Key points:
- The United Methodist studio will serve as a platform for producing training materials and content that can reach congregations across the country and help dispel misinformation.
- United Methodist Communications funded the construction of the studio and the purchase of the production equipment and is covering the salaries for the four staff responsible for running it in partnership with the communications agency.
- Services include content creation, livestreaming, audio recording and post-production editing.
The United Methodist Church celebrated “a significant milestone” with the dedication of the new UMC TV Studios in the Philippines.
The Nov. 15 event was attended by Filipino United Methodists, executives from the Philippines, staff of the denomination’s agencies, and the Philippines’ three bishops.
“The inauguration of the United Media Channel (UMC) TV studios marks a significant milestone in The United Methodist Church’s commitment to embracing technology for ministry,” said Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella, who leads the Manila Area.
She shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of integrating digital media into the church’s mission, and candidly described her initial hesitations about media work.
“Personally, I am a very shy person. That’s why I didn’t enter show business,” she said.
Estrella recounted how COVID-19 shifted perspectives, opening doors to creative possibilities for ministry. “Before the pandemic, we had never heard of Zoom, online worship or even online agape meals. But pastors and deaconesses became content creators, turning closed churches into studios,” she said.
Estrella said that UMC TV was born in 2018 from a vision to harness multimedia advancements to share church ministries globally. Founded and led by executive producer Noel Miguel and a dedicated team, the project began with limited resources.
Through fundraising, grants and donations, the team built a platform that has positively impacted the spiritual formation of many, Estrella said. She noted the studio’s successful endeavors, including the widely viewed livestream of the 2022 Philippine Central Conference special session.
“With just three cameras and outdated laptops, (Miguel and his team) shared this historic event with the world,” Estrella said.
Dan Krause, top executive of United Methodist Communications, underscored the pivotal role of communication in building and sustaining the church for over 2,000 years. He reflected on the foundational role of communication in early Christianity, referencing the Apostle Paul’s letters to churches in Corinth, Galatia and Philippi.
“Paul’s words remind us of the power of partnership in faith,” he said.
United Methodist Communications funded the construction of the studio and the purchase of the production equipment. The agency also is covering the salaries for the four staff responsible for running it in partnership with the communications agency.
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Jennifer Rodia, head of Partnerships, News & Production for United Methodist Communications, said the partnership project “underscores the importance UMCom places on being present across the connection and operating with a global mindset.”
Krause thanked the Philippines Central Conference and its three episcopal areas — Baguio, Manila and Davao — for collaborating with the communications agency.
“Our partnership with the PCC has allowed us to build together, not just in infrastructure, but in connection and ministry,” he said. “UMC TV is the best example of broadcast and TV ministry in the church today.”
Krause also expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including bishops and partners from sister agencies such as the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries, Discipleship Ministries and Church and Society, as well as the volunteers who built the foundation of UMC TV.
“This space is not just about technology; it’s about extending the church’s mission to reach people where they are,” Krause said. He acknowledged the journey ahead, including potential radio expansion and further training for local communicators.
“As we dedicate this space, we look forward to the new doors it will open for ministry and connection. Communications is not just a tool; it is what binds us together as a body of Christ.”
The new studio will serve as a platform for producing training materials and content that can reach congregations in the Philippines and beyond. It offers diverse services, including content creation, livestreaming, audio recording and post-production editing.
UMC TV’s efforts have led to the appointment of communication directors across annual conferences. Estrella emphasized that the journey exemplifies the church’s commitment to staying relevant and connected in a digital age.
“Now, we take this ministry seriously,” she said. “Despite limited resources, UMC TV continues to flourish, proving that faith and creativity can overcome obstacles.”
Bishop Rodel M. Acdal of the Baguio Area called the new studio a breakthrough, while Davao Area Bishop Israel M. Painit touted its ability to keep people informed about issues facing the church, including regionalization.
In spring 2024, General Conference adopted regionalization legislation that would give church regions equal standing in decision-making. Under the legislation, the U.S. and each central conference — church regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines — would become regional conferences with the same authority to adapt the Book of Discipline, the denomination’s policy book, for more missional effectiveness. The legislation requires amending the denomination’s constitution. To be ratified, the amendment will need at least a two-thirds total vote of annual conference lay and clergy voters.
“This project is a timely response to the challenges of regionalization, ensuring we remain connected even in the remotest areas,” Painit said.
The Rev. Bener Agtrap, an executive from Discipleship Ministries, said the studio would help dispel misinformation and disinformation about the church and General Conference’s actions. “I pray that through the studio, it will provide the right information so we can move forward,” he said.
Darlene Marquez-Caramanzana, Asia Liaison for Global Ministries, said she hopes the platform “will champion truthful information, peace, love and justice.”
The Rev. Liberato Bautista with Church and Society said he prays that UMC TV will become an instrument for realizing communications and media justice.
As volunteers and staff dedicate themselves to this ministry, UMC TV studios stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the enduring spirit of the church, Miguel said.
“Truly, God hears our dreams and visions for the sake of our church,” he said. “Even if it took years to realize this dream, God is truly listening. This is God’s time.”
Mangiduyos is a communicator in the Philippines.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly digests.
