New GC Session App Will Be Offered in Seven Languages
26 March 2025 |
“The last GC session was revolutionary in the digital media sphere,” said Sam Neves, associate director of communication at the General Conference (GC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “This year’s session will be evolutionary.”
According to the General Conference publication Adventist News Network (ANN), the communication department plans to utilize social media, live streaming, and a General Conference Session app to provide comprehensive coverage of the General Conference Session.
Held every five years, this significant event for the world Adventist Church will take place from July 3–12 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. During this time, delegates from conferences, unions, and divisions around the globe will gather to discuss new policies, celebrate the growth of the mission, and vote for new leadership while the world church collects to worship and interact with the countless ministry efforts taking place.
The previous session held in St. Louis initiated the social media campaign that will continue this year. Notably, the content will be available in seven languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swahili, Russian, and German, as well as American Sign Language (ASL). This expanded language selection allows congregants who cannot attend the convention in person to participate virtually.
Although 2020 was originally intended to be a General Conference Session year, the in-person convention was postponed due to COVID-19. However, this unexpected situation provided an opportunity to introduce new media and digital features as the first-ever hybrid session, including tools such as the app that offers information about the event, including scheduling, seminar details, venue maps, and a virtual exhibit hall.
While the digital efforts included a variety of languages, the list has since grown, broadening its reach. This year, the app will return with even more features, such as the ability to translate articles and posts, provide breaking news from the conference floor, and improve the user interface.
According to the original ANN article, this GC Session will provide an opportunity for local churches to invest in their own digital launch:
“During the two Sabbaths of the GC Session, a special offering will be collected to support the Digital Strategy for Mission, a GC initiative that ensures all technological and digital projects align with the church’s mission. Virtual attendees can also contribute through the Digital Strategy for Mission website, with all funds going directly to local churches worldwide to help implement their own digital strategies.
Many hope that these enhancements, along with the hashtag #GCS25 and outreach initiatives, will not only boost engagement but also foster inclusion for remote participants, creating a lasting impact long after the GC Session.
