As many as 170 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the Seventh-day Adventist Church's first Global Internet Evangelism Forum, to be held in Silver Spring, Maryland, Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, 2004.
As many as 170 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s first Global Internet Evangelism Forum, to be held in Silver Spring, Maryland, Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, 2004.
“There have been some [regional] Internet meetings, such as the annual conference in Germany and one at Southern Adventist University, but now we can bring people from all over the world together to exchange ideas,” said John R. Beckett, Webmaster for the world church. “We’ve had a lot of requests to do this here.”
The program, which commences with an evening reception and keynote address, will examine a range of topics and Internet initiatives. Writing for the Web, content development, and building online Adventist communities will be some of the main topics discussed. Speakers will include church laymen and denominational workers. The sessions are being developed by the church’s Global Internet Evangelism Network, a group of evangelists and technologists committed to using the Internet to share the gospel.
Using the Internet for evangelism continues an Adventist tradition: the church was among the first to capitalize on new technologies such as radio and television. Its message has historically been widely distributed via books, magazines and tracts. Now the Internet combines the depth of text presentations with the speed, visual appeal and impact of mass media.
“It’s a new way of evangelistic outreach, and the fact that it goes beyond the usual barriers or borders of evangelism is probably the reason why this [conference] exists,” said John T.J. Banks, director of media relations for the world church. “It’s the coordinating community of Internet evangelists and those who would like to use their talent, calling and skills to communicate the life-changing teachings of Jesus Christ.”
It’s expected that participants will come from Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North America and other areas. Those interested can visit http://www.gien.adventist.org for program and registration information.
