The Council for World Mission (CWM) brought together communications representatives from its six African member churches for the Africa Regional Communications Workshop, held from 10-12 October in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The three-day workshop provided a platform for participants to strengthen regional communications networks, exchange experiences, and explore opportunities for greater collaboration in sharing stories of mission across the continent.
Discussions also focused on harnessing digital platforms to amplify the voices of member churches and communicate their missional priorities to wider audiences.
Journeying towards the CWM Jubilee
A key focus of the workshop was the CWM Communications Strategy 2026–2028 and preparations for the organisation’s Jubilee journey in 2027–2028.
CWM Mission Secretary for Communications Rev. Dr Young-cheol Cheon introduced the strategy, outlining its priorities and plans to strengthen communications and engagement throughout the Jubilee journey.
Participants explored ways to develop a unified Africa Regional Communications Action Plan, identifying practical commitments to strengthen regional collaboration, expand the sharing of news, testimonies, photographs, and videos, and encourage member churches to participate actively in the Jubilee.
Cheon emphasised that the Jubilee presents an opportunity for CWM’s global partnership of churches to celebrate its shared history, reflect critically on its missional journey, and reimagine its collective vision for the future.
“The workshop aims to engage member churches and mission partners throughout the Jubilee journey, ensuring meaningful, impactful, and participatory engagement across the global CWM family,” Cheon said.
One continent, many contexts
Beyond Jubilee preparations, participants shared communications initiatives from their respective churches, highlighting the diverse opportunities and challenges shaping their ministries across Africa.
The CWM Communications Team facilitated practical sessions on photography, video production, news writing, content sharing, and digital storytelling. Through collaborative reviews and constructive feedback, participants explored ways to produce accessible, accurate, and mission-focused content for church publications and digital platforms.
“The workshop was a great time to reflect and share with other communicators from CWM member churches. Learning about best practices as well as challenges in the region has enriched my ministry,” said Rev. Mofya Mwelwa of the United Church of Zambia.
“I look forward to collaborating with the CWM Communications Team and my colleagues in the region.”
Continuing the conversations
On 11 October, participants joined the congregation of St Mungo’s United Church for Sunday worship, followed by fellowship and conversations with members of the local faith community.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening communications networks among CWM’s African member churches.
Participants also expressed their intention to continue conversations within their respective churches and explore opportunities for closer collaboration and coordinated communications as the CWM family journeys towards Jubilee.
