Caribbean Union Communication Ministry Expands Its Reach Through Storytelling and Digital Mission
The Caribbean Union advanced Christ-centred communication through media training, digital engagement, creative storytelling and global outreach.
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MARACAS VALLEY, Trinidad — Every story the Church tells has the potential to draw someone closer to Christ. It was this conviction that anchored the Caribbean Union Conference Communication Department's work throughout the 2022–2026 quinquennium, as Communication Director Pastor Royston Philbert challenged delegates to view communication not simply as sharing information, but as an essential ministry of the gospel.
Presenting the department's report, Philbert described communication as a sacred stewardship that gives voice, visibility, and direction to the Church's witness across the Caribbean and beyond.
"Communication shapes perception, and perception influences response to the gospel. Every story we tell should faithfully reflect Christ, strengthen the Church's witness, and invite others to discipleship."
Guided by that philosophy, the department strengthened communication systems across the Union through journalist training, media development, branding initiatives, digital engagement, and strategic partnerships. Working closely with communication directors and correspondents throughout the territory, the department expanded its production of inspirational news stories that highlight the life, mission, and ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since 2022, weekly stories have reached more than 900 subscribers while also appearing on Inter-American Division News, Adventist News Network, and other international church media platforms, extending the Caribbean Union's witness to millions of readers worldwide.
Recognizing that effective communication depends on well-equipped communicators, the department invested significantly in training and professional development. Union-wide writing seminars, communication advisories, field workshops, and annual communication seminars equipped pastors, communication directors, media teams, and local church leaders with practical skills in journalism, photography, graphic design, social media, video production, and ethical communication.
The report also highlighted efforts to strengthen the Caribbean Union's public identity through consistent branding, improved digital engagement, and the continued development of communication resources. Among the major initiatives were the establishment of the CARU Gleanings Committee, the expansion of the magazine's digital platform, the creation of a Union-wide image library containing more than 16,000 photographs, and the development of the Caribbean Union's first Communication Manual.
Creative storytelling also became an increasingly important ministry tool. During the quinquennium, the department launched its first Film Festival in partnership with Hope Channel Inter-America, encouraging filmmakers across the Caribbean to communicate biblical values through visual media. The award-winning production The Chair, produced by the North Caribbean Conference, was later featured on Hope Channel On Demand and showcased at Adventist GAIN conferences as an example of mission-focused storytelling.
The department further strengthened communication across the Union by promoting Communication Day throughout the territory, supporting radio ministry through regional training and collaboration with Adventist World Radio, and fostering closer cooperation among conference communication directors and partner organizations.
Reflecting on the quinquennium, Pastor Philbert expressed gratitude to the administrators, communication directors, media volunteers, committee members, and church members whose commitment made the department's work possible.
"Communication is one of the Church's greatest tools for mission. As we move forward, our commitment remains to tell the story of God's work with excellence, integrity, and hope so that more people may come to know Jesus Christ."
Looking ahead, the department identified expanding digital engagement, strengthening internal communication, and increasing community visibility as strategic priorities for the next quinquennium, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Church's mission through purposeful, Christ-centred communication.
News Item Photos
Members of the Gleanings team at the CARU Session