Church leaders, communicators, and IT experts from the Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered for the Global Adventist Innovation Network (GAIN) 2026 Convention in Auckland, New Zealand. The said event focused on how emerging technologies can enhance the Church’s mission.

Themed "Building Bridges," the convention emphasized that technology is not the mission itself but a God-given tool to connect people with Christ. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and collaborative discussions, participants explored various topics, including artificial intelligence, digital evangelism, strategic communication, cybersecurity, and media innovation.

The convention also clarified the direction for the OneVoice27 initiative, shaping the next phase of preparation and implementation. The presentations and mission emphasis highlighted practical priorities for digital evangelism, disciple-making, strategic collaboration between communication and IT ministries, and encouraging every church member to share the everlasting gospel through both digital and personal ministry.

General Conference President Pastor Erton C. Köhler emphasized the importance of grounding technological advancements in the Church's divine calling. He warned that while media can help create awareness, true discipleship relies on meaningful relationships and personal ministry.

Köhler stressed that although digital platforms can introduce people to the gospel, authentic discipleship is built on genuine human connections. He also highlighted the essential partnership between IT professionals and communication leaders in achieving the Church's mission. General Conference Communication and Event Organizer, Director Alyssa Truman, echoed this sentiment, describing IT professionals as the architects of the Church's message, while communicators serve as its storytellers.

Moreover, General Conference Treasurer Pastor Paul Douglas reinforced the idea that technology should ultimately guide people into a genuine Christian community. While media can raise awareness, he noted, it cannot create disciples. He urged communicators to intentionally connect individuals with local churches, where spiritual growth and discipleship can thrive.

A spiritual highlight of the conference was Köhler's Sabbath message on the Three Angels' Messages of Revelation. He described communication as one of God's greatest gifts, contrasting Babel's pursuit of self-glorification with the gospel's mission of exalting Christ. He reminded delegates that the communication ministry should focus on building bridges that direct people to Jesus rather than on pointing to ourselves.

Köhler emphasized that communicators have a responsibility to connect with those who are seeking truth, rather than simply pointing out errors. In today's increasingly noisy digital landscape, he urged delegates to offer clarity, hope, and biblical truth centered on Jesus Christ.

Throughout history, God has consistently provided new methods for proclaiming the gospel, ranging from the printing press to radio, television, the internet, and now artificial intelligence. Köhler stated that these technologies should always serve the mission of the Church, rather than replace it.

In summarizing the purpose of communication ministry, Köhler highlighted that its ultimate goal is to connect people to Christ and facilitate life transformation, rather than just managing content or digital platforms.

Participants from every world division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed their appreciation for the conference's practical training and its strong spiritual focus.

Pastor Meljoie Pepito, the Communication Director of the Northern Europe-West Africa Division, stated, “Through the innovations highlighted at GAiN, the work of spreading the gospel is no longer limited to traditional methods or specialized roles; technology empowers believers to share hope, create content, tell stories, and engage in ministry wherever they are.”

Pastor Fred Dichos, the Communication Director of the North Central Mindanao Conference in the Philippines, remarked, “This event is inspiring and informative, enhancing our communication team's skills in building bridges for transformation.”

Similarly, Pastor Randy Blanco from the Central Mindanao Mission described the presentations as timely, practical, and deeply focused on mission. “The lectures are very relevant and mission-driven. This is exactly what I have been looking for as a communicator,” he noted.

Throughout the week, experienced presenters, together with reports and studies from different various world divisions, equipped delegates with new knowledge and practical skills in digital storytelling, artificial intelligence, media production, strategic communication, and emerging technologies. Participants returned home with a renewed vision and innovative ideas, realizing that effective communication ministry ultimately revolves around people rather than platforms.

The GAiN and ATS 2026 gathering reaffirmed that although technology continues to evolve rapidly, the Church's mission remains unchanged: to proclaim the everlasting gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people. Church leaders expressed confidence that faithful, responsible, and innovative communication will continue to make the digital world one of the Church's most significant mission fields in the twenty-first century.

Representing the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC) at the convention were Pastor Roxie Joy Pido, Communication Director; Pastor Meljoie Pepito, Communication Director of the Northeastern Mindanao Mission (NEMM); Pastor Fred Dichos, Communication Director of the North Central Mindanao Conference (NCMC); and Pastor Randy Blanco, Communication Director of the Central Mindanao Mission (CMM).