Digital Discipleship Training Empowers Adventists across South Pacific Islands

Around 80 people from several South Pacific islands gathered at Fulton Adventist University College in Sabeto, Fiji, for Digital Discipleship Training 2023. Held from September 6 to 9, the event was promoted by the youth department of the Trans-Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to equip participants to connect their faith and the digital world.

Attendees hailed from nations including Tuvalu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa, and Kiribati.

Themed “Sailing the Digital Waves with Jesus,” the training emphasized the necessity of leveraging the digital era’s tools while staying anchored in faith, organizers explained. “The program explored the multifaceted area of technology, highlighting its potential for both advancing the gospel and posing challenges,” they said.

Expressing his satisfaction with the program, TPUM youth director Uili Tinomeneta called it “fruitful and rewarding.” He highlighted the empowerment of participants and the wisdom shared by digital experts from various regions.

The list of speakers included Hope Channel South Pacific director Wayne Boehm; South Pacific Division religious liberty and public affairs director Nick Kross; Adventist Media marketing manager Tim McTernan; American Samoa Hope Channel director Tipalelupe Tapuai; Adventist Development and Relief Agency South Pacific technical advisor Ana Alburquerque; Hope Channel Philippines director Demuel Gambol; TPUM communication and digital media coordinator John Tausere, and TPUM creative media producer Maika Tuima.

In addition to the presentations, participants were inspired by the Digital Journey booth, which displayed the evolution of communication tools over the years, showcasing how the Seventh-day Adventist Church has utilised these mediums to fulfil its mission.

Solomon Islands Mission communication, news, and promotions officer Loanne Liligeto emphasized the theme’s importance. “Being a digital disciple requires the power of the Holy Spirit to first change oneself and then help others know God.” She praised the event as an eye-opening experience.

Kross noted how it brought together church leaders and youth representatives to learn practical skills for creating engaging content on social media platforms. “This knowledge will attract young people to faith communities,” he said.

About Digital Evangelism

According to the Center for Online Evangelism, a supporting ministry of the Adventist Church that specializes in the online mission field of search engine seekers, digital evangelism implies strategically using internet, mobile, and social media platforms to meet the needs of others and share the gospel with the online world. Among other initiatives, digital evangelism includes working on search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, church websites, online small groups, and digital evangelist assistance.

The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record. The Center for Online Evangelism is a supporting ministry and is not operated by the corporate Seventh-day Adventist Church.