experience: “We tell good stories, but our creative media output at this stage is limited.” He is hoping that through networking together, he will be able to develop these skills.
Doreen Lohr, winner of the 2022 GAiN (Global Adventist Internet Network) creative video competition, shared how she built her own website to talk about her faith, with the title Christian but Practical. In addition, she also shares the gospel on TikTok and YouTube. Lohr is hoping that through this new network, she will be able to connect with fellow TikTokers to grow together in ministry and create fellowship.
Evangelists have always required resource equipping to fulfill their mission. As it is no different for digital evangelists, time was taken to explore the funds available from the TED through the Mission Board. The TED has resources available for creatives to support outreach and mission projects.
The original article was published on the Trans-European Division website.