ARTICLE

New Communications & Media Director Meets with Leaders

November 20, 2025 | Edwin Martin | Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

On November 9, 2025, Pastor Edwin Martin convened his first Zoom meeting for Communications and Media leaders across Ontario, drawing approximately 200 participants. The session began with a heartfelt prayer by Kristen Maclean (formerly Whyte-Bailey), departmental secretary, followed by a devotional focused on “Pentecost 2025 & Beyond.”

Drawing inspiration from Acts 2:1-4, the devotional reflected on the Day of Pentecost when the disciples received the Holy Spirit. This historic event highlighted several key elements of communication: the disciples were in one accord, underscoring the importance of unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation through effective communication. The sound from heaven was described as a rushing wind, and tongues of fire appeared on each individual, enabling them to speak in different languages—a remarkable demonstration of what could be seen as the earliest example of audio, visual, and lighting (AVL) “technology” in action, illustrating the glory of Pentecost.

Today, the same power of the Holy Spirit is available to all. Leaders are encouraged to embrace this gift and, by fostering unity and purposeful communication, contribute meaningfully to the mission through the Communications and Media ministry.

Meeting Agenda Highlights

After breakout-room prayers, the meeting proceeded with the following agenda:

1. Adventist Branding

Churches are encouraged to use the official logo and name of the Seventh-day Adventist Church consistently. Alterations to the church’s trademarked logo or name are not allowed, and churches should refrain from creating their own logos. Leaders and members alike are also reminded to refer to the church as the Seventh-day Adventist Church or simply Adventist, rather than using the abbreviation SDA.

This guideline applies to all church signage, website domain names, social media handles, t-shirts, and other printed materials, to ensure a unified and easily recognizable identity for the church.

a. Unified Church Domain Names

The Conference is introducing a standardized domain name system for all churches, using the format (ChurchName)Adventist.ca (e.g., www.AjaxAdventist.ca). This initiative strengthens the Conference’s online presence and makes it easier for people to find and recognize our churches in the digital space. There is no cost to local churches. Existing church websites will not be affected; the new domain will redirect to the current sites.

b. AdventistConnect Frame Website Platform

Support will be provided to churches and schools to develop user-friendly websites and vibrant online communities, in partnership with AdventistConnect.org, enhancing their digital presence

c. Church Signage

The official denim blue has been chosen for all publications, with particular emphasis on church signage. Other colours from the official Adventist palette may be used for other print and digital materials. All signage—whether changeable-letter, monument, or digital—must comply with the North American Division (NAD) branding guidelines and Ontario Conference approval, ensuring brand consistency across the province.

See NAD Branding Guidelines

2. Strategic Plans for 2026

The meeting also introduced several major initiatives:

a. Ontario Conference Network of Adventist Communicators (OCNAC)

Launching January 18, 2026, OCNAC will foster collaboration, professional development, and capacity building among communication leaders. It will equip media professionals—scriptwriters, photographers, videographers, editors, graphic designers, content creators, social media influencers, AVL technicians, and filmmakers—to enhance the Conference’s media reach. Regional media teams will also be organized to support the creation of conference-wide content.

b. Comprehensive Media Skills Inventory

A survey will be sent to all churches in December 2025 to identify strengths, gaps, and training needs among communication personnel.

c. Ontario Conference Centre for Communications and Media Ministry

Launching June 7, 2026, this program will provide online and practical training to develop skilled communicators who can support local and regional media ministries.

d. Digital Discipleship and Evangelism Seminars

These will be conducted in collaboration with the God’s Ambassador and Walking and Working With Jesus (WWWJ) programs to expand digital evangelism.

e. Digital Outreach Days

Scheduled every second Sabbath of the month in 2026, these events will engage Adventist members in sharing content, promoting online evangelism, and fostering meaningful digital connections within and beyond their communities.

f. 24/7 YouTube Live Stream

This initiative will expand the Ontario Conference's digital outreach and provide accessible online resources for seekers to learn about Christ and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The monthly Ontario Conference News Network (OCNN) YouTube program will be enhanced.

g. Regular Publications: OCN and Ontario Highlights

The weekly Ontario Conference News (OCN) will feature a refreshed design by January 2026, with article and advertisement submissions due every Tuesday. The Ontario Highlights publication will continue with Spring, Late Summer, and Autumn/Winter issues, welcoming contributions from all churches.

Mission Focus and Future Vision

NAD’s mission theme for 2026 is Pentecost and Beyond, inspired by Ontario’s 2025 initiative. Looking ahead to 2027, the theme OneVoice27 will unite all entities—from the General Conference to local congregations—in a coordinated digital ministry effort to advance the gospel.

These plans may seem ambitious, even overwhelming, but with the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, and with Adventist communicators, church leaders, and members working in one accord, we can fulfill the Great Digital Commission. Together, we can reach people across the globe and help prepare as many as possible for Christ’s soon return.

Pastor Edwin Martin
Director, Communications and Media Ministry