November 22 | Budva, Montenegro [Griselda Rosales with tedNEWS]
tedNEWS (TN): What did you like most about GAiN Europe 2024?
Griselda Rosales (GR): Is it too cliché to say that people were my absolute favorite aspect of GAiN? The direct conversations I had with attendees from various countries, each bringing different levels of experience and distinct creative perspectives, were nothing short of inspiring. Whether it was in the hallways, waiting in line for food, or sitting next to one another during presentations, these spontaneous interactions fostered a sense of community that virtual meetings via Zoom could never replicate. The immediate feelings of empathy, care, and respect that permeated the atmosphere were extraordinary, and I haven’t witnessed such a depth of connection at other events, particularly within the realm of communication and production. This remarkable understanding of the shared challenges in media within our church serves as a profound unifier.
TN: Is there a particular lecture or workshop you connected with?
GR: I made a point to attend every presentation focused on film and documentary production, and I found it to be highly motivating. Witnessing the remarkable diversity in content, tone, approach, audience, and method was enlightening. Moreover, I profoundly connected with the main message shared on Sabbath morning about Jesus being the living vine and we being the branches. This essential reminder of our connection to the source of life resonated deeply with me as I engaged with others.
I have to commend the brilliant initiative to incorporate young creatives into this event, encouraging them to progress in their ministry and showcasing to seasoned professionals that these emerging voices have valuable and innovative ideas.
Dusanka Rancic, Editor of Stanborough Press, and Marianne Penner, Communication and Media Director for the South France Conference, served as continuity presenters, facilitating the plenary sessions with expertise.
TN: Is there any shared idea that could be applied to your ministry?
GR: Numerous ideas shared during GAiN would be incredibly beneficial for my ministry. I want to emphasize the implementation of church ambassadors, as highlighted by Robert Berghan from Australia at FaithFM. This approach could effectively connect Hope Channel viewers with local church communities, promoting engagement and outreach.
Additionally, Pastor Wayne Erasmus stressed the importance of metaphors for contextual communication. His insights resonated with me as a crucial element for addressing various challenges in my ministry’s context.
Mavis Bramble, who serves as the South England Conference office secretary for multiple departments, and Wayne Erasmus, the newly appointed St. Albans pastor, both expressed their enthusiasm upon arriving at GAiN Europe ’24. Observing in the background, Peter Larson, Communication & Media Director of the Danish Union of Churches Conference, added to the vibrant atmosphere.
TN: What do you think and understand about the overall GAiN theme of “connected deep and wide”?
GR: In my perspective, the theme of this year’s GAiN, “Connected, Deep and Wide,” was truly realized through not only personal interactions with fellow communicators, producers, and creatives but also in the thoughtful analysis and discussions surrounding various scenarios and potential solutions aimed at a common purpose.
It also became evident in our collective quest for connection with Christ, our natural and living vine — the ultimate source of life and truth. This desire to reach out widely and engage with individuals beyond our immediate circle was palpable throughout the event.
Griselda Rosales, representing the Iceland Conference, was honored with an Excellence in Communication Award at the 2023 European GAiN conference for her contributions.
TN: For the next GAiN Europe, is there anything you would like to see that could enhance your experience?
GR: With great anticipation for attending next year, I pragmatically understand the potential logistical challenges. However, I cannot think of anything significant to improve, aside from perhaps including an afternoon trip to explore the scenic areas surrounding the hotel where our meetings were held, reminiscent of last year’s enjoyable bus excursions.
Photos: Tor Tjeransen/ Adventist Media Exchange (CC BY 4.0) and David Neal.
How can the lessons learned at GAiN Europe 2024 be applied to enhance community engagement within church ministries?
**Interview with Griselda Rosales: Insights from GAiN Europe 2024**
*Date: November 22, 2024*
*Location: Budva, Montenegro*
**tedNEWS (TN): What did you like most about GAiN Europe 2024?**
**Griselda Rosales (GR):** I think it may sound cliché, but the people truly were the highlight of GAiN for me. The conversations I had with attendees from different countries, each bringing unique experiences and creative viewpoints, were incredibly inspiring. Whether chatting in the hallways, waiting for meals, or during presentations, these spontaneous interactions cultivated a sense of community that virtual meetings just can’t replicate. The atmosphere brimmed with empathy, care, and respect, which created a level of connection I haven’t seen at other events in the communication and production space. The shared challenges in our media within the church really unite us.
**TN: Was there a particular lecture or workshop that resonated with you?**
**GR:** Absolutely! I prioritized attending every session on film and documentary production. The range of content, approaches, and audience engagement was enlightening. I particularly connected with a message shared on Sabbath morning about Jesus being the living vine and we being the branches. This profound reminder about our connection to the source of life resonated deeply, especially as I connected with others at the conference. I also appreciate the initiative to include young creatives, which not only encourages their growth but also highlights the fresh, innovative ideas they bring to the table.
**TN: Are there any concepts you plan to incorporate into your ministry from the conference?**
**GR:** Definitely! One promising idea is the implementation of church ambassadors, which Robert Berghan from Australia discussed. This model could greatly enhance connections between Hope Channel viewers and local church communities, improving outreach and engagement. Additionally, Pastor Wayne Erasmus emphasized the power of metaphors in contextual communication, which I believe is vital for addressing various challenges we face in ministry. His insights were particularly impactful for me.
**TN: Any final thoughts on the event?**
**GR:** I want to commend the excellent facilitation of the plenary sessions by Dusanka Rancic and Marianne Penner. Their expertise provided continuity and a rich learning environment throughout the conference. GAiN Europe 2024 was an invaluable experience, fostering both professional growth and deep connections within our community.
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This interview showcases the key moments and insights from GAiN Europe 2024, reflecting the depth of connection and the sharing of innovative ideas among church communication professionals. For more information about GAiN Europe, you can visit [tedNEWS](https://ted.adventist.org/news/attend-gain-europe-for-free/) [[1](https://ted.adventist.org/news/attend-gain-europe-for-free/)].