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FROM LINOTYPE TO LIVESTREAM

Posted on Juil 01 2026

FROM LINOTYPE TO LIVESTREAM

[Photo: Dr. Ramon J. Canals, General Conference Ministerial Association Secretary]
The General Conference Ministerial Association Secretary, Dr. Ramon J. Canals has called on the church to be more intentional in the use of technology to drive Mission.   He noted that while technology might have come a long way in terms of intelligence, "without the Holy Spirit, tech is just noise.”
He told delegates at the WAD Bible Conference to leverage on the unique opportunities provided by Digital media to reach out to more people.
He noted that from cassette tapes to artificial intelligence, the church’s tools have changed dramatically, but the mission has not.
Dr. Ramon Canals told leaders at the West-Central African Division Bible Conference and Leadership Summit held in Babcock University that the church’s communication journey called for intentional, Spirit-led use of technology to fulfill the Great Commission.
“The medium may have changed, but the Mission remains the same,” he presenter stated. “When social media is used intentionally, it is the greatest tool the church has ever used to fulfill the Great Commission. When done prayerfully, it is a partnership with purpose.”
He summed his message with key priorities for digital Mission:

1. Communion with God — Digital engagement must flow from a vibrant devotional life.
2. Identity in Christ — Our online voice must be rooted in who we are in Jesus, not in trends.
3. Unity through the Holy Spirit — Technology should build up, not divide, the body of Christ.

Summit Context
The remarks were part of the WAD Bible Conference and Leadership Summit, themed “Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission,” held at Babcock University, June 28 – July 5, 2026. The Summit gathered pastors, communicators, educators, and administrators across the West-Central African Division.
“We’ve moved from linotype to livestream,” the Association concluded. “But the call is still Acts 1:8 — to be witnesses, now with tools our pioneers could only.

Josephine Akarue
Deputy Director of Babcock University’s
Department of Communication, Media and Branding