5 Mar 2026, 11:55SEC CommunicationsBalham, Wandsworth, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
SEC Communication and Media Training Day 2026 highlights CCLI licences, church websites, storytelling and video production
Communication and media leaders and volunteers from across the South England Conference (SEC) gathered at Balham Seventh-day Adventist Church in London on Sunday, 1 March, for the SEC Communication and Media Training Day, an event designed to equip local church teams with practical tools for sharing their mission more effectively.
Organised by the SEC Communication and Media department and led by its director, Pastor Sorin Petrof, PhD, the training featured four workshops on copyright compliance, digital presence, storytelling and video production. During his introduction, Petrof said, “These skills are increasingly important as churches communicate with both members and the wider community through digital platforms.”
Jenny Coomber, UK manager for Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), led the first workshop on copyright licensing regulations for local churches. She explained how copyright licences enable churches to legally reproduce song lyrics, print music, record services and stream worship online while ensuring that songwriters and publishers receive proper compensation.
As more congregations livestream their services and share content online, Coomber emphasised the importance of understanding copyright responsibilities and accurately reporting song usage.
Paula Carillo, IT manager of the British Union Conference (BUC), led the second workshop focusing on strengthening the web presence of local churches. She introduced the Adventist Web Engine (AWE), a website platform developed to help Adventist congregations easily build and maintain their own websites.
During a live demonstration, Carillo walked participants through the platform’s features, showing how churches can update pages, share news and events, and provide information about ministries and services. She highlighted that for many people searching for a church online, a website is often their first point of contact with a local congregation.
Cathy Boldeau, Stewardship Ministries director, former South West England Conference communication director and a freelance journalist, facilitated an interactive workshop on writing engaging stories for newsletters and church communication channels.
Cathy Boldeau, BUC Stewardship Ministries director and freelance journalist, facilitated an interactive workshop on writing engaging stories for newsletters and church communication channels. Through discussion and practical exercises, participants explored ways to move beyond simply reporting events and instead focus on telling stories that highlight the impact of church activities in their communities.
In the final workshop, veteran cameraman Paul Weekes led the final workshop on video storytelling and editing techniques. Using simple demonstrations, he explained how editing decisions shape the narrative of a video and guide viewers through a story.
Weekes also introduced participants to technical aspects of video production, including different types of cuts, pacing and visual flow. Although some concepts were technical, he used clear explanations and practical examples to make them accessible and engaging for attendees.
The event also provided opportunities for communication leaders and media volunteers from across the conference to connect, share experiences and exchange ideas. Attendees included Zhané Simpson, Communication and Media director of the North England Conference (NEC).
One participant said the training provided practical insights that could be applied immediately in their local church.
“It was very helpful to see how communication can support the mission of the church,” the attendee said. “The sessions gave us practical ideas for improving our church’s website, telling better stories and using media more effectively.”
Communication and media leaders and volunteers from across the South England Conference (SEC) gathered at Balham Seventh-day Adventist Church in London on Sunday, 1 March, for the SEC Communication and Media Training Day, an event designed to equip local church teams with practical tools for sharing their mission more effectively.
Organised by the SEC Communication and Media department and led by its director, Pastor Sorin Petrof, PhD, the training featured four workshops on copyright compliance, digital presence, storytelling and video production. During his introduction, Petrof said, “These skills are increasingly important as churches communicate with both members and the wider community through digital platforms.”
Jenny Coomber, UK manager for Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), led the first workshop on copyright licensing regulations for local churches. She explained how copyright licences enable churches to legally reproduce song lyrics, print music, record services and stream worship online while ensuring that songwriters and publishers receive proper compensation.
As more congregations livestream their services and share content online, Coomber emphasised the importance of understanding copyright responsibilities and accurately reporting song usage.
Paula Carillo, IT manager of the British Union Conference (BUC), led the second workshop focusing on strengthening the web presence of local churches. She introduced the Adventist Web Engine (AWE), a website platform developed to help Adventist congregations easily build and maintain their own websites.
During a live demonstration, Carillo walked participants through the platform’s features, showing how churches can update pages, share news and events, and provide information about ministries and services. She highlighted that for many people searching for a church online, a website is often their first point of contact with a local congregation.
Cathy Boldeau, Stewardship Ministries director, former South West England Conference communication director and a freelance journalist, facilitated an interactive workshop on writing engaging stories for newsletters and church communication channels.
Cathy Boldeau, BUC Stewardship Ministries director and freelance journalist, facilitated an interactive workshop on writing engaging stories for newsletters and church communication channels. Through discussion and practical exercises, participants explored ways to move beyond simply reporting events and instead focus on telling stories that highlight the impact of church activities in their communities.
In the final workshop, veteran cameraman Paul Weekes led the final workshop on video storytelling and editing techniques. Using simple demonstrations, he explained how editing decisions shape the narrative of a video and guide viewers through a story.
Weekes also introduced participants to technical aspects of video production, including different types of cuts, pacing and visual flow. Although some concepts were technical, he used clear explanations and practical examples to make them accessible and engaging for attendees.
The event also provided opportunities for communication leaders and media volunteers from across the conference to connect, share experiences and exchange ideas. Attendees included Zhané Simpson, Communication and Media director of the North England Conference (NEC).
One participant said the training provided practical insights that could be applied immediately in their local church.
“It was very helpful to see how communication can support the mission of the church,” the attendee said. “The sessions gave us practical ideas for improving our church’s website, telling better stories and using media more effectively.”
