TPUM Digital Discipleship Training 2023: Sailing the Digital Waves with Jesus
From September 6th to 9th, the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) Youth Department organized the "TPUM Digital Discipleship Training 2023," which 80 enthusiastic participants from across the South Pacific attended. The event was held at Fulton Adventist University College in Sabeto, Fiji. They came from Tuvalu, Fiji, Solomon Is., Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa, and Kiribati.
The primary goal of this special training program was to empower participants with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively share the teachings of Jesus in today's tech-driven world. In a world where the digital landscape constantly shifts and evolves like the waves of the Pacific Ocean, participants learned to navigate through it adaptively. The theme, "Sailing the Digital Waves with Jesus," emphasised not just using technology but harnessing the power of the digital age to make discipleship more engaging and accessible.
The TPUM Digital Discipleship Training 2023 was greatly enriched by the diverse lineup of guest speakers from the South Pacific Division, and beyond, each contributing their expertise and insights to the program:
Pr Wayne Boehm, the Hope Channel Director at the SPD, set the tone each morning with thought-provoking devotion sessions. His message emphasised the importance of starting the day by connecting with God before engaging with digital tools.
Pr Nick Kross, who holds positions as Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Ministry and Strategy, as well as Youth Ministries Liaison at the SPD, took on the role of the evening devotion speaker. Through personal stories, he highlighted the essential role of our connection with our heavenly Father in becoming true disciples of Christ.
Tim Mcternan, the Marketing and Sales Manager at Adventist Media, SPD, delved into the world of social media trends, story branding, and practical applications of AI tools for content creation. His insights equipped participants with valuable skills to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Tipalelupe Tapuai, Director of Hope Channel American Samoa, directed his focus towards engaging local churches in embracing the digital discipleship wave. He addressed the concept of 'Digital Rest' and shed light on the potential dangers of digital tools when used without caution. His workshop on creating church websites using the Adventist Place platform provided practical knowledge for enhancing online church presence.
Ana Alburqueque, the South Pacific ADRA Technical Advisor, introduced the ADRA Fiji Team, who shared profound insights into disaster management and demonstrated how digital tools can effectively convey critical messages to communities before and after disasters. This segment emphasised the immense potential of digital platforms in times of crisis.
Demuel Gambol, the Director of Hope Channels Philippines, led technical workshops tailored for intermediate to advanced participants. Covering topics such as Reels, shorts, stories, Intro to Studio Production, and Livestream Advance, Damuel equipped attendees with advanced digital skills, preparing them to utilize cutting-edge tools for effective digital ministry.
John Tausere, the Communication and digital Media Coordinator at TPUM, and Maika Tuima, the Creative Media Producer at TPUM, jointly conducted sessions and workshops catered to beginners. They placed particular emphasis on design using simple apps like Canva, setting up straightforward livestreams for churches, and online video editing with Cap-cut. These foundational skills empowered participants to embark on their digital discipleship journey with confidence.
These expert-led sessions, spanning a wide range of topics and skill levels, were instrumental in equipping participants to harness the potential of the digital age for effective and impactful discipleship.
The event aimed to address the increasing role of technology and media in our lives. These tools can be powerful instruments for sharing the gospel and connecting with others, but they can also be sources of distraction, temptation, and deception. Therefore, the focus was on exploring how to navigate the digital waves with Jesus, using technology and media to glorify God, serve others, advance His kingdom, and avoid the pitfalls of the online world.
One notable highlight was the Digital Journey booth, which depicted the evolution of communication and media tools over the years, showcasing how the Seventh-day Adventist church has utilized these mediums to communicate the everlasting gospel to the world.
Pr Uili Tinomeneta, the TPUM Youth Director, expressed his satisfaction with the program, calling it "fruitful and rewarding." He highlighted the empowerment of participants and the wisdom shared by digital experts from various regions.
Ms. Loanne Liligeto, the Communication, News, and Promotions Officer from Solomon Island’s Mission, emphasized the theme's importance, stating that 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.
Pr Nick Kross, noted how it brought together church leaders and youth representatives to learn practical skills for creating engaging content on social media platforms. He believes this knowledge will attract young souls to faith communities.