History “In 1912, the Adventist Church world headquarters hired Baltimore Sun newspaper reporter Walter Burgan to establish the Bureau of Press Relations, the precursor to today’s Communication department. Church administrators realized they needed help in responding to the media’s attacks on church doctrines. Leaders realized the importance of having a specialized professional to respond to media—someone who could speak their language.” ANN Style Guides 2014

Purpose To create a favourable image of the church, its mission, life, witness and related activities by using the most effective means of communication.

Theme “Building bridges of hope.”

The Communication Department is Responsible for: Websites Printing Marketing and Advertising Photography Video Production Reporter Graphic Designer Public Relations Media Liaison Image Guardian Information Technology

Andre Brink “But to sum it up, I’d say that someone who serves as a director of communication is really just a brand advocate.”

What is a Brand? “a person’s gut feeling about a product, service or company.” “a brand is not what YOU say it is It’s what THEY say it is.”

The Church Communicator Successful church communicators are attuned to the pulse of their church and the culture outside of the church and strategize ways to build bridges from their community to the church.

The Church Communicator They are passionate about the church’s vision and care about how it translates to people inside and outside of the church. They defend it. They design it. They care about it. It keeps them awake at night and is a reason for them to get out of bed in the morning.

John Jantsch “Branding is the art of becoming knowable, likeable, and trustable.“

"Your life bears a message. A message of hope and redemption. But, before people in your world encounter your message, they encounter you."

Kem Meyer Your church has a message. A message of truth, hope and purpose. But, before people in your congregation or community encounter that message, they encounter your church. Your job, as Communication Director, is to find the things in your church that attract people to the message and remove the things that repel them.

Strategic Imperatives 1.Spiritual Growth and Unity 2.Evangelism and Discipleship 3.Youth Empowerment 4.Stewardship and Development 5.Education and Training 6.Quality of Life and Community Impact

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication Department

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication Secretaries 1.Knows and understands the Mission and Vision statements of the Conference 2.Knows and understands the Strategic Plans (Conference) 3.Collaborates with the Conference Communication Director

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication Secretaries 4.Ensure that information and reports on church activities are communicated internally and externally. 5.Ensure media relationship and coverage of major church activities 6.Presents a favourable image of the Church

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication Secretaries 7.Directs the writing, editing and printing of church publications (Bulletins, Magazines) 8.Ensures that church’s Website, Social Media Accounts and Notice Boards are kept current 9.Access and shares relevant information with appropriate personnel

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication Secretaries 10.Functions as the official photographer for the church 11.Produces or oversees the production of PowerPoint, video or audio programmes for the church 12.Gathers and disseminates news, including announcements

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication Secretaries 13.Ensure that the church sign, letterheads and other relevant stationaries meet identity standards 14.Record for posterity people of interest 15.Maintain a friendly, cooperative relationship with other communication personnel 16.Present periodic reports to the church business meeting

What CJC Comumunication is doing

Website Website ( Up-to-date news on happenings in the conference Information on all Churches Information on Administrators and Ministries of the Conference Resource materials

Social Media Facebook: Connects with over 4,000 persons through Facebook. WhatsApp: Connects with hundreds of leaders and members instantly Youtube Channel: Produce and publish video content of reports, sermons and conference events

Weekly Communication Advisory: Sends out announcements and information to over 1,250 contacts each week.

Radio Produces 3 radio programs each week: 1.Lifeline 1.Adventist lifestyle interview program (30 minutes) – Sundays 8am – NCU Radio 2.Morning Manna 1.Devotional thoughts – Love 101 – Fridays 5:45 am 3.Heralds of Hope 1.Sermons – Love 101 – Saturdays 2:15 pm

Print 1.Conference Calendar of Events 2.Central Focus (annually or bi-annually) 3.Currently looking at more cost-effective means of connecting through print

Communication Points Table Evaluates each Church’s readiness for effective communication with a points table

Communication Points Table ITEMPOINTS Camcorder/Video Streaming10 Certified Communication Secretary10 Church Bulletin (Special Days)5 Church/District Magazine10 Church Sign with Current Logo10 Church Sign5 Church Website10 Communication Committee10 Computer/Laptop for Media10 Elected Communication Secretary5

Communication Points Table ITEMS Internet Connection10 Facebook Page8 P.A. System5 Projector Screen10 Projector/LCD8 Sixteen Channel Snake5 Still Camera10 Trained Technician7 Video Streaming10 Weekly Advisory ( )5 Weekly Church Bulletin8 Weekly Advisory (Letter)4 175

How can you get involved?

How to get involved 1.Subscribe to our mailing list. (visit website to do so) 2.Like us on Facebook 3.Join a relevant WhatsApp Group 4.Inform us of significant people and events 5.Send us your comments and suggestions

How to get involved 6.Listen to and invite others to listen our Radio Programs 7.Encourage your church to meet identify standards (e.g. Church Signs, Letterheads etc) 8.Encourage and Support your local church Communication Secretary

Thank you!