Church communication leaders announced today a certification program as part of a plan to strengthen communication skills of professionals serving the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Certification will be available in up to six specialties, including media relations, journalism, Web communication, public relations, corporate communication and media production.

The Communication Certification Program (CCP) will be launched at the Society of Adventist Communicators’ conference in Nashville, Tennessee October 11 to 14, said Fred Kinsey, assistant to the president for communication in the church’s North American Division (NAD).

“With a wide variety of seminars being offered at the annual SAC Convention, it will be very convenient for Adventist communication professionals to earn the NAD communication certification in a few years,” Kinsey said.

Requirements for certification include a core course in journalism fundamentals, an exam on the Seventh-day Adventist Church communication department Code of Ethics and the Associated Press Stylebook or its international equivalent, professional readings and elective continuing education units that apply toward various tracks.

Candidates will have three years to complete the program. The certification plan will also be open to Adventist communication professionals both within and outside church employment.

The initiative received strong support after discussion at a meeting of world church communication directors last year. The program will be adapted for different regions of the world to reflect cultural and social needs.

“Communication personnel function at higher levels than ever before in today’s complex information environment,” said world church communication director Rajmund Dabrowski, who initiated the program. “They are counselors, high-level strategists, crisis communicators and spokespersons to media entities.

“Not only will certification address foundation skills necessary for effective day-to-day operations, but certification will also provide high-end skills to help the Church communicate its strategic mission focusing on unity, growth and quality of life.”

Dabrowski said communication professionals must be up to date on Adventist corporate identity, communication theory, communication laws and regulations and trends in new technology, including social networking.

“More than ever, communicators are intricately involved in supporting the direction, strategies, and visions of the world church with embedded communication plans,” Dabrowski said. “Certification of our professionals will help the world church be more effective in building relationships and protecting our reputation.”

The Society of Adventist Communicators will offer a number of workshops, presentations, and seminars that will apply toward certification, according to George Johnson Jr., associate director of communication for the North American Division and executive director for the Society of Adventist Communicators. For an application and more information about the Society of Adventist Communicators’ annual convention, see the Web site http://www.adventistcommunicator.org
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Architects of the certification program include Dabrowski, Kinsey, Johnson and Dr. Pamela Maize Harris, a consultant and professor of communication at Adventist-owned Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

For more information, see the Web site www.adventistcommunicator.org.