Around 110 people from across nine countries gathered on the Gold Coast (Queensland) from March 14 to 16 for the 2025 Digital Discipleship Conference. The conference aimed to teach digital skills and strategies to build trust and effectively communicate the Gospel in online communities oversaturated with information.
The event is designed for anyone working within digital media, as well as those interested in entering the field or seeking to further their skills to become more effective digital communicators. It also serves as a place to network and build connections.
“Digital Discipleship is a training ground, a place to learn what is happening in the digital space because it’s changing so quickly now,” said Jared Madden, Adventist Media marketing, sales and digital manager. “People are discussing what’s working, what’s not working and learning from each other, so that when we go back to our digital interactions and projects, we can do it in a better way, reach people more effectively and be more informed in how we do it.”
A variety of immersive plenaries and practical workshops were featured, with topics such as the power of authentic storytelling, social media strategies, building online micro-communities, podcasting, graphic design, hybrid ministry and foundations of discipleship. Panel talks and Q&A sessions with the speakers were also included.
During the conference, Pala Luen, Pathfinder director of a small community church in Vanuatu, said “This is really interesting for me and I’m enjoying it so far.” Ms Luen is excited to return and teach the kids about what she learned. “I could teach them how to write a testimony, how to do a podcast or make a reel.”
“The Digital Discipleship Conference is really important because the digital world is where most of ministry is moving,” said Lorraine Atchia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) personal assistant. Ms Atchia, who also does marketing and promotion for Mamarapha College, wants to shine a light onto ATSIM. “Coming here to find new ways to do so has been really interesting, especially with podcasts. We want to find a way to share our stories and for people to be able to listen to them. I think podcasts will definitely be a way that we can do that.”
The conference ended with a commissioning, where attendees had the opportunity to lay hands on each other and pray, confirming the calling God has placed on their lives.
