The communications training on Oct. 14-16 marked the first time United Methodist Communications — the agency that includes UM News — had brought together communications staff from across the African continent in almost 20 years.
The regionalization training that immediately followed on Oct. 16-17 came about through a collaboration of the communications agency, the Council of Bishops and the Connectional Table, a leadership body that coordinates the denomination’s ministries and resources.
More than 80 African United Methodist communicators and other church leaders attended the two sessions. They spoke of how the training would help them tell the good news of the denomination.
Francis Nkhoma, who heads communications and marketing for the Malawi Conference, said that the training helped him recognize he is not alone as he strives to share the church’s story.
“The interaction that I’ve had, especially with the UMCom staff, and the support that they have given, put me in a place whereby I know that I am with family as united as we are in The United Methodist Church,” he said. “I am connected now.”
Esdras Rakotoarivony is a communicator for the Madagascar Mission Field, the most recent expansion of The United Methodist Church.
He said through an interpreter that the training sessions made him feel like he is also part of a “grand family.”
He said he was grateful to be part of the conversation even though the United Methodist presence in Madagascar is just starting.
Jennifer Rodia, chief communications officer for United Methodist Communications, said that sense of connection and exchange of ideas is precisely why United Methodist Communications organized the communications training and helped with the regionalization portion.
“Effective communications are vital to the work of the church,” she said. “And so UMCom envisioned this conference as a time for communicators from across the continent of Africa to come together to learn, exchange ideas, inform strategies and strengthen their relationships across episcopal areas.”
Hahn is assistant news editor for UM News. Matt Crum of United Methodist Communications contributed to this story. Contact them at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Friday Digests.
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