On 13 October 2024, Dr Sorin Petrof, Communication and Media Director for the South England Conference (SEC), served as a keynote speaker at the Adriatic Union Conference’s (AUC) "Communication and Media Seminar" held in Zagreb, Croatia. The event, organised by Pastor Neven Klačmer, AUC's Communication Director, aimed to provide practical skills and insights for improving local church communications.
During the seminar, Dr Petrof delivered four key sessions. In "Why We Need a Communication and Media Guide", he explained the necessity of a structured guide to help local churches standardise their communication practices. His second session, "The ABC of Storytelling: Writing a Story for Your Church", focused on the essential elements of storytelling, equipping participants with techniques to create engaging narratives for their congregations. In "How to Communicate as a Leader", he explored the importance of clear, empathetic, and inspirational communication in leadership roles. Finally, "Social Media and Digital Evangelism" provided strategies for using social media effectively to expand the church's digital outreach.
The seminar offered church communication leaders and media teams an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and gain practical tools for enhancing their media efforts. Pastor Klačmer emphasised the importance of organised and effective communication within churches, underscoring the seminar's goal of equipping participants with essential skills.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Communication and Media Guide, directly translated into Croatian from the SEC's version. (The SEC guide, developed under Dr Petrof's leadership, was adapted from the original work of the North and South France Conferences.) Reflecting on the release, Dr Petrof remarked, “I’m impressed... and I think it’s a significant step forward for the leaders of the Communications Department in Croatia and Slovenia. It’s helpful that they’ll be able to share it with members in their churches.”
The event marked a meaningful exchange of ideas and strategies across national borders, with Dr. Petrof sharing insights from his experience while also supporting the local church leaders in Croatia and Slovenia in their media efforts.