Church Communicators Refresh Ministries

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Communication and Technology Department recently hosted their ninth annual Connection and Ministry Communication Conference (CAMCON) at AEC’s headquarters. The three-day conference brought together more than 60 attendees, representing 24 churches within Allegheny East. The theme, “Refresh,” focused on breathing new life into local church communication and media ministries.

The conference featured presentations on topics such as developing your team and communication strategy, social media best practices, and interviewing skills and streaming. Presenters included husband-and-wife team DaVita and Andre Benson, communication and media directors for the Germantown church in Philadelphia and operational, marketing and media strategists; Alyssa Truman, assistant director for Communication at the General Conference; and Everett Wiles, vice president for Integrated Marketing and Communication at Washington Adventist University. Sabbath School featured a panel discussion including youth from ages 13–26 on their perspective of church and youth engagement. Geston Pierre, pastor of the New Life church in Hampton, Va., and the Mt. Calvary church in Williamsburg, Va., was the speaker during the worship service.

At the CAMCON award ceremony, organizers recognized several churches for excellence in communication ministry. Winners included:

• Best Website and Best Social Media: Metropolitan church in Hyattsville, Md. ($500 for each category)

• Best Production: Sharon church in Baltimore ($500)

• Small Church Grants (based on ministry projects): Mizpah church in Philadelphia and First Millsboro (Del.) church ($1,000 each)

In addition, AEC administration gifted $1,000 to each church represented to be used for their communication and media ministry.

The conference concluded with a live recording of AEC’s The UpSet Podcast (pictured), with CAMCON participants as a part of the live audience.