Changing the Narrative, Not the Identity: Embracing Digital Literacy in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana

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In today’s fast-evolving digital age, the need for a robust media presence is undeniable. Across the globe, organizations have embraced the digital space to communicate their mission, values, and vision. The Seventh-day Adventist Church, with its rich theological foundation and worldwide reach, must similarly embrace this change while maintaining its core identity in Ghana.

Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

Preserving Identity Amid Changing Narratives

One of the central tenets of the Adventist faith is the importance of identity—both individual and collective. Rooted in the Bible and its prophetic vision, the Adventist Church emphasizes a distinct message: a commitment to Sabbath observance, healthful living,

and a preparatory call for the second coming of Christ. These are values that should never be compromised, even as the church engages with the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of media and communication.

The phrase, “Change the narrative, not your identity,” encapsulates this sentiment perfectly. The narrative is how we present ourselves to the world; it is the story we choose to tell. However, the identity—our values, beliefs, and mission—remains constant, unaffected by the changing tides of media trends. The Adventist Church in Ghana must navigate this delicate balance, ensuring that while its narrative becomes more engaging and accessible in the digital age, it does not lose sight of its essential identity.

The Role of Digital Literacy in Church Growth

Digital literacy is more than just a buzzword; it is a necessary skill set for effectively communicating in the 21st century. In the past, churches could rely solely on face-to-face interactions, radio broadcasts, and printed literature to spread their message. While these methods remain valuable, they are no longer sufficient on their own. To stay relevant and to engage younger generations, the Adventist Church in Ghana must embrace the digital space.

Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 122: “We must take every justifiable means of bringing the light before the people. Let the press be utilized, and let every advertising agency be employed that will call attention to the work.”

This emphasizes that media, like digital platforms today, is a powerful tool for reaching people with the Adventist message. The global reach of digital media allows the church to reach people where traditional methods may not succeed.

Training pastors, leaders, and congregants in digital literacy—teaching them to use social media, online platforms, and digital tools to share the Adventist message. The online space provides an unprecedented opportunity to reach diverse audiences, cross-cultural barriers, and engage individuals who may have never walked into a church before.

For example, online platforms like YouTube, Instagram, podcasts, and blogs offer vast opportunities to share sermons, Bible studies, and personal testimonies. Moreover, engaging with online communities can foster relationships and allow for discussions that reach beyond the walls of a church building. The church can remain a beacon of light in an increasingly secular world by entering the digital space with intentionality and purpose.

Incorporating Media Courses into Theological Training in Ghana

To bridge the gap between the church and the digital space in Ghana, the Adventist Church must proactively incorporate media training into its theological schools. By doing so, it can prepare future pastors, evangelists, and leaders to communicate effectively in a media-saturated world.

Ellen G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 149: “New methods must be introduced. God’s people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are living…”

The inclusion of media courses would provide students with practical skills such as video production, social media management, public speaking in the digital space, and storytelling. They would learn how to create content that resonates with audiences while staying true to Adventist values. These skills would allow them to expand their ministries beyond traditional methods, making their message accessible to people from all walks of life.

Moreover, such training would address the need for responsible and ethical engagement with media. In a world where misinformation, sensationalism, and controversy can easily gain traction, the Adventist Church’s digital footprint in Ghana must reflect integrity, truth, and love. Future church leaders must be equipped not only with the tools to use media effectively but also with the discernment to navigate these complexities.

A Unified Global Voice

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a global movement. As such, its media presence must reflect this global unity in Ghana.

A unified digital strategy can reflect the global nature of the Adventist Church in Ghana while maintaining consistency in its message. The Bible calls the church to be a visible light to the world:

  • Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…”

By developing a cohesive, well-coordinated media strategy, the church can project a consistent narrative that resonates with believers and non-believers alike.

  • Ellen G. White, The Review and Herald, July 26, 1892: “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts…”

The church must invest in high-quality content creation, build an infrastructure for digital outreach, and encourage local churches to participate actively in this global strategy. While each region will have unique cultural expressions of the Adventist faith, a unified voice can amplify the church’s message, ensuring the world hears a consistent and coherent story of hope, healing, and salvation through Christ.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church stands at a pivotal moment in history. The digital space offers both challenges and opportunities. By embracing digital literacy, integrating media courses into theological training, and changing the narrative without altering its identity, the church can continue to fulfil its mission in an increasingly connected and media-driven world.

As we move forward in embracing digital literacy, we are reminded of the call to proclaim boldly the good news using every available means:

  • Isaiah 40:9: “Lift up your voice with strength… say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’.”

The church’s identity, rooted in the teachings of Christ, remains steadfast. But the narrative—how that identity is communicated—can evolve to meet the needs of the present day. This approach ensures that the Adventist Church in Ghana remains a vibrant, relevant force for good, guiding people towards a deeper relationship with God and preparing the world for Christ’s soon return.

By: Eld Alexander Asante – (Agric Nzema)