GAiN 2026 Opens in New Zealand, Bringing Global Adventist Communicators Together for Digital Mission

More than two decades after the Global Adventist Internet Network (GAiN) first brought together media professionals to explore technology for ministry, this year’s gathering opened with a renewed emphasis on collaboration, inviting communicators, technologists and church leaders to work across traditional boundaries in advancing the church’s mission.

Held July 8–11 in Auckland, New Zealand, GAiN 2026 carries the theme “Building Bridges,” highlighting the importance of strengthening relationships among ministries, regions and disciplines as communication increasingly shapes how organizations connect with communities around the world.

The four-day event forms part of the Digital Strategy for Mission Convention, which also includes the Adventist Technology Summit (ATS). While GAiN focuses on leadership, storytelling, communication strategy and digital engagement, ATS addresses the technological infrastructure and platforms that support those efforts. Organizers said the parallel gatherings underscore the belief that effective mission depends on both people and technology working together.

“This is not just another GAiN conference. It is a strategic moment for mission,” GC Communication Director Alyssa Truman said, describing the event as an opportunity to move beyond discussion toward deeper networking among ministries serving diverse cultures and communities.

The opening day began with a Māori cultural welcome, reflecting New Zealand’s indigenous heritage, followed by worship led by evangelist John Bradshaw. General Conference President Erton Köhler joined General Conference Treasurer Paul H. Douglas in the opening session, introducing the conference’s central focus on mission, unity and leadership.

Worship speaker John Bradshaw reminded participants that effective communication begins with spiritual clarity, saying communicators must stay grounded in Christ before they can faithfully share hope with others. Köhler, speaking on communication for mission, emphasized that the church’s message should not only inform people but lead them closer to Jesus and the hope found in the gospel. Douglas underscored the importance of working together, calling communicators to collaborate across departments, regions and platforms so the church can speak with greater clarity, consistency and purpose in a rapidly changing digital world.

Throughout the first day, presentations explored topics including organizational purpose, branding, communication best practices and storytelling. A fireside conversation examined how administrators and communicators can better understand one another’s roles, while keynote speaker Norel Iacob challenged participants to consider the strategic role of communication in fulfilling the church’s mission.

Subsequent sessions throughout the week address themes such as media innovation, leadership development, artificial intelligence, video production, editorial excellence and social media engagement. Participants also have opportunities to attend specialized breakout sessions led by communication professionals from around the world.

One editorial track features discussions on faith-based journalism and storytelling led by Adventist editors and writers. Other tracks focus on social media, leadership, video production, artificial intelligence and the work of Adventist World Radio, providing participants with practical tools to strengthen communication across multiple platforms.

The conference also dedicates significant time to OneVoice27, a global initiative designed of the Adventist church to encourage greater coordination across church ministries leading into 2027. Sessions explore how communicators can present a more unified message while serving the diverse cultural contexts where the church operates.

The conference also marked an important milestone for the General Conference Communication Department with the formal introduction of its newly appointed leadership team. Participants welcomed Alyssa Truman as communication director, joined by Samuel Gil Soldevilla, associate communication director; Jarrod Stackelroth and Marcelo Mansur, assistant communication directors; and Tanya Holland, graphic design manager. Together, the team will help guide the global communication ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, supporting world divisions, institutions and local communicators as they strengthen storytelling, digital engagement and strategic communication across diverse cultural contexts.

In addition, communication world church leaders have intentionally incorporated networking conversations, fireside discussions and collaborative workshops, recognizing that some of the most valuable ideas emerge through relationships built across regions and professional disciplines.

As communication technologies continue to evolve rapidly, organizers hope the relationships formed in New Zealand will extend well beyond the conference itself. By strengthening partnerships among communicators, ministry leaders and technology specialists, participants aim to develop more coordinated approaches for sharing messages of hope, serving communities and engaging audiences in meaningful ways across an increasingly connected world.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.