Track: Audio/Radio Training: Unlock your potential

Category: Production

Course Description: During the EMDC Audio/Radio training, you will have the opportunity to take your audio skills to the next level our start to learn the basics. Of course, during the training, we provide you with the basics of knowing what sound is, how to control it and how to fix it if needed. We let you discover what sound waves feel like, what to do when recording sounds bad and how to make a simple edit of your recordings. This course is excellent for participants who want to do more with radio and podcasts. Bible and music recordings, video sound and dubbing.  Developments do not stand still, so AI and what tools are available will also be covered. We will of course share with you all our tricks and tips to support you with media in your organization. In short, the versatility of our training ensures that you go home with a dose of knowledge to share and multiply.  The trainers, Nathanael and Joost both have decades of experience in the mission field to make the best and most beautiful recordings. We have been giving the audio training at the EMDC conference together for years.  We look forward to meeting you and if you have any questions about the content or if the training is right for you, please email us, we are happy to help.
Training method: Lecture, practical, hands on, participatory
Who will benefit from this training?: This track is for those who want a basic understanding of audio and how to produce good quality audio recordings. Whether you have been recording for many years and want a refresher or are just starting to get into this field; there is something for you in this training track. 
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn basic audio recording techniques as well as how to produce audio for scriptures, stories or music. 
Special requirements: There are no requirements for this track. Come with whatever experience that you may have. Let’s learn from each other. 
How to prepare and what to bring along: You will need to have your own computer and some kind of headphones. 

Maximum number of participants: No Limit
Contact the track leader: Joost Bastiaans (joostbastiaans@twr.nl,) Nathanael Gregoriev (nathanael_gregoriev@sil.org) 

 

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Track: Making Meaningful Media: Anthropological Insights for Media Practitioners

(formerly known as Culturally Intelligent Media)

Category: Communication, Anthropology

Course Description: How do media work and how do they communicate meaningfully in different parts of the world? How do you gain insights about your audiences? Do you know which media products are likely to be the most effective? What do you need to know to make media as meaningful as possible? Join us and see how a little anthropology can go a long way to answer these questions! 
In this track, we look behind the scenes of media. We start with the premise that it’s essential to know our audiences and understand what media are for them. We mainly draw on current anthropology – which is the study of humans – as well as communication theory and media studies. We use examples from film, which is the richest form of media, to demonstrate how and why different audiences understand media differently. You will learn how important people’s backgrounds and life experiences are in shaping the meaning they gain from media. Similarly, media producers’ backgrounds and life experiences shape the media products they create. We also look at what audiences think about media technology, which can add a twist to the communication process.
Since audiences are so central to media practice, we learn more about how to study them. We also learn how to evaluate media products before using them. This is crucial for maximizing the meaningfulness and impact of our media products. You won’t make or produce anything in this track, but we have lots of interaction and discussions about films and video clips that we watch together.
Training method: Both theory and practical exercises
Who will benefit from this training?: Everybody who is interested in cross-cultural communication using media including users, producers, distributors, project managers, mission directors, decision makers, etc.
What will you learn from this course?: We will learn about and discuss the following:

• What is communication and how does it work in different parts of the world?
• What is anthropology and why is it important for media and communication?
• Which media characteristics are prone to be understood differently in different parts of the world?
• How do our experiences and backgrounds affect the way we understand and use media technology?
• What is the value of localizing media production?
• How can you do anthropology and learn more about your audiences?
• How can you test your media products for meaningful communication?
• How do you learn which media people use in specific locations?
• We practice our new skills by watching, analyzing and discussing two movies.

Special requirements: None
How to prepare and what to bring along: No preparation needed, just come and enjoy!

Maximum number of participants: 12
Contact the track leader: Johannes Merz (johannes_merz@sil.org)

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Track: Building Apps with Scripture App Builder

Category: Production

Course Description: How can you turn translated Scripture and audio into an attractive, usable Bible app for the communities you serve? In this track we’ll walk step-by-step through building contextually appropriate apps with Scripture App Builder (https://software.sil.org/scriptureappbuilder).

You’ll learn how to take Bible text and audio (in one or more languages) and shape them into a smartphone app with a selection of Bible engagement features. There will be plenty of hands-on time to work on your own app project, as well as opportunities to see inspiring examples of what others have created around the world.

Topics covered will include:

• Building an app with Scripture App Builder
• Designing your app for specific audiences and contexts
• Synchronizing text and audio, so that phrases are highlighted as they are read
• Creating attractive app icons, splash screens and other app graphics
• Including multiple Bible translations, scripts and languages in one app
• Adding extra resources: Study Bible notes, song books and Bible studies
• Designing user-friendly Contents menus that are easy to navigate
• Using Bible Reading Plans, Verse of the Day, and notifications (in-app and push)
• Embedding video, such as YouTube videos or JESUS film clips
• Including analytics and making sense of app usage data
• Choosing distribution methods: online, offline and promotion via social media
• Understanding the difference between Android and iOS apps and how to publish them on the app stores
• Checking that your app is really ready to publish

The training is led by the team responsible for the development and support of Scripture App Builder, so bring your questions, your challenges and your ideas for future improvements.

Training method: Live software demonstrations, guided hands-on practice and one-to-one help as you build your app.

Who will benefit from this training?: This track is for you if:

• You are new to building apps and want to create your first Scripture app, or
• You are an existing Scripture App Builder user who wants to go further, explore newer or more advanced features, and improve the quality and impact of your apps.

You do not need to be a computer programmer – no coding is required.

What will you learn from this course?: By the end of the track, you will:

• Know how to create a Bible app with Scripture App Builder
• Be able to choose appropriate features and content for your context
• Have made significant progress on your own app project (and possibly a first version ready to test with users)

Special requirements: To get the most out of the training, you should come with:

• Translated Bible text in Paratext format, and/or
• Bible stories, Bible studies or discipleship materials in Microsoft Word format

If you also have audio recordings of some of this text, that is ideal. You do not need a whole Bible or New Testament; even a single book or a few chapters are enough to build a useful app. What is essential is that you have permission to distribute the content you bring.

How to prepare and what to bring along:  Please bring with you:

• • A computer with several GB of free space
  • An Android smartphone (if you have an iPhone and want to learn how to build iOS apps, we will cover this too, but you will need to have a Mac computer.)
  • A USB cable to connect your smartphone to your computer
  • Earphones/headphones to work on text-audio synchronization
  • Any data that you want to use to build into an app (Scripture text, audio, Bible study questions, illustrations, videos, etc.)

Maximum number of participants: 40
Contact the track leader: Richard Margetts (richard_margetts@sil.org)

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Track: Hands-on Orality Method: Simply The Story

Category: Orality, Scripture Engagement, Evangelism, Discipleship

Course Description: Learn Simply The Story, used in more than 135 countries for in-depth, oral based, Scripture engagement, church planting, evangelism and more. This course provides training to equip oral learners in the Bible and skills for reaching the lost. See families and whole villages change!
Training method: Theory and practical exercises
Who will benefit from this training?: Benefits anyone interested in orality, Scripture engagement, reaching the lost, and discipleship. Applicable methodology for adults and children.
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn skills for personal study, small group Scripture Engagement, and how to reach non believers using the STS orality method.
Special requirements: None. 
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring yourself. Gain an extra step (but not necessary) if you want to download the free STS handbook in advance. Handbook available at www.SimplyTheStory.org under the Resources tab and Gifts. Email us to learn which part to read first.

Maximum number of participants: 100+ (no limit)
Contact the track leader: Butch Vernon (vernon@simplythestory.org) Larry Dinkins (larrydinkins@gmail.com) , (andrea@storymail.net)

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Track: AI Tools in Kingdom Ministry

Information Coming Soon.

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Track: FLExTrans

Category: Production, Scripture Engagement

Course Description: FLExTrans is a new rule-based machine translation system. It allows you to use linguistic rules to adapt one language into a related language. It uses Fieldworks Language Explorer (FLEx) as the database for source and target language dictionaries and grammar settings. Note: this is not an AI/machine learning system.
Besides working on dictionaries, we will start with a few short sentences in the reference FLEx project, link the reference words to target dictionary entries, and write FLExTrans transfer rules that will transform the reference sentences into target sentences. Time-permitting, we will start developing parsing settings to automatically ‘analyze’ i.e. break-down source words into their constituent morphemes. 
Training method: Both theoretical and practical training.
Who will benefit from this training?: This workshop will be great fun for people who love working with languages and want to see the power of linguistically-based machine translation. 
What will you learn from this course?: In this track you will have the opportunity to experiment with FLExTrans to see if it would be a good fit for your Bible translation project. You will have a head start if you have either the source or the target language, or both already in FLEx projects. If not, we will help you build small dictionaries. We will initially practice with small test projects.
Special requirements: Experience using the FLEx software, especially with interlinearizing texts. Knowledgeable about the reference and target languages. You will get more out of this workshop if you have a good knowledge of linguistics, especially morphology.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Prepare two toy FLEx projects in each of the languages, with a small amount of parallel data interlinearized in both. More details about how to do this will be provided. Contact the instructor if you have questions.

Maximum number of participants: 9 participants 
Contact the track leader: Ron Lockwood (ron_lockwood@sil.org)

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Track: Digital 2D Animation

Category: Production

Course Description: Want to learn to communicate the good news in a dynamic way? In this track, we will be covering the basics of 2D digital animation and emphasizing how this powerful medium can be used to cross cultural barriers with the gospel. Dave Hudson, director of Create AniMissions, will show examples, discuss the 2D animation pipeline, and demonstrate the process. Students will create their own short digitally animated pieces by the end of the training.
Training method: Practical exercises and assignments using the free, open-source, Blender software.
Who will benefit from this training?: Media content producers, artists, story crafters, etc
What will you learn from this course?: How to create simple 2D digitally animated short films using Blender digital animation software. We will also cover some very basic 3D concepts.
Special requirements: A willingness to learn, some basic knowledge of computer graphics, some drawing ability is helpful but not required.
How to prepare and what to bring along: A laptop computer with either Mac OS or Windows, and the latest version of Blender. Also recommended: A graphics tablet (Wacom or similar) a 3-button mouse, and a numeric keypad. If using a recent Mac, a compatible iPad may be used in place of a graphics tablet..

Maximum number of participants: 15
Contact the track leader: Dave Hudson (dave@dwhudson.net)

 

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Track: Intro to Video Production

Category: Production

Course Description: This foundational course is designed for individuals new to video production who want to learn how to create impactful ministry media. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, participants will learn the basics of storytelling, camera operation, lighting, audio, and editing. By the end of the course, students will have produced their own short video project and gained confidence in using video as a powerful tool for ministry and communication.

Ideal for missionaries, church media teams, or anyone looking to use video to support ministry efforts, this course emphasizes low-budget, high-impact production techniques that can be replicated in a variety of ministry contexts.
Training method: 

• Interactive Classroom Sessions: Core concepts such as story structure, interview techniques, and camera basics are taught in group instruction.
  
• Practical Demonstrations: Instructors demonstrate equipment use and production techniques before participants practice them.
• Team-Based Projects: Participants are divided into teams to plan, film, and edit their own video projects, fostering collaboration and real-world application.
• Mentored Practice: Instructors provide direct feedback and coaching as participants work on their projects.
• Daily Debriefs & Feedback: Sessions include time for reflection, group critique, and improvement.

Culminating Presentation: Teams present their final videos to the group, reinforcing learning and building confidence.

Who will benefit from this training?:

• Missionaries and Ministry Workers
  Those who want to tell stories from the field, raise support, or document what God is doing through media.
  
• Local Church Media Teams
  Volunteers or staff members looking to improve their video production skills for worship services, announcements, or outreach.
  
• Nonprofits and Christian Organizations
  Staff who need to communicate impact, raise awareness, or share testimonies through video.
  
• Aspiring Media Creators in Developing Contexts
  Individuals with limited access to formal training but a desire to use video for evangelism, discipleship, or community engagement.
  
• Youth and Young Adults in Ministry
  Younger participants who are digital natives but lack professional instruction in storytelling and production techniques.
  

What will you learn from this course?:
Participants will gain foundational video production skills that are practical, ministry-focused, and immediately usable. You will learn:

🎬 Storytelling & Planning

• • How to develop a compelling story for ministry videos
  • Structuring interviews and narratives to engage viewers
  • Planning and organizing a shoot (pre-production)

📷 Camera Skills

• • Basic camera operation (framing, exposure, focus)
  • How to shoot with limited gear and natural light

🎤 Audio & Lighting

• • Capturing clean audio in challenging environments
  • Using available lighting creatively and effectively
  • Intro to microphones and basic lighting setups

✂️ Editing & Post-Production

• • Observe an experienced editor edit your film

🤝 Teamwork & Field Practice

• • Collaborating on real-world projects
  • Filming scenes, interviews and B-roll in the field
  • Receiving feedback to improve your skills

📽️ Final Project

• • Produce a short video from concept to completion
  • Present your finished work to peers and instructors.

Special requirements:
This is a beginner-friendly course with no prior video production experience required, but participants should meet the following criteria:

✅ Basic Technical Comfort

• • Familiarity with using a smartphone, tablet, or computer
    
  • Ability to transfer files between devices (e.g., SD card to computer)
    

✅ Access to Equipment

• • A smartphone or camera capable of recording video
    (Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear if possible, but shared equipment may be available.)
    
  • A laptop with basic video editing software (e.g., DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or iMovie)
    

✅ Willingness to Collaborate

• • Willing to work in teams on group video projects
    
  • Comfortable participating in interviews and filming exercises
    

✅ Language Proficiency

• • Able to follow instruction in English

How to prepare and what to bring along:

🧠 Before You Arrive – How to Prepare

• • Install Video Editing Software
    Recommended free option: DaVinci Resolve
    (Other options: Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie, CapCut, Final Cut Pro)
  • Practice Basic Camera Use
    Get comfortable with your phone or camera’s photo and video features (e.g., focus, exposure, stabilization).
  • Clear Storage Space
    Make sure your phone, camera, and laptop have plenty of free storage for video files.
    

🎒 What to Bring

• • Camera or Smartphone (required)
    Any DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone with HD video capability.
  • Laptop with Editing Software (not required, but we need at least four)
    Should be capable of running basic editing software and transferring files.
  • Cables & Adapters
    Chargers, USB cables, SD card readers, or any dongles needed to connect devices.
  • Headphones or Earbuds
    For editing and checking audio during playback.
  • Tripod or Stabilizer (if available)
    Even a simple phone tripod or handheld grip can improve footage.
  • Notebook & Pen
    For jotting down story ideas, feedback, and production notes.

• 💡 Tip:

  Travel light but think practically — this course focuses on low-budget, high-impact storytelling with the tools you already have or can borrow.

Maximum number of participants: 50
Contact the track leader: Darin Dunn (darindunn@gmail.com)

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Track: Introduction to Scripture Engagement

Category: Scripture Engagement

Course Description: An introduction to Scripture Engagement (SE) for those who haven’t studied it before. It will be based on Wayne Dye’s ‘Eight Conditions’ paper, but organised by topics such as media, trauma healing, the arts, etc.
Training method: A typical session will contain some theoretical teaching, but with discussion, followed by group work.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone who would like to see lives transformed as people engage with God through the Scriptures. Those who work with communities of unbelievers who need discipling to faith or believers who need discipling in the faith are particularly welcome!
What will you learn from this course?: By the end of the course you will have some idea of what kinds of SE topics you would like to take further. You will also have the basis of an idea of how to encourage SE within a given community.
Special requirements: Please read Wayne Dye’s ‘Eight Conditions of Scripture Engagement’ paper before coming. Also, begin to think about how this applies to your community or the community you work among.
How to prepare and what to bring along: You might need a laptop or tablet. Please bring a smartphone, pen and paper. You will also need a Bible (which can be accessed on your device).

Maximum number of participants: 24
Contact the track leader: David Gray (david_gray@sil.org)

 

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Track: Cross Cultural Mentoring

Category: Discipleship

Course Description: In a mentoring relationship, similarity in relational expectations, communication styles, or shared experiences might lead to a more straightforward interpersonal relationship between a mentor and a protégé. But with more global partnerships and opportunities to learn from the expertise of those from different cultural backgrounds– the likelihood and benefits of cross-cultural mentoring relationships are increasing. The purpose of this workshop is to help participants understand key concepts in individualistic and collectivistic cultures, and learn how they can affect expectations, communication, and other factors in cross cultural mentoring relationships. Participants will also learn how to use the strengths from different cultures so that cross-cultural mentoring can be even more fruitful than mono-cultural mentoring.
Training method: Principles and theories will be explained in a lecture form but the participant will have ample opportunities to explore the concepts through real life situations, role play and exercises to assure the principles and theories can be helpful in their own contexts.
Who will benefit from this training?: Identify the type of student that would benefit from this course (eg. anyone who is interested in producing media for their ministries.)
Anyone who is a life-long learner, but especially those working in cross-cultural or intercultural relationships. Participants will learn about their own preferences for mentoring and how different cultures have other mindsets and practices in mentoring. Participants will learn how to adjust their mentoring practice to better serve people from different cultural backgrounds. Participants will learn how to mentor in a multicultural environment.
What will you learn from this course?:

• Understanding cross-cultural mentoring 
• Mentoring issues in cross-cultural communication
• Mentoring cross over different worldviews: with special attention to understanding honor and shame cultures
• Understanding Cultural frame- applying Grid and Group, to help mentoring relationship
• Leadership and power in mentoring
• Cross-cultural conflict resolution in mentoring

Special requirements: Desire to learn, desire to understand your own culture and other cultures.
How to prepare and what to bring along:  (Not required to read before the workshop, but would be helpful to read:)

• book: Lingentelter & Mayers, “Ministering Cross-culturally“
• book: Jason Georges, “The 3D gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and Fear Cultures”
• article: Sunny Hong. “Cross-cultural mentoring: A brief comparison of individualistic and collective cultures.” William Carey International Development Journal, Vol. 1. Issue 3: Summer 2012
• book: Duanne Elmer: “Cross-cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry“
• book: Erin Meyer, “The Culture Map”

Maximum number of participants: 30
Contact the track leader: Sunny Hong (sunny_hong@sil.org)

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Track: Foundations for Refugee Ministry

Category: Evangelism, Scripture Engagement, Discipleship, Refugee

Course Description: Refugees and others who have fled their homes because of violence, hatred, and persecution are often stuck for years or decades in a battle for survival while they look for a permanent place to call home. Those who walk this ‘Refugee Highway’ today face increasingly difficult decisions in an era of dwindling aid and disappearing legal solutions. The Church has so much to offer along the Refugee Highway, but extra care is required for this type of work! Ministry in a humanitarian context is complex, and understanding the global forces that shape this space can help inform our work locally. This track will focus on best practices for refugee ministry and how Christians can play a meaningful role in walking with displaced people on the long road of recovery.
Training method: This track will consist of theoretical and best practice components that will ultimately lead to focused practical exercises. The content is designed to be conversational and interactive.
Who will benefit from this training?: Any leader/worker who wishes to engage with refugees and other displaced people will benefit. In the past, we had participants focused on one local context as well as those who are thinking more broadly on behalf of a region or larger group. This course is suitable for people with little to no experience as well as those who have some experience but wish to focus or re-tool their approach.
What will you learn from this course?: This course will provide a foundation for understanding the complex realities faced by people who have been forced to flee their homes and walk the refugee highway. The course will also provide a well-researched, strategic framework for how Christians can make a meaningful difference in this area. You will learn about the principles of best practice for this type of ministry. You will learn how to work with major gatekeepers and stakeholders in the humanitarian world. You will have the opportunity to discuss the unique challenges in your context with others. We will discuss the challenges of long-term ministry in high trauma environments, and discuss ways to remain healthy over the long-haul. Finally, you will leave with tools for evaluating and planning a ministry with displaced people.
Special requirements: None.
How to prepare and what to bring along: No special preparation or tools are needed for this track. It will however be helpful for participants to come with a way to take notes.

Maximum number of participants: No Limit
Contact the track leader: Jacob Tornga (jacob.tornga@iafr.org)

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Track: Producing Music Videos

Category: Production, Scripture Engagement, Arts

Course Description: In this track, you will learn to design, record and edit music videos from scratch using one or more hands-on projects. In addition to learning about the pedagogical and cultural aspects of using music videos for Scripture Engagement, you will learn to use key audio and video recording equipment (from smartphones via mirror-less cameras all the way to drones), practice recording and editing processes (both audio and video), as well as learn how to creatively edit your video using free but powerful software.
Training method: This course relies mostly on one or more hands-on projects: The music and video will be performed and recorded during the course, allowing you to practice both the facilitation as well as the recording aspects of creating music videos. Additional content such as examples drawn from field experience, communication and cultural principles or distribution / impact approaches will be discussed during interactive sessions in class.
Who will benefit from this training? What you will learn from this course: Musical skills are not required. Whether you are an experienced or new SE or media worker / specialist, or are involved in leading or planning SE / media activities, this course is designed to open your eyes for the power and feasibility of music videos, and provide you with the experience and technical skills needed to implement the method in your ministry context.
Special requirements: Feel free to bring your own audio and/or video recording equipment to the track. However, if you do not own any such equipment, there will be plenty of equipment available for your use during the course.
How to prepare and what to bring along: No pre-reading required. If you are interested in the general context / media approach this method fits into, you can find more info in THIS book.

Maximum number of participants: 20
Contact the track leader: Andreas Ernst (andreas_ernst@sil.org)

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Track: Foundations of Digital Engagement Strategies

Category: Digital Engagement, Social Media, Media to Movements, Evangelism, Discipleship, Strategy, Media, Digital
Security, Content Development

Course Description: How will the unreached people and places to which God has called you be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How will Believers be discipled? How will disciples, groups and churches multiply and grow?
Digital is the second heart language of the people we are called to reach, disciple and multiply. But how does digital fit into your strategy? Participants in this workshop will answer these questions and more as we explore opportunities together and begin drafting a strategy plan that includes digital engagement (including Social Media, Websites, Apps, and other digital content or tools). Digital is not a one size fits all – so our focus will be on how varied tactics and digital models can be integrated and used to advance your strategy tailored to your context. Experienced practitioners from the Digital Disciple Making Network team will lead this workshop and guide participants through five core areas:

Strategy Definition – we will begin with your contextual strategy and how it fits within the big picture of moving people from being ignorant of the Gospel to multiplying disciples, groups, and churches. This will enable us to identify where digital tactics and partnerships can be integrated into your strategy.

Field Assessment – next we will lead you through assessing your field, the unique characteristics of the people you are ministering to, the digital environment in your context, and explore what digital engagement or available content is already there to connect with.

Micro Tactics – we will then examine tactics, tools, and case studies for using digital in a more personal or small-scale way. This module will focus on how you can use and train other Believers to use digital in personal evangelism, discipling others, and facilitating or shepherding groups.

Macro Tactics – this module will center on examples and models of digital engagement being used for large scale Gospel impact through websites, social media platforms, and responding to internet searches to identify spiritually open people with structured systems and plans for follow-up.

Contextualized Content – finally we will examine how to wrap content around your strategy with an emphasis on curating available digital content as well as basic helps for creating local content.

Training method: Sessions will be interactive and include a mix of lectures, tailored coaching, and practical
application. Each module will include in-class time to process what has been presented and outline your own next steps as you develop a first draft digital strategy plan.
Who will benefit from this training?: This workshop is designed for those who are ready to start the journey of
defining and implementing a contextualized digital engagement strategy as well as those already using digital tactics who desire to build a stronger integration with their on the ground face to face strategy. We also encourage you, if possible, to join the workshop together with one or more teammates for your greatest benefit.
What will you learn from this course?: From the five modules above, students will learn multiple ways in which digital tactics fit within their own contextual missions strategy. They will also learn what gaps may exist in their current strategy which can be aided through digital tactics and content. Finally, students will learn practical next steps on how to incorporate digital tactics into their strategy.
Special requirements: There are no special requirements necessary other than an open and willing heart and mind to be inspired to use digital in your ministry more effectively.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Registered participants will receive an email with pre-work to gather information prior to the workshop. Participants should bring a personal laptop or at least a tablet for interacting with materials presented in the course as well as for developing your draft digital strategy plan.

Maximum number of participants: No limit
Contact the track leader: Adam (AJ) Johnson (aj@missionmediau.org)

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Track: Performing Scripture

Information Coming Soon

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Track: PTXPrint

Category: Communication, Anthropology, Scripture Engagement

Course Description: PTXPrint is a tool which enables Bible translators to rapidly create PDFs of scripture from their Paratext (USFM) data. This training track will build familiarity with the tool, demonstrate the kinds of output that are possible, and enable translators to handle their day-to-day typesetting needs independently (without having to rely on any other proprietary software).
Training method: The training will be hands-on and very practical. Participants will be guided to create various views of their scripture as PDFs.
Who will benefit from this training?: This training is targeted to Paratext users who are looking for easier ways to use printed scripture to engage with their community.
What will you learn from this course?: Students will be given the confidence to use the tool to create well-formatted scripture text in PDF format.
Special requirements: It is expected that you have access to one or more Paratext projects that have one or more scripture books which are ready for laying out as a trial publication (i.e. the text must at least pass all the Basic Checks in Paratext). Only Windows and Linux systems are supported (or a Mac with a Win/Lin emulator).
How to prepare and what to bring along: It is recommended that you download, install and try out PTXPrint prior to this training. If time permits, watch one or more of the training videos, in particular watch the Getting Started video.

Maximum number of participants: 25
Contact the track leader: ptxprint_support@sil.org(ptxprint_support@sil.org)

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Track: Scriptwriting

Information Coming Soon

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POST-EMDC (23-26 May) TRACKS

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Track: Audio Recording Advanced

Information Coming Soon

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Track: Culture meets Scripture

Category: Communication, Anthropology, Scripture Engagement

Course Description: Significant events like a death, a birth, a wedding, a festival, a natural
disaster, etc. are marked by rituals. But those culturally required practices often contain beliefs
and values that typically involve “bowing to other gods.” The goal of this training is to equip
participants with a way to dig deeply into the motivating forces for their culture’s practices and
bring Scripture to bear on them so that they can make choices that honor God.
Training method: Mostly practical / exercises
Who will benefit from this training?: Absolutely everyone
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn to look deeply into the assumptions
foundational to important rituals from your place–the reasons for each part and the
consequences feared if something required is not done. Each reason, consequence and
assumption is brought to Scripture for God’s perspective on handling that issue. Participants will
also discuss ways to build the community of believers into a strong mutually supporting body.
Time permitting, they will delve into issues concerning the authority of Scripture, restoration of
believers and dealing with spiritual powers.
Special requirements: Come with a knowledge of your default culture(s).
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring your Bible.

Maximum number of participants: 50
Contact the track leader: Amy West (amy_west@sil.org)

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Track: Directing Dramatic Video

Information Coming Soon

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Track: Acting for Beginners

Information Coming Soon

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Track: Internalization for Bible Translation

Information Coming Soon

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Track: Websites with Kalaam Media (User Group and New Websites)

Category: Production, Distribution

Course Description: Whether you already have a website with Kalaam Media and want to refresh it, or you want to build a new website for your ministry needs, this training track is for you!  Websites serve as a valuable tool to promote the language specific media/content for the people you serve.  Wildfire is the Content Management System (CMS) developed by Kalaam Media that helps users to create, manage, and modify content on a website without the technical knowledge of coding.  In this training track we will work together, teaching you Wildfire and its many features.  We will discuss basic website design principles including planning, design, and promotion. We will spend time working and giving advice to the design of your website.
Training method: Our instructors will present material on a variety of related topics and lead a time of discussion.  We will demonstrate how to use our software, then you will learn by practicing and doing it yourselves.  This is a hands-on course and you will be building a website as you learn.
Who will benefit from this training?: This training is for anyone who has media/content they want to publish on websites. If you have a Kalaam Media site that you built in the past, you will benefit by learning the new features of our software, and by using the focused time to work together.  Most of our participants are working in language communities who wish to build multilingual sites which promote Scripture in languages which do not already have an internet presence.  Other types of ministries that desire a website can benefit as well, such as Churches, Media to Movements, and others.  The software requires no programming or coding.
What will you learn from this course?: You will first learn how to plan your website for your target audience, then how to create your own website based on that plan.  You will learn new trends in website design, SEO, how to promote your site, and more.  You will learn many tips and tricks of working with Wildfire.  At the end of the time together, the goal is to launch your website so it can be accessed anywhere in the world.
Special requirements: This training track assumes the participants have a basic knowledge of computers, meaning familiarity with browsing the internet, saving files in folders on their device, typing, etc.  We do not charge any fees to build a website or to launch it with us, but we do want to ensure everyone is working with the goal of completing their website.
How to prepare and what to bring along: The main requirement is to bring lots of good media to put on your website.  Gather relevant pictures, audio, video, text, documents, and whatever it is you want to share with your audience. You must bring a laptop that you can use to build your website with.  Our CMS. Wildfire, is an online tool, so you will not need to install any special software.  An external mouse is highly recommended.

Maximum number of participants: 30
Contact the track leader: Dave Johnson (dave@kalaam.org)

 

Track: One Story

Information Coming Soon

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Track: AI Track (Advanced)

Information Coming Soon

 

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Track: Oral Bible Translation

Information Coming Soon

 

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Track: Improving Ethical Photographic Storytelling

Category: Production, Orality

Course Description: Photography is a powerful communication tool; with or without
accompanying text. This workshop will help you to become a more ethical photographic
storyteller and will improve your ability to create engaging stories. We will focus on capturing
images that help to tell stories about people, their lives and their situation but the techniques
learned in this workshop will be applicable to any photographs that you take. Key learning
areas include:

Storytelling questions that photographs must address

Five key images for photographic storytelling

How to critique images

Photographic/storytelling ethics

The issue of consent

Cultural considerations

Contributor-led storytelling

Photographing people

How to use light, color, shape, texture and contrast

The use of angles and proximity to aid composition

Getting the most from your smartphone camera

Techniques for improving the impact of your photos

Putting it all into practice

Training method: The workshop will be fun and interactive; full of images, picture-taking,
discussion and critique. We will capture images only using a smartphone enabling us to
concentrate on the storytelling side of photography rather than its more technical aspects.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone wishing to share a story; about their ministry,
the people they serve or the people they work with. Anyone wishing to take better images to
enhance their storytelling in any form; on social media, newsletters, websites or in print.
Anyone who wants to increase supporter engagement. Even if you’ve been taking photos for
many years this workshop will help you to become more intentional in using photography for
storytelling.
What will you learn from this course?: You will gain skills and confidence in taking better
photographs to visually enhance the information that you wish to share with others.
Special requirements: A smartphone camera and the ability to take a photograph with it.
How to prepare and what to bring along: All you need is a smartphone, a willingness to
learn and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. A laptop/tablet will be helpful for putting
together stories as we progress through the workshop. Please bring along five photographs
that represent the type of story that you (wish to) share with others.

Maximum number of participants: 20
Contact the track leader: Clive Thomas (info@clivethomas.photography)

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Track: Bible Translation and Sign Language

Information Coming Soon

 

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Track: Storyweavers Evangelism

(Information Coming Soon)

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Track: Websites with Kalaam Media (User Group and New Websites)

Category: Production, Distribution

Course Description: Whether you already have a website with Kalaam Media and want to refresh it, or you want to build a new website for your ministry needs, this training track is for you!  Websites serve as a valuable tool to promote the language specific media/content for the people you serve.  Wildfire is the Content Management System (CMS) developed by Kalaam Media that helps users to create, manage, and modify content on a website without the technical knowledge of coding.  In this training track we will work together, teaching you Wildfire and its many features.  We will discuss basic website design principles including planning, design, and promotion. We will spend time working and giving advice to the design of your website.
Training method: Our instructors will present material on a variety of related topics and lead a time of discussion.  We will demonstrate how to use our software, then you will learn by practicing and doing it yourselves.  This is a hands-on course and you will be building a website as you learn.
Who will benefit from this training?: This training is for anyone who has media/content they want to publish on websites. If you have a Kalaam Media site that you built in the past, you will benefit by learning the new features of our software, and by using the focused time to work together.  Most of our participants are working in language communities who wish to build multilingual sites which promote Scripture in languages which do not already have an internet presence.  Other types of ministries that desire a website can benefit as well, such as Churches, Media to Movements, and others.  The software requires no programming or coding.
What will you learn from this course?: You will first learn how to plan your website for your target audience, then how to create your own website based on that plan.  You will learn new trends in website design, SEO, how to promote your site, and more.  You will learn many tips and tricks of working with Wildfire.  At the end of the time together, the goal is to launch your website so it can be accessed anywhere in the world.
Special requirements: This training track assumes the participants have a basic knowledge of computers, meaning familiarity with browsing the internet, saving files in folders on their device, typing, etc.  We do not charge any fees to build a website or to launch it with us, but we do want to ensure everyone is working with the goal of completing their website.
How to prepare and what to bring along: The main requirement is to bring lots of good media to put on your website.  Gather relevant pictures, audio, video, text, documents, and whatever it is you want to share with your audience. You must bring a laptop that you can use to build your website with.  Our CMS. Wildfire, is an online tool, so you will not need to install any special software.  An external mouse is highly recommended.

Maximum number of participants: 30
Contact the track leader: Dave Johnson (dave@kalaam.org)

 

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Track: Storyweavers for Evangelism

Category: Discipleship, Scripture Engagement

Course Description:  Have you ever wanted to share the Gospel, but didn’t know where to begin? Or how to share with people from different cultures and religious backgrounds? Would you like to help equip Christ-followers in your regions to share their faith in ways that are locally relevant—and empower them to train others to do the same? How can we effectively do scripture engagement in a practical and relevant way? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Weavers for Evangelism is for you. Instead of typical storytelling, this “storyweaving” training enables its learners to have deep spiritual connecting conversations with others. Evangelism has never been so easy and natural!
Training method: This highly interactive and participatory training will help you gain both vision and skill for engaging in biblical storyweaving conversations through demonstrations, re-reading and reconstructing Bible stories, real life scenarios and impactful practices. 
Who will benefit from this training?: TMore than just Bible storytelling, this training follows an oral learner approach designed to help people connect deeply with God. Oral learners make up approximately 80% of the world’s population. Taking this approach can guarantee an effective conversation. 
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn how to begin a conversation with scenarios commonplace in your community. Also, you will be able to share bible stories naturally and facilitate effective conversations about gospel truths including a life changing conversation when the other person says they are ready to follow Jesus.
Special requirements: No special requirements or previous experience required, just an open mind to learn and practice a highly effective framework for conversation.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Nothing needed. 

Maximum number of participants: 25 participants 
Contact the track leader: Jessie Baral +1 732 233 9941 (WhatsApp)(jessie@swg.world)  or  Bibidh Baral +977 984253231 (WhatsApp)(bididhbaral35@gmail.com)

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Track: Ministry Innovation Intensive

Category: Discipleship

Course Description: It is amazing how quickly the world is changing! Effective ministry requires that we share the unchanging message of the gospel in new ways. Paul wrote, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” – 1 Cor 9:22.  Come learn design-thinking skills to be an innovator for a ministry context and with a Biblical perspective.
Training method: Be prepared for interactive dialogue and discussion with both facilitators and fellow learners. There will be practical work as we explore the challenges and opportunities faced by real practitioners. Warning: If you were hoping for a series of lectures, then this is not the right workshop for you.  
Who will benefit from this training?: This Training will benefit anyone who is trying to do something new. If your products or approaches are starting to lose popularity, funding is an issue, or you’re considering expanding to serve new audiences, then this will help you. 
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn approaches for empathizing with your audience, formulate problem statements that address those needs, and ideate and prototype a solution, product, or strategy to scale and grow your impact.
Special requirements: If you have opportunities or challenges you want to address, be prepared to discuss them with the team.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Please bring a laptop to produce a slide deck showcasing your prototype by the end of our track. 

Maximum number of participants:  30
Contact the track leader: Nick Wu (nick@indigitous.org), Kyle Lee (kyle.lee@indigitous.org), Jonah Jala (jonah@indigitous.org)

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Track: Advanced Visual Techniques (Gear and Tech)

Category: Production

Course Description: An image tells a thousand words, and a video does even more. Media can help us effectively communicate the story of our ministry and work to prayer and financial supporters, even in a restricted or sensitive context. While storytelling techniques are the foundation, technical knowledge of our equipment will enable us to build on and utilize it to its fullest potential.
This training will focus on technical details and learning how to fully utilize everything from mobile phones to digital cameras and mirrorless / DSLRs. You’ll learn various skills such as visual language, reading and modifying light, capturing moments, camera settings, editing for storytelling, and more. We will also be discussing which equipment will best fit the needs of your ministry. 
             If you have taken Video 1 or Mobile Production this track will equip you 
             with advanced skills that will enhance what you learned in those courses.

Training method: Classroom lectures that include many practical demonstrations and hands-on shoots.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone who is engaged in ministry, and wants to communicate your work to potential prayer partners, supporters, and donors;  Media practitioners who wish to improve their skills.
What will you learn from this course?: The learning pathway that will help you maximize your equipment and create professional-looking visual content; and areas of continued self-learning to improve visual techniques (even after EMDC).
Special requirements: Have basic to intermediate media skills. A heart to utilize media in telling His story, preserving it for the generations to come.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Reading assignments will be provided a month before EMDC, and each student will also be required to submit 20 images for review. You will need a mobile phone or any device that can capture photos and videos for the sessions. It would be ideal if you have a camera, but not required.

Maximum number of participants: 16
Contact the track leader: Joshua Chew (ablaze.media.prod@gmail.com)

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Track: SE Guide & the Multilingual Assessment Tool

Category: Scripture Engagement

Course Description: Discussion starters that will help the Bible be used.
Even before a new translation is published or even translated there are many things that affect how much it is likely to be used. It is sad to say that once available, there is no guarantee that people will use a new translation in their language. For various reasons it may still not be accepted, understood, or used as translators had hoped.
“Scripture Engagement” is a name Bible translation agencies give to what churches might simply call “meeting God using the Bible”. When the Bible is available it is meant to be used by the whole church, and even read and understood by people who do not yet consider themselves to be Christian. While SE includes a lot of what happens after translation and publishing has taken place it also includes the discussion and planning before new translations and scripture products are made.

The Scripture Engagement Guide website (https://EMDC.guide ) and app both contain a series of valuable discussion starters to help churches and translation teams understand some of the common challenges and explore what can be done. 

In addition the Multilingual Assessment Tool helps us have meaningful conversations with communities which will guide decisions about Scripture Engagement and Translation goals.

This workshop will give you time to learn about the two tools, explore the materials for yourself, discuss them with others, and practice using them. Some of the content may be new to you, others things you may have known were important but didn’t know quite how to raise them with the local community.
Training method: Hands on exploration and practice using the tools, with an opportunity to discuss with those developing them.
Who will benefit from this training?: This will benefit SE specialists and consultants, program planners, funders, and those on the ground in a current Bible translation or Scripture Engagement program
What will you learn from this course?: You will be introduced to content that will aid in key participatory decision making about translation and SE strategy. You will participate in, and practice facilitating discussions.
Special requirements: Participants will arrive with different levels of knowledge and experience. We will send out a short questionnaire ahead of time to better understand your needs. 
How to prepare and what to bring along: Viewing some of the material at emdc.guide will help you decide if you wish to attend. It will help to arrive with a specific audience/community in mind and how they use their languages.

Maximum number of participants: 45
Contact the track leader: Peter Brassington (peter_brassington@sil.org), or Maik Gibson(maik_gibson@sil.org)

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Track: Social Media

Category: Communication, Publishing, 

Course Description: Social media is a part of everyday life for more than 4.8 billion people, making it one of the largest communities in the world. When you learn how to use this powerful tool, you can reach the previously thought unreachable in almost every tribe and nation. Taught by MII (Media Impact International) and Indigitous, this course is a masterclass (with certification from MII University) based on a curriculum that is designed for equipping MII’s global ministry partners in the best practices, and tools for spreading the Gospel digitally. You’ll also learn how to follow-up with your responders and to eventually encourage them toward Christian Community.
Training method: The training includes both teaching and workshop sessions. The teaching sessions will cover strategy and tactics. The workshop sessions will help you learn how to create campaigns, use tools, and deploy techniques hands-on, with real-life examples and Q&A.
Who will benefit from this training?: Social media facilitators, content creators, ministry leaders, follow-up teams, and evangelism/discipleship strategists.
What will you learn from this course?:In this course, you will learn:

Best practices and tools of digital marketing used for proclaiming the Gospel

How to use social media for ministry, with real-life examples and case studies

How top social media platforms work, with top strategies for each of them

How to design a social media campaign: persona, content, spiritual journeys

How to run organic and paid social media campaigns

How to design a follow up process & engage with your audience

How to use AI in social media

How to measure and analyze your social media efforts… and more

How to use AI in social media

How to measure and analyze your social media efforts… and more

Special requirements: No special requirements.
How to prepare and what to bring along:

List the social media platforms that you use (or plan to use) for  your ministry.

List the top 3 challenges that you currently face when trying to use social media for ministry.

List the top 3 new things you’d like to learn during the training.

If you have a laptop or a tablet, please bring it with you to the training as there will be plenty of practical assignments.

Maximum number of participants: No Limit
Contact the track leader: Natchi Lazarus – MII International Marketing Strategist (natchi@mii.global)

 

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You can attend both pre-EMDC and post-EMDC.  But you only attend one Track in pre and one in post.