The Seventh-day Adventist Church has hosted its first-ever Creator Summit at the General Conference, drawing more than 180 social media influencers, content creators, and platform representatives from around the world. Seven delegates from the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) were among those who attended the four-day gathering, which equipped participants to use digital spaces for mission ahead of the Church's Mission for All campaign.

Leading the SID delegation, Communication Director Dr. Pako Mokgwane said the summit was a reminder that digital ministry is an essential part of fulfilling the gospel commission. The time has come, he said, for leaders to recognise, support, and sponsor digital missionaries.

"The Creator Summit is a strategic investment in digital mission," Mokgwane said. "It equips creators to proclaim the everlasting gospel, aligns communication with the Church's mission, fosters collaboration, and inspires innovation."

Southern Zambia Union Personal Ministries Director Pastor Evans Manjimela said the moment had come to mobilise the whole Church for mission.

"We need to garner followers for Christ and not to ourselves," Manjimela said. "Let our social media platforms influence people into God's Kingdom."

The four days combined presentations, encouragement, and dedicated content-creation time. Sandrine Luisiane, from Mauritius, said the summit reminded creators of the deeper purpose behind their work.

"Like many creators, we sometimes focus so much on the next project, the next post, or the next design that we forget the greater purpose behind each piece of content," Sandrine said. "Every camera, every phone, every edit can become an instrument to share hope. God has called us to faithfully tell His story, not to chase attention."

Greg Maurice, from Zimbabwe East Union Conference, said the Church must meet people where they are, and increasingly, that place is on social media.

"The world has moved into the digital space, and we have a mandate of reaching every human, so we do it where they are, using all forms of media," Maurice said.

Delegates were also taken through the Church's brand architecture, which segments audiences and helps creators identify who their content should reach. Abigail Moodley, from the Southern Africa Union Conference, said understanding audience is central to the work ahead.

"Find your language, your niche. Trust is the bridge; God opens the door," Moodley said. "Build relationships, build a community. The time is now."

The momentum is not intended to end at the General Conference. Divisions are being encouraged to host their own regional summits to equip creators and prepare for the OneVoice27 / All Things New campaign.

Content creators attending Sabbath Opening at the Creator Summit.

George Nelson

Content creators attending Sabbath Opening at the Creator Summit.

George Nelson

Pastor Evans Manjimela during discussions at the Creator Summit.

George Nelson

Creators interacting during an icebreaker at the Creator Summit.

George Nelson

For SID, that next step is already taking shape. Mokgwane said the Division plans to establish a Creator Summit that will train and connect digital creators across all Unions in support of OneVoice27 and future evangelistic initiatives, beginning with the upcoming Communication Imbizo in March 2027 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

"The focus will be on storytelling, digital evangelism, AI, content creation, mentorship, and cross-department collaboration," Mokgwane said, "building a network of Spirit-led creators who use every platform to lead people to Christ."