Track 2
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 3
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 4
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 5
Building Apps with Scripture App Builder

Category: Production

Course Description: How do I build contextually appropriate apps with Scripture App Builder? We will show you how to take Bible text and audio (in one or more languages) and turn them into a smartphone app. There will be time to work on a practical app project of your choice, and you will see examples of what others have done around the world.

Topics covered will include:

• How to build an app with Scripture App Builder
• Designing your app to be appropriate to the intended audiences
• Synchronizing text and audio, so that phrases are highlighted as they are read
• Designing attractive app icons, splash screens and other app graphics
• Including multiple Bible translations and scripts within the same app
• Song books, Bible studies and Contents menus
• Glossary entries and cross references
• Verse of the Day, and push notifications
• Embedding video, such as YouTube videos or JESUS film clips
• Deep linking to specific pages in the app from outside the app
• Understanding copyright and licensing
• Including Analytics within your app, and how to view the data on app usage
• Online and offline distribution methods, and promotion on social media
• Understanding the difference between Android and iOS apps and how to publish them on the app stores.
• Checking that an app is ready to publish.

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

Training method: Software demonstrations and hands-on practice
Who will benefit from this training?:  You might be new to building apps and want to learn to create your first app. Or you might be an existing user of Scripture App Builder and you want to get a better understanding of some of the more advanced and newer features in the software in order to improve your apps. You do not need to be a computer programmer – no coding is required.
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn how to create a Bible app with Scripture App Builder, with appropriate features and content for your context.
Special requirements: You should come with translated Bible text (in Paratext format), Bible stories or Bible studies (in Microsoft Word format). If there is an audio recording of some of the text, that would be ideal. You do not have to have a whole Bible or New Testament; if you have just one book or a few chapters translated, you can still build an app. What is important, however, is that you have permission to distribute the content.
How to prepare and what to bring along:  Please bring with you:

• a computer (with several GB of free space on your hard disk);
• an Android smartphone (Note: 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 the smartphone to your computer;
• earphones/headphones to watch training videos and work on text-audio synchronization;
• any data that you want to use to build into an app (e.g. 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 6
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 7
OneStory Chronological Bible Storying – Crafting Oral Bible Stories and Using Them

(This Track is no longer available)

 

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Track 8
Foundations of Digital Disciple Making 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 9
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 10
Alpha Tiles

Category: Production, Distribution

Course Description: In this course, students will learn how to build a correctly structured “language pack” for the  Alpha Tiles app. The Alpha Tiles app is a literacy games app for Android phones. It includes more than 100 games and has been localized into 78 languages. https://alphatilesapps.org/
Training method: This is a hands-on course. We will work with your language data to create or update language packs. Course staff will assist you in building the final app with Android Studio.
Who will benefit from this training?: This course is ideal for individuals who are interested in localizing Alpha Tiles into a new language.
What will you learn from this course?: Students will learn how all of the elements of a language pack relate to the games and features of the Alpha Tiles app.
Special requirements: This course is for literacy workers, linguists and others who support language development projects. Students should have some familiarity with GoogleSheets and with Audacity.
How to prepare and what to bring along: How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring a laptop with ≥ 4 GB RAM. If possible, watch this 9-minute video prior to arriving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-HAUAc6tAg.

Maximum number of participants: 10
Contact the track leader: Aaron Hemphill (aaron_hemphill@sil.org)

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Track 11
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 12
Community Health Evangelism (CHE) 

(This Track is no longer available)

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Track 13
PTX Print

Category: Production, 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 participants 
Contact the track leader: Mark Penny –  ptxprint_support@sil.org 

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Track 14
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 15
Foundations for Refugee Ministry

Category: Evangelism, Scripture Engagement, Discipleship, Refugee

Course Description:People who have fled their homes because of violence, hatred, and persecution are 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 complex challenges, difficult decisions, and unique realities. 
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. 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 16
AI Tools in Kingdom Ministry

Category: Media, Scripture Engagement, Translation

Course Description:This course, organized by an AI team from SIL, is designed to delve into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various domains pertinent to ministry work, including media, Scripture engagement, and Bible translation. It offers a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, tailored for individuals who are keen to explore the application of AI to God’s Mission.
Training method: This workshop will feature a combination of presentations, group discussions, and exercises allowing you to get hands-on experience with AI tooling. This will not be a comprehensive “how to” training course, but will focus on giving you ideas, inspiration, and basic tools so that you can experiment and discover applications and strategies relevant to your specific ministry contexts.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone who wants to learn more about Artificial Intelligence and its possible applications in ministry work. It is aimed at participants who are comfortable with computers, but may not have any direct experience with programming or creating AI applications and are curious to know more.
What will you learn from this course?: An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its various subdomains

• How Machine translation may be used to draft texts in 1,000 or more languages
• Checking Bible drafts with Augmented Quality Assessment (AQuA)
• Using Massively Multilingual (M2) chatbots – for evangelism and discipleship
• Retrieval Augment Generation (RAG) for chatbot interaction with documents
• Text to Speech (TTS) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for minority languages
• Image and video augmentation and generation
• Discussions on best practices and ethics when interacting with AI technology and applying it to our areas of work

Special requirements: Being comfortable with computers, and a willingness to learn by writing and running simple code applications.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring a laptop. Prepare by experimenting with some of the popular AI applications – ChatGPT, DALL·E, etc.

Maximum number of participants: 40
Contact the track leader: Mark Woodward – mark_woodward@sil.org

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Track 17
Contextualized Scriptwriting

(This Track is no longer available)

 

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Track 18
Mobile Production

Category: Production, Communication

Course Description:  The tremendous adoption of mobile devices as well as popular media sharing platforms like social media provides incredible ministry opportunities using people’s second heart language – the language of media. This introductory level, hands-on workshop will teach you how to shoot powerful still images and videos, then use these to create engaging visual media using your smartphone. The emphasis will be on using available, accessible tools to tell powerful stories. No experience required, just a willingness to grow as a creator!
Training method: Mostly practical / exercises
Who will benefit from this training?: This for anyone interested in creating compelling visual content for ministry purposes using smartphones and other widely available and affordable tools.
What will you learn from this course?: How to create media content using just a mobile phone, freely available apps, and some inexpensive, basic equipment.
Special requirements: A smartphone, a desire to learn.
How to prepare and what to bring along: You must have your own mobile phone (smartphone, not feature phone) capable of taking video and still images. You will be requested to download and install specific apps to your phone prior to the course (details will be provided). You should also bring any other equipment you may already own (a microphone, tripod, etc.)..

Maximum number of participants: 15
Contact the track leader: Jeff Gregory – jeff.gregory@eu.agwm.org

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Track 19
Creating Books with Bloom

(This Track is no longer available) 

 

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POST-EMDC (1-4 June) TRACKS

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Track 20
Video Production Level 1: Producing Short Films

Category: Production

Course Description: Learn to produce short films for evangelism, marketing, or fundraising.
Training method: Both theoretical and practical training
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone who is interested in producing media for their ministries.
What will you learn from this course?: In this course you will learn to script, storyboard, and produce a short film. You will leave this training with your own short film you can use in your ministries!
Special requirements: No prior media production experience necessary
How to prepare and what to bring along: Please bring any phone, camera and/or laptop equipment you will be using. We may have some equipment available for those that do not have their own.

Maximum number of participants:30
Contact the track leader: Darin Dunn – darindunn@gmail.com, 

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Track 21
Artist Training: For anyone!

Category: Production

Course Description: This workshop is designed for anybody who would like to experience learning how to draw or training others how to draw. This training will help you discover what is the most appropriate way to train yourself or others to be artists in your context. You will be able to draw basic objects, animals, and human figures in your own style and have a model to train others!
Training method: Practical experience, a lot of exercises: participatory learning.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone who is interested in drawing or training others how to draw.
What will you learn from this course?:You will learn how to draw basic objects, animals, and human figures in your own style and learn the basic method on how to train others how to draw.
Special requirements: A desire to learn.
How to prepare and what to bring along: We will supply basic art materials for the training but if you have art materials that you would like to use, feel free to bring them.

Maximum number of participants: 15
Contact the track leader: Thitima Wannabamrung – Thitima.w@wycliffethailand.org

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Track 22
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 23
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 24
Max7 – Animated Video Dubbing

Category: Production

Course Description: You will be taught to dub animated videos from the Gospels in a language of your choice with its available Scripture audio. You will go home with short animated videos completed to share and the skills to finish the entire set of 39 videos and more available from max7.org. Most of the videos are 2-4 minutes in length. Each video has 6-8 verses of Scripture.
Training method: This will be a very hands-on and practical training where students will receive help to put these videos into another language. A sound effects library will be available to use as well as options for background music. You may also bring your own.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone desiring to produce animated videos about Jesus for kids and adults would benefit from this course. You do not need to be an expert video editor to do this. Basic computer skills are all that is required. The length of the videos (short) makes them easy to share with others from phone to phone.
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn the skills to dub animated videos using available Scripture audio, take home several completed videos to share, finished during the training, and be able to easily complete the rest of the set of 39 and more on your own time afterwards.
Special requirements: Video editing software is required for this course. There are video templates available in Sony Movie Studio (now called Magix Movie Studio). There is a 30-day trial version of this that will let everyone learn in the course, then purchase later, download here.
If a student does not have access to that software and does not wish to purchase it ($70USD), Shotcut will be provided, download here, and templates available for use in creating this set of videos. Shotcut is a free, open source, cross-platform video editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.
If a student has another preferred piece of video editing software they already know how to use, all component pieces of these videos will be provided including sound effects, music options, and the videos.
How to prepare and what to bring along:Bring with you:

• Laptop with video editing software (Sony/Magix Movie Studio, or Shotcut, or your own video editing software with the expertise to use it)
• Headphones or earbuds
• Basic computer skills (you do not need to be an expert video editor to do this)
• Scripture audio in the language for which you wish to create these videos. See this Scripture Listing for the audio required. Bible.is is a great audio resource to freely download the Scriptures you may need.
• Background Music – if you want your own.

Maximum number of participants: 25
Contact the track leader: Joel Groening – joel_groening@sil.org

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Track 25 
AI-4-ALL!

Category: Production, Media

Course Description: AI is an “Assistant”; AI is ready to help you and your organization; AI is here — for ALL — and here to stay !!   Learn now, Learn together !! 
Our primary goal is to explore AI-4-GOD in each participant’s organization/ministry/mission … with a special emphasis on Content Creation, and more !!

• 12-16 Learning Modules/Sessions (see below) and discussions/interactivity to help understand widely and use AI effectively … through-out your ministry/missions !!
• Group/Personal projects will guarantee that what is learned is put into practice, with tangible results+experience for all !!
• SABDA has a competent/experienced team to help — for teaching, discussions, projects, and consultations too. 
• This course/material is based upon SABDA’s 30yrs of Digital Ministry/Experience, and specifically on this past year (Mar 2023-Mar 2024) of SABDA conducting/leading over 50+ different AI based Sessions/trainings/workshops, mostly in Indonesia(n).

Training method:The basic class pattern for each of the four days will be as follows:

• Morning: 8:00-8:30 am: Morning BibleStudy/Devotionals (AI-Assisted)  
• Morning: 8:30-12:00 am: Information/Teaching/Theory/Presentations/ 3-4 sessions per day (45 min to an hour each), along with interactivity/discussions.
• Afternoons: 1:00-4:00 pm: Application/Interaction/HandsOn/Discussions – Group Discussion/Projects/Activities, plus Personal Projects.
• New and creative learning methodologies will be introduced(/tried/used) including flipped class, tandem teaching, AI-First, and more (from AI+Education).

Who will benefit from this training?:ALL will benefit, … ie, AI-4-ALL … AI-4GOD !!
Not just you, but your organization/ministry/mission will also benefit tremendously, as well as most importantly, those whom you serve and minister to !!
What will you learn from this course?:SABDA will offer over a dozen major sessions/topics,

Including: 

•   AI-4-GOD / AI Foundations/Basics / AI Quotient   
  • AI Why / AI What / AI How   
  • AI is the Future / AI-4-ALL
•   AI Content Creation (1,2,3),   
  • AI Content Multiplication/Derivatives (1,2),
•   F.O.C.U.S., AI Prompting,   
  • AI Prompting Strategies,   
  • AI Media Prompting, AI WorkFlow(s)   
  • AI Roadmaps (for our Organizations)
•  AI Squared / AI and Bible Study   
  • AI and Bible / AI and Bible Translation   
  • AI and Education   
  • AI 4 Ministry/Missions / AI 4 Church
• AND, “HandsOn” implementation via Group/Personal projects !!

Special requirements: None, except a desire to learn and to explore/see AI being used for God — AI-4-GOD !!
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring yourself, bring a laptop, and a readiness to learn/share/discuss and willing to have fun !!
IF you already have ideas of what kind of Content you want to create, or specific things to learn, even better.
[[AND… one tip, if possible join this class with a friend, or co-worker from your organization for even greater impact/results !!]]

Maximum number of participants: No Limit
Contact the track leader: SABDA Tim (sabda4god@gmail.com) or WA  62 8180 437 3625

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Track 26
Trauma Healing – Initial

Category: Discipleship

Course Description:  This proven model of the Trauma Healing Institute uses applied Scripture and mental health principles to address spiritual and emotional wounds caused by trauma of war, violence, natural disasters, and abuse. The book “Healing the Wounds of Trauma: How the Church Can Help” has been translated and taught in 112 countries with more than 142 language groups in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. Cost of the book is $7.99 Print or $5.99 ePub for the Healing the Wounds of Trauma: Facilitator Guide for Healing Groups (Stories from Africa) 2021 edition.
Training method: We will be using the Participatory Method for facilitating the equipping. This will involve small group discussions, art, drama, other activities, and practice facilitation
Who will benefit from this training?: This session is open to laypeople and clergy, mental health professionals, social justice advocates, NGO workers, and others who would like to explore becoming a trauma healing facilitator.
What will you learn from this course?: At this initial equipping session, participants learn basic biblical and mental health principles related to trauma care. They will explore if they themselves are carrying any wounds of trauma or loss and bring those to Christ for healing. They will learn how to lead small groups and develop plans for using what they have learned in their community.
Special requirements / Necessary Qualifications:

• Able to communicate in English.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have sufficient status to teach others in a community.
• Committed to help trauma survivors.
• Able to dedicate time to lead trauma healing groups.
• Able to attend the entire session.

How to prepare and what to bring along:  (Not required to read before the workshop, but would be helpful to read:)

• Attend all the sessions.
• Come ready to participate, share your experiences, and open your heart to God’s Word and the mental health material.
• You will have an opportunity to facilitate two short sessions near the end of the training. These practice facilitations will be evaluated.
• There will be an open-book test over basic concepts in the materials
• All supplies will be provided.
• All participants need to purchase a copy of the “Healing the Wounds of Trauma” handbook, preferably a print version and have it on hand during the TH1 training. It can be purchased through Bibles.com at these links:  HWT handbook (Print) or HWT handbook (ePub)

Maximum number of participants: 18
Contact the track leader: Michael Wan – michael_wan@sil.org

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Track 27
Story Based Trauma Healing  – Initial Equipping

Category: Discipleship

Course Description: “Healing the Wounds of Trauma” is a proven program that applies Scripture and mental health principles to address spiritual and emotional wounds caused by trauma of war, violence, natural disasters, and abuse. Story-based Trauma Healing adapts “Healing the Wounds of Trauma” for people with low literacy and/or people who prefer learning and communicating orally.
Training method: We will employ the participatory learning model which means that learning will be experiential and hands-on.
Who will benefit from this training?:This material can be used by church leaders, laypeople, mental health professionals and anyone else who ministers to people who have experienced emotional trauma.
What will you learn from this course?: Participants will explore their own heart wounds while learning to care for others who need emotional and spiritual healing. We will discuss caring for those who are grieving, learning to trust God in adversity, bringing our pain to Jesus, and how and why to forgive others. This learning will take place through hearing oral stories and discussing questions, participating in various related activities, and learning and practicing group facilitation skills.
Special Requirements:  Participants must be present and actively involved in all sessions of the training process. They will receive digital materials in advance, with an assignment to begin learning the two stories they will be asked to tell as part of their practice facilitation.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Come ready to participate, share your experiences, and open your heart to God’s Word and the mental health material. Let people know that during the sessions your phone will be off, and that you can communicate only during breaks. Pray that God would prepare your heart for what He wants you to learn during this time.

Maximum number of participants:  24

NOTE: This is a 5-day class and will use the free day of 31 May as the extra day
Contact the track leader: Amy Fields – amy_fields@sil.org

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Track 28
Local Music and Arts for Better Communication

(This Track is no longer available)

 

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Track 29
Storyweavers for Discipleship

Category: Discipleship, Scripture Engagement

Course Description:  Storyweavers for Discipleship is an interactive training program that is built around engaging with God through Scripture in an oral, learner-friendly way. It equips individuals to help others connect with God by bringing scripture engagement into conversation. This can help us as we accompany our brothers and sisters on their spiritual journey in a way that is relatable, reproducible, and conversational. These conversations are timely and relevant, not only for new believers but also for those who have been following Jesus for years. You will have a chance to practice what you learn using everyday situations that are applicable in the region you serve in. Please join us for this four-day training of learning how to bring Scripture to the center of any conversation.
Training method: This oral learner based conversational framework is taught through a myriad of mediums including lecture style, demonstrations, commutative discussion and debrief, as well as applicable role play practice. 
Who will benefit from this training?: This training is beneficial for those who are seeking to foster practical skills as they engage in relatable and Scripture-based conversations. This also fosters immense spiritual growth and connections, regardless of their level of experience in following Jesus or stage in their spiritual journey. 
What will you learn from this course?: In this course, participants will learn practical techniques to seamlessly integrate Scripture into everyday conversations, identify opportunities for engagement and develop conversational strategies to connect others with God. Hands-on activities and demonstrations of real-life scenarios will enhance communication skills. This course teaches how to make Scripture relatable in conversations and applicable in diverse contexts.
Special requirements: Participants must come willing to participate, learn and engage in practical exercises actively.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring an open mind to not only listen and learn, but also to practice and apply what is taught. 

Maximum number of participants: 25 participants 
Contact the track leader: Ben Baral – etc20501@gmail.com  Jessie Bruccoleri – jessiebruccoleri@storyweaversglobal.org

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Track 30
Digital Bible Library: How To Get Your Text into YouVersion

(This Track is no longer available)

 

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Track 31
Scripturecraft: Mastering Tools for Efficient Bible Translation 

(This Track is no longer available)

 

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Track 32
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 (nick@indigitous.org), Kyle (kyle.lee@indigitous.org), Jonah (jonah@indigitous.org)

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Track 33
Outcome Harvesting

(This Track is no longer available)

 

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Track 34
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 35
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: jennifer_brassington@sil.org or peter_brassington@sil.org

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Track 36
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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Track 37
Quality Assurance with Clear Dashboard

(This Track is no longer available)

 

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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.