25 January 2023 |St. Albans, England [David Neal]
What is a digital evangelist? Take a quick search of Google and click on the first link to discover the role of an employee in the business world highlighting the virtues and need for communicating digitally. The emphasis is clearly on the word ‘digital’.
In contrast – and as a first on Tuesday evening 24 January via zoom for the Trans-European Division (TED), a group of digital evangelists met together to find ways to support and help each other. But driving their passion was not so much the word ‘digital’, but ‘evangelism’.
Hosted by Vanesa Pizzuto (Associate TED Media and Communication director) whose vision it is to create a TED network of digital evangelists, the initial meeting was about discovery. Who is already sharing of 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 Finnish 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 to the people of Finland and beyond.
With just as much enthusiasm and passion for sharing Christ, Irish Mission Communication Sponsor, Iain Irvine has for many years manged the Belfast church web page, and the streaming of its worship services, but now 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 of the South-East European Union) is looking for resources on finding content 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.
Winner of the 2022 GAiN creative video competition, Doreen Lohr 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 equipping with resources to fulfil 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.
[Photos: Pexel Pictures, Los Muertos Crew and Vanesa Pizzuto]
