If you’ve ever been asked to serve as communication director or webmaster for your church you know the challenges that come with the job. Many members who end up serving in these kinds of positions have little to no training in communications. They aren’t sure how to write and submit a press release to their local newspaper. They don’t know how to create a website that attracts young families. They have never edited a newsletter and dealt with frustrating printing issues. They also usually don’t have the first clue how to create a YouTube video for their church.

The thought of doing these kinds of communication tasks can be overwhelming for anyone. But the great news is you don’t have to do it alone. There is an organization called the Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) that provides support for Adventists involved in the field of communications. It is for everyone—from communication professionals to lay-people serving in their local church.

I recently attended SAC’s annual conference—something I look forward to every year. Besides great speakers and valuable workshops that help you hone your communication skills, you get to meet people from all over the North American Division who do what you do. You can swap ideas and ask for help on projects. It is an amazing networking opportunity. The attendees range from professionals who work for the denomination to freelancers to newspaper reporters to local members who serve in their churches. They all have one thing in common though—they’re Seventh-day Adventists who they want to use their talents to communicate God’s love.

This year’s SAC conference included seminars on topics such as: how to use social media to build your awareness online, how to pitch reporters with confidence, how to use the power of video, and how to communicate in a crisis situation. In addition to the learning and training that happened at the conference there was an important spiritual component. Excellent presenters, such as Dick Stenbakken, shared Jesus in new and powerful ways. And over the weekend a sense of camaraderie developed—one that made me realize we are in this “battle” together—we are not alone. I came away from the weekend feeling spiritually energized, ready to tackle whatever challenges the Devil sends my way, and armed with new knowledge that would empower me to be a better communicator.

I have been a member of the Society of Adventist Communicators for six years now, and while I enjoy the annual conference immensely, I also benefit all year long from the resources and contacts they provide—resources like their online learning center, job bank, membership directory, and their media credentialing. Whether you are local church communication director or a professional working in the field, you will find SAC’s membership benefits worth their meager $25 annual membership fee ($10 for students).

SAC’s membership benefits include perks like a free monthly newsletter and access to the Members Only part of their website. My favourite perk though is the online membership directory. This is helpful in finding people to collaborate with. For example, do you need to find someone who produces videos, designs websites, or writes press releases? You’ll find them in SAC’s online directory. You can also post your own profile, even uploading samples from your portfolio.

The Members Only part of SAC’s website also has an online learning center where you can listen to podcasts on various communication topics. All of the speakers and seminars from this year’s annual convention are posted here.

If you work in the field of communication, you will definitely find SAC’s job bank very helpful. It allows you post jobs or post resumes. SAC also offers local chapters. If there isn’t one in your area, you can start one. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each of our conferences had their own chapter?

The point is—whether through the membership directory, joining a local chapter, or attending the annual convention, you’ll benefit from a professional organization like the Society of Adventist Communicators. Empower yourself—and your church—check out SAC today (www.adventistcommunicator.org). Perhaps I’ll see you next year at the annual convention.

What is SAC?
The Society of Adventist Communicators nurtures the spiritual, social, and professional growth of Seventh-day Adventists who are involved in the field of communication. Their members are comprised of communication professionals both in and outside of the church structure, students, teachers, freelancers, and lay-people serving their local church. Their members are involved in all aspects of communication, including:

• Public relations/Media relations
• Corporate communications
• Marketing communication
• Broadcasting (TV and radio)
• Writing
• Editing
• Advertising
• Video production
• Graphic design
• Photography
• Web design/programming
• Teaching

To learn more about the Society of Adventist Communicators or become a member, visit www.adventistcommunicator.org.