The Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (SLPUM) Communications Department conducted a series of Media Summits with the theme “Creative Disruptions.” These were held across the Union’s territories—one for the western area covering Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Mindoro; another for the eastern area including Quezon and the Bicol Region; and a separate gathering in Palawan.

Creative Disruptions

The theme Creative Disruptions captures the call to rethink and reshape how the church uses media and technology in spreading hope and faith in today’s digital world. It is a shift from focusing mainly on tools, technology, and media practices to a deeper understanding of how these can help advance the mission—to prepare people, including those online, for Jesus’ soon return.

Many participants came expecting the summit to focus on technical aspects. “I thought it was just about videography and editing,” shared Justin Posadas from Palawan. “But I realized it’s more than that—my simple skills and social media interactions can actually be a way to reach my friends for God.”

Similarly, Joverex Nianga attended hoping to improve his editing skills but left with a new sense of purpose. “It’s not just about learning techniques,” he said. “It’s about using what we have to share Jesus online.”

The summit embodied creative disruption in the best sense of the word. It was a disruption from the usual media practices, a disruption from aimless scrolling to becoming intentional digital missionaries. “We’ve called you this weekend not just to be good content creators, engagers, or distributors, but to be transformed by the renewing grace of the Lord Jesus.” said Pastor Jose Orbe, Jr., SLPUM Communications Director. “Let the Word transform you so you can share the Jesus you’ve accepted in your life.”

He reminded everyone that mission begins at the feet of Jesus. That is where inspiration, power and content come from.  “We make sense of our calling when our presence becomes the extension of God’s presence in their lives. When seekers are brought to the feet of Jesus.”

Vital, Not Just Viral

Pastor Orbe pointed out that mission work is not confined to pulpits or physical gatherings. “The digital world is a real mission field too,” he said. “There are people online waiting to know Jesus. Just as Jesus went where the people were, we are called to go where people are today—online.”

Throughout the sessions, participants were challenged to look beyond trends and metrics and to create content that leads others to Christ. “It’s not really about the likes. It is how many have we led into a personal chat experience, about Christ, about their lives, and about their salvation.” Pastor Orbe continued, “When you are thinking of content, think not only of what will sell, but what is needed by the soul.”

He added “Don’t just aim to be viral, aim to be vital – vital to the spiritual nourishment of those who seek Christ in their lives.” The true measure of their digital presence is not in numbers but in impact – “how many people, upon seeing your post, are led to a more serious consideration of God’s Word – and eventually accept Christ as their personal Savior, join the church, and become disciple-makers too.”

Using the example of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well, Pastor Orbe urged digital missionaries to produce content that quenches the soul’s thirst for Christ. “As engagers we do not provoke someone to debate or argument. Instead, we provoke the soul to consider the praise and righteousness of God to make one’s life whole – that in God they can have wholeness, that in God they can have holiness, that in God they can find salvation.”

Digital Bayanihan

Participants also joined the breakout sessions based on their strengths as identified in the self-discovery survey: content creators, who package the gospel into digital-friendly formats; engagers, who build meaningful online connections; and distributors, who use digital tools to share gospel content widely (following the framework from Digital Discipleship & Evangelism by Jamie Domm).

Another highlight of the summit was the formation of connected circles, symbolizing digital bayanihan—a spirit of collaboration and resource-sharing among mission fields and churches. Instead of competing, participants committed to working together to strengthen their collective impact for Christ.

As the work of reaching the world continues to grow, technology also continues to advance—offering powerful tools the church can use for mission. Indeed, technology is God’s gift to hasten the finishing of His work.

It is our prayer that we become a digital force for Jesus, shining His light in every corner of the world until every message shared, every story told, and every post published brings someone closer to Him.