7 Oct 2026, 14:55Ndumie MafuPlumstead, Greenwich, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Sharing the Gospel to the Digital Generation: Plumstead Community SDA Church Hosts First Media & Communication Ministry Day
On 3 October 2026, Plumstead Community Seventh-day Adventist Church held its very first Media and Communication Ministry Day, under the theme “Sharing the Gospel to the Digital Generation.” The special Sabbath brought together worship, biblical reflection, practical media training and a renewed challenge for the entire church to recognise the opportunities presented by technology in sharing the gospel.
The church was privileged to welcome Dr Sorin Petrof, Media and Communication Director for the South England Conference (SEC), together with members of his team, Don Roberts and Andraé Johnson. Their presence added significant value to a day designed not only to raise awareness of the evangelistic potential of media but also to equip church members with practical knowledge and encourage greater participation in the digital mission.
“The Creator Speaks”: Communication at the Heart of the Gospel
The Sabbath began with a thoughtful Sabbath School programme led by Sis Shadeen Williams, who served as superintendent for the morning. The programme focused on the role of media in modern evangelism, creating an appropriate foundation for the day's theme.
Elder Mario Williams ably facilitated the first Sabbath School lesson of the new quarter, entitled “The Creator Speaks.” The lesson connected naturally with the Media and Communication Ministry theme by highlighting the fact that God has always taken the initiative to communicate with humanity.
From creation onward, Scripture reveals a God who speaks, calls, teaches, warns, comforts and invites people into relationship with Him. This provided an important spiritual foundation for considering how the church can use contemporary communication tools to share the same timeless gospel message.
“The Gospel Mission Has Not Changed, but the Mission Field Has”
To further establish the direction for the day, Elder Ndumie Mafu, leader of the Media and Communication Ministry, gave a presentation centred on Matthew 28:19–20, the Great Commission. He explained that the programme was also Plumstead Community SDA Church’s contribution to the General Conference’s ONEVOICE27 initiative and introduced the congregation to the initiative’s theme song, reinforcing the call for the church to speak with one voice in sharing the gospel.
Elder Mafu emphasised a simple but significant reality:
“The Gospel Mission has not changed, but the mission field has.”
People increasingly encounter information, ideas, relationships and even religious content online. As a result, the church has an unprecedented opportunity to take the gospel beyond the walls of its physical building and into the digital spaces where people already spend their time.
Drawing on Romans 10:14–15, particularly the question, “How shall they hear without a preacher?”, Elder Mafu reminded the congregation that the responsibility of communicating the gospel belongs to the whole church. He described believers as “Digital Disciples”, called to consider how they can use relevant communication methods to connect the gospel message, media and mission.
He explained that the purpose of the day's programme was to:
Raise awareness of the evangelistic potential of media and communication.
Equip members with practical media skills.
Establish appropriate standards for church media.
Invite the whole church to participate in the digital mission.
The message was clear: media ministry is not simply about cameras, screens, websites or social media accounts. At its heart, it is about using available communication channels intentionally to help people encounter Jesus.
“Your Website Is Your Business Card”
The church was especially pleased to welcome Dr Sorin Petrof during the Sabbath School programme. Having taken time to observe the church's existing media infrastructure, Dr Petrof began by commending Plumstead Community SDA Church for its efforts.
“Look, I am impressed with your technology here. I checked your website, it's well done, within the guidelines, the standards, very well. The digital display in the hallway and all this technology—you are occupied with using technology and media to do outreach.”
His comments provided encouragement to those who have invested time and effort into developing the church's media presence.
Dr Petrof returned to the central idea of communication in the Sabbath School lesson. He explained that humanity experienced a breakdown in communication with God, but God did not abandon His people. Instead, He continued to initiate communication and created different ways through which humanity could hear from Him.
That same principle, he explained, should influence how Christians communicate the gospel today. The message itself does not change, but how we reach people matters. Dr Petrof also referred to the testimony of Brother Stanley, a recent attendee who shared that he had discovered the church through its website. This real-life example demonstrated the practical evangelistic value of a strong online presence. “The website is your business card,” Dr Petrof stated, emphasising the importance of ensuring that a church website is accurate, welcoming, relevant and well maintained.
His comments reinforced the idea that someone may encounter the church digitally long before they ever walk through its physical doors.
“Using Technology for Jesus”
One of the most memorable moments of the day came during the children's story when Andraé Johnson, a member of the media team, delivered a surprise presentation created specifically for the children.
Using his impressive graphic design skills, Andraé created a visual story about his own experience with technology. Through the presentation, he demonstrated how devices such as phones, tablets and computers can be used either positively or negatively.
The children were encouraged to recognise that technology itself is neither inherently good nor bad; rather, it is a tool, and the choices people make determine how it is used.
The key message was simple:
“Technology is a tool. We can choose to use it to cheer others up and help people know Jesus.”
Andraé challenged the children with an important question: “When you use your phone, ask yourself: Can I use this to help somebody?”
The presentation captured the attention of not only the children but the entire congregation. The creativity and relevance of the story made the spiritual lesson accessible and memorable.
Dr Petrof was also impressed by the presentation and expressed interest in discussing the possibility of using the video as part of an SEC children's programme in November. He encouraged the team, saying: “They need to see what you are doing here at Plumstead because you are leading the field.”
The moment served as a powerful reminder that children are not merely consumers of digital content; they can also become creative contributors to the digital mission.
“Looking for My Brothers”
During the family worship service, Dr Sorin Petrof delivered a thought-provoking message entitled “Looking for My Brothers.” His main Scripture was Genesis 37:13–17, where Joseph is sent to look for his brothers.
The passage records a man asking Joseph, “What are you looking for?”
Dr Petrof explained that this was much more than a question about Joseph's physical location. It could also be understood as an existential question—a question about what Joseph was seeking and what he was called to do.
Dr Petrof then asked the congregation: “Who was that man?”
His answer was challenging: the man represents all of us.
Christians are called to create spaces where people who are lost, searching, disconnected or uncertain can encounter Jesus. In this sense, the church's mission is not simply to wait for people to find their way into the building. Like Joseph, believers are called to go looking for their brothers and sisters.
Dr Petrof connected this message with Romans 10:14–15:
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”
The message was particularly relevant to the day's emphasis on media. Digital platforms can become modern spaces where people searching for answers, hope, belonging and truth encounter the gospel. Dr Petrof reminded the congregation not to become discouraged or give up in the search for those who have not yet heard the good news. Drawing from the story of Joseph, he highlighted the persistence involved in seeking his brothers and applied that persistence to the church's evangelistic responsibility.
He also shared a powerful personal testimony from his time in Romania. A question directed personally to him—“Do you know Jesus Christ is your personal Saviour?”—caused him to reflect more deeply on his relationship with Christ. The question was not simply whether he knew about Jesus. It challenged him to consider whether he knew Jesus as his personal Saviour. That encounter ultimately contributed to a change in the direction of his life. The testimony reinforced the central message of the day: effective evangelism is ultimately about helping people move from merely hearing information about Jesus to personally encountering and accepting Him.
Understanding the Digital Landscape
The afternoon programme continued the day's focus with a presentation from Dr Petrof on the changing landscape of gospel communication. He explained that because the way people receive and engage with information has changed, the church must also learn how to communicate effectively within today's digital environment. Christians are called to be wise, intentional and prepared, making use of the training and resources available to them.
The presentation challenged members to think beyond simply having technology and instead consider how effectively that technology is being used for mission.
Having a camera does not automatically create effective ministry. Having a website does not necessarily mean people will find the church. Having social media accounts does not guarantee meaningful engagement. The church must understand its audience, communicate clearly, prepare carefully and ensure that its digital content remains faithful to the gospel.
Practical Questions, Practical Answers
The presentation was followed by a highly engaging question-and-answer session involving Don Roberts and Andraé Johnson, SEC media personnel.
Church members were able to raise specific and practical questions about how technology and media could be used more effectively in evangelistic ministry. The discussion addressed some of the unique local challenges that the church faces when working with media and provided practical guidance that members could apply.
Among the areas discussed were microphone use, preparation before appearing on camera and the importance of creating attractive and engaging content without compromising the gospel message.
The session reinforced an important principle: excellence in media ministry does not mean replacing the gospel with entertainment. Instead, good communication should make the gospel easier to understand, more accessible and more likely to reach people who might otherwise never encounter it.
A Call to Become Digital Disciples
The first Media and Communication Ministry Day at Plumstead Community SDA Church was more than a celebration of technology. It was a call to reconsider the church's understanding of its mission in a rapidly changing world.
The message repeated throughout the day was that the gospel remains unchanged, but the mission field continues to expand. People who may never immediately enter a church building are already present online. They are searching, asking questions, watching videos, reading websites, engaging with social media and looking for hope.
The challenge, therefore, is not whether the church should communicate digitally, but how faithfully, intentionally, creatively and effectively it can do so.
The day also demonstrated that media ministry is not the responsibility of a small group alone. While dedicated media teams are essential, every church member has a role to play as a digital disciple. A testimony shared online, an encouraging message, a thoughtful comment, a well-created video, a maintained website or a simple invitation can become a point of contact between someone searching for answers and the message of salvation.
As Plumstead Community SDA Church looks ahead, the first Media and Communication Ministry Day has provided both inspiration and practical direction. The church has been reminded that its digital presence can become an extension of its physical ministry—a place where people can discover the church, encounter the Word of God, find encouragement and ultimately be pointed to Jesus.
The mission continues. The field has expanded. And the call remains the same: go and make disciples…
On 3 October 2026, Plumstead Community Seventh-day Adventist Church held its very first Media and Communication Ministry Day, under the theme “Sharing the Gospel to the Digital Generation.” The special Sabbath brought together worship, biblical reflection, practical media training and a renewed challenge for the entire church to recognise the opportunities presented by technology in sharing the gospel.
The church was privileged to welcome Dr Sorin Petrof, Media and Communication Director for the South England Conference (SEC), together with members of his team, Don Roberts and Andraé Johnson. Their presence added significant value to a day designed not only to raise awareness of the evangelistic potential of media but also to equip church members with practical knowledge and encourage greater participation in the digital mission.
“The Creator Speaks”: Communication at the Heart of the Gospel
The Sabbath began with a thoughtful Sabbath School programme led by Sis Shadeen Williams, who served as superintendent for the morning. The programme focused on the role of media in modern evangelism, creating an appropriate foundation for the day's theme.
Elder Mario Williams ably facilitated the first Sabbath School lesson of the new quarter, entitled “The Creator Speaks.” The lesson connected naturally with the Media and Communication Ministry theme by highlighting the fact that God has always taken the initiative to communicate with humanity.
From creation onward, Scripture reveals a God who speaks, calls, teaches, warns, comforts and invites people into relationship with Him. This provided an important spiritual foundation for considering how the church can use contemporary communication tools to share the same timeless gospel message.
“The Gospel Mission Has Not Changed, but the Mission Field Has”
To further establish the direction for the day, Elder Ndumie Mafu, leader of the Media and Communication Ministry, gave a presentation centred on Matthew 28:19–20, the Great Commission. He explained that the programme was also Plumstead Community SDA Church’s contribution to the General Conference’s ONEVOICE27 initiative and introduced the congregation to the initiative’s theme song, reinforcing the call for the church to speak with one voice in sharing the gospel.
Elder Mafu emphasised a simple but significant reality:
“The Gospel Mission has not changed, but the mission field has.”
People increasingly encounter information, ideas, relationships and even religious content online. As a result, the church has an unprecedented opportunity to take the gospel beyond the walls of its physical building and into the digital spaces where people already spend their time.
Drawing on Romans 10:14–15, particularly the question, “How shall they hear without a preacher?”, Elder Mafu reminded the congregation that the responsibility of communicating the gospel belongs to the whole church. He described believers as “Digital Disciples”, called to consider how they can use relevant communication methods to connect the gospel message, media and mission.
He explained that the purpose of the day's programme was to:
Raise awareness of the evangelistic potential of media and communication.
Equip members with practical media skills.
Establish appropriate standards for church media.
Invite the whole church to participate in the digital mission.
The message was clear: media ministry is not simply about cameras, screens, websites or social media accounts. At its heart, it is about using available communication channels intentionally to help people encounter Jesus.
“Your Website Is Your Business Card”
The church was especially pleased to welcome Dr Sorin Petrof during the Sabbath School programme. Having taken time to observe the church's existing media infrastructure, Dr Petrof began by commending Plumstead Community SDA Church for its efforts.
“Look, I am impressed with your technology here. I checked your website, it's well done, within the guidelines, the standards, very well. The digital display in the hallway and all this technology—you are occupied with using technology and media to do outreach.”
His comments provided encouragement to those who have invested time and effort into developing the church's media presence.
Dr Petrof returned to the central idea of communication in the Sabbath School lesson. He explained that humanity experienced a breakdown in communication with God, but God did not abandon His people. Instead, He continued to initiate communication and created different ways through which humanity could hear from Him.
That same principle, he explained, should influence how Christians communicate the gospel today. The message itself does not change, but how we reach people matters. Dr Petrof also referred to the testimony of Brother Stanley, a recent attendee who shared that he had discovered the church through its website. This real-life example demonstrated the practical evangelistic value of a strong online presence. “The website is your business card,” Dr Petrof stated, emphasising the importance of ensuring that a church website is accurate, welcoming, relevant and well maintained.
His comments reinforced the idea that someone may encounter the church digitally long before they ever walk through its physical doors.
“Using Technology for Jesus”
One of the most memorable moments of the day came during the children's story when Andraé Johnson, a member of the media team, delivered a surprise presentation created specifically for the children.
Using his impressive graphic design skills, Andraé created a visual story about his own experience with technology. Through the presentation, he demonstrated how devices such as phones, tablets and computers can be used either positively or negatively.
The children were encouraged to recognise that technology itself is neither inherently good nor bad; rather, it is a tool, and the choices people make determine how it is used.
The key message was simple:
“Technology is a tool. We can choose to use it to cheer others up and help people know Jesus.”
Andraé challenged the children with an important question: “When you use your phone, ask yourself: Can I use this to help somebody?”
The presentation captured the attention of not only the children but the entire congregation. The creativity and relevance of the story made the spiritual lesson accessible and memorable.
Dr Petrof was also impressed by the presentation and expressed interest in discussing the possibility of using the video as part of an SEC children's programme in November. He encouraged the team, saying: “They need to see what you are doing here at Plumstead because you are leading the field.”
The moment served as a powerful reminder that children are not merely consumers of digital content; they can also become creative contributors to the digital mission.
“Looking for My Brothers”
During the family worship service, Dr Sorin Petrof delivered a thought-provoking message entitled “Looking for My Brothers.” His main Scripture was Genesis 37:13–17, where Joseph is sent to look for his brothers.
The passage records a man asking Joseph, “What are you looking for?”
Dr Petrof explained that this was much more than a question about Joseph's physical location. It could also be understood as an existential question—a question about what Joseph was seeking and what he was called to do.
Dr Petrof then asked the congregation: “Who was that man?”
His answer was challenging: the man represents all of us.
Christians are called to create spaces where people who are lost, searching, disconnected or uncertain can encounter Jesus. In this sense, the church's mission is not simply to wait for people to find their way into the building. Like Joseph, believers are called to go looking for their brothers and sisters.
Dr Petrof connected this message with Romans 10:14–15:
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”
The message was particularly relevant to the day's emphasis on media. Digital platforms can become modern spaces where people searching for answers, hope, belonging and truth encounter the gospel. Dr Petrof reminded the congregation not to become discouraged or give up in the search for those who have not yet heard the good news. Drawing from the story of Joseph, he highlighted the persistence involved in seeking his brothers and applied that persistence to the church's evangelistic responsibility.
He also shared a powerful personal testimony from his time in Romania. A question directed personally to him—“Do you know Jesus Christ is your personal Saviour?”—caused him to reflect more deeply on his relationship with Christ. The question was not simply whether he knew about Jesus. It challenged him to consider whether he knew Jesus as his personal Saviour. That encounter ultimately contributed to a change in the direction of his life. The testimony reinforced the central message of the day: effective evangelism is ultimately about helping people move from merely hearing information about Jesus to personally encountering and accepting Him.
Understanding the Digital Landscape
The afternoon programme continued the day's focus with a presentation from Dr Petrof on the changing landscape of gospel communication. He explained that because the way people receive and engage with information has changed, the church must also learn how to communicate effectively within today's digital environment. Christians are called to be wise, intentional and prepared, making use of the training and resources available to them.
The presentation challenged members to think beyond simply having technology and instead consider how effectively that technology is being used for mission.
Having a camera does not automatically create effective ministry. Having a website does not necessarily mean people will find the church. Having social media accounts does not guarantee meaningful engagement. The church must understand its audience, communicate clearly, prepare carefully and ensure that its digital content remains faithful to the gospel.
Practical Questions, Practical Answers
The presentation was followed by a highly engaging question-and-answer session involving Don Roberts and Andraé Johnson, SEC media personnel.
Church members were able to raise specific and practical questions about how technology and media could be used more effectively in evangelistic ministry. The discussion addressed some of the unique local challenges that the church faces when working with media and provided practical guidance that members could apply.
Among the areas discussed were microphone use, preparation before appearing on camera and the importance of creating attractive and engaging content without compromising the gospel message.
The session reinforced an important principle: excellence in media ministry does not mean replacing the gospel with entertainment. Instead, good communication should make the gospel easier to understand, more accessible and more likely to reach people who might otherwise never encounter it.
A Call to Become Digital Disciples
The first Media and Communication Ministry Day at Plumstead Community SDA Church was more than a celebration of technology. It was a call to reconsider the church's understanding of its mission in a rapidly changing world.
The message repeated throughout the day was that the gospel remains unchanged, but the mission field continues to expand. People who may never immediately enter a church building are already present online. They are searching, asking questions, watching videos, reading websites, engaging with social media and looking for hope.
The challenge, therefore, is not whether the church should communicate digitally, but how faithfully, intentionally, creatively and effectively it can do so.
The day also demonstrated that media ministry is not the responsibility of a small group alone. While dedicated media teams are essential, every church member has a role to play as a digital disciple. A testimony shared online, an encouraging message, a thoughtful comment, a well-created video, a maintained website or a simple invitation can become a point of contact between someone searching for answers and the message of salvation.
As Plumstead Community SDA Church looks ahead, the first Media and Communication Ministry Day has provided both inspiration and practical direction. The church has been reminded that its digital presence can become an extension of its physical ministry—a place where people can discover the church, encounter the Word of God, find encouragement and ultimately be pointed to Jesus.
The mission continues. The field has expanded. And the call remains the same: go and make disciples…
