Jakarta, 26-28 November 2024 — In the face of rapid technological advancements and evolving user expectations, fellowship of Bible Societies in Asia-Pacific faces unique challenges, such as addressing the digital divide, ensuring data security, and maintaining cultural relevance in the digital space. In response to these challenges, representatives from Bible Societies in Asia-Pacific have gathered in Jakarta on 26-28 November 2024 for the Digital Ministry Consultation (DMC) Workshop. The workshop aims to inspire shared hope by demonstrating how technology can deepen Bible engagement, build stronger Christian communities, and support the next generation in their faith journey.
DMC is a collaborative workshop designed to equip participants with the skills and insights needed in the evolving digital ministry landscape. The Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) which has been appointed as the digital ministry hub for Bible Societies in Asia-Pacific, is hosting the event. Over the course of three days, the workshop emphasized the importance of integrating technology into ministry efforts to meet the spiritual needs of diverse communities in the region.
The 2024 DMC Workshop was attended by representatives from eight countries, namely the Indonesian Bible Society, Bible Society in Cambodia, Bible Society in Taiwan, Ceylon Bible Society, Bible Society of India, Mongolian Union Bible Society, Philippines Bible Society, and The Bible Society of Myanmar.
Empowering Bible Fellowships through Digital Innovation
The DMC serves as a platform to explore innovative approaches to Bible ministry using digital tools and technologies. The main focus of the workshop was on 2 platforms, namely Mobile Application development and the Retrieval Augmented Generative (RAG) platform. By leveraging insights from experts involved in the live training sessions, participants were empowered to understand the basic principles of these two technologies, especially in developing and implementing digital strategies based on these platforms.
In addition to technical and practical discussions related to both platforms, the workshop also included in-depth discussions on the current understanding, challenges, and conditions faced by each Bible society. The discussion also highlighted strategies for utilizing digital platforms to increase community engagement, expand accessibility of Bible resources, and create sustainable digital platforms to meet the spiritual needs of Christians in the Asia-Pacific region.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Hope
The DMC Workshop is expected to be a real movement that strengthens collaboration between Bible Societies in Asia-Pacific. At the end of the DMC 2024 workshop, participants agreed to overcome ministry challenges with a spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants, enabling them to identify and implement practical and impactful solutions.
DMC 2024 is expected to be a real fellowship that strengthens Bible Societies in Asia Pacific to increasingly find and bring a new vision for ministry in the digital era. DMC 2024 has also produced an agreement to form a steering committee that will be the driving force in strengthening fellowship through a joint plan contained in the three-year planning document. The theme is "Local Asia Pacific Christianity Knowledge and Wisdom for Supporting Bible Engagement Based on Digital Platforms".
The planning will focus on practical applications of the Mobile and RAG platforms, including project planning, community building, and the development of a robust digital platform. DMC 2024 is more than just a training session; it is a call to action for Bible Society Fellowships in the Asia-Pacific region to embrace the opportunities of the digital age and transform the way they serve and connect with their communities. This gathering is a critical step toward a future where the Bible remains accessible and relevant to all.
