Innovative Media

By Kenn L. Dixon

Every moment we live is an opportunity to use the talents God gives to help others. I want to thank you, the Texas Conference, and the constituents for the honor of serving and using the skills God has provided our team to assist you for the past four years.

On a recent Sabbath, a church member expressed appreciation and pride for the news and updates we provide during our monthly show, “TEXTalk.” Just one of the many innovative and creative projects launched during the past four years, TEXTalk allows members to hear from the Texas Conference president and me about the Texas Conference Executive Committee’s actions and upcoming events and projects. We also produce other talk shows, worship experiences and podcasts. We must remain relevant in this challenging time when technology is constantly changing.

The Texas Conference Communication & Public Relations team provides topquality media productions in our full-service conference studio and through our on-location mobile media production truck. We want to provide the very best production service for each event.

The need to continue investing in technological innovations brings us to a turning point, and I see connectedness within our territory. The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), along

KENN L. DIXON Vice President

with our studio and production resources, allows us to create incredible content that is engaging and informative.

I’m so grateful for the team that supports every department, church, school, pastor and teacher within the Texas Conference and for their continued support in membership growth, volunteerism and community support.

Our goal, as a team of digital content specialists, graphics designers, videographers, video editors, copywriters and marketing and communication personnel, is to share the diverse stories, people and experiences around the Texas Conference that will connect people to Christ in digital spaces.

This department is also responsible for crisis management and for protecting our reputation throughout our vast territory. Technology helps to protect our brand while notifying us of media opportunities involving our churches and schools. Good public relations enables good marketing for Seventh-day Adventists in Texas. Our mission is to protect and multiply our reach across social media by creating engaging content that shares the love of Jesus Christ.

As we wait for the second coming, we are actively recruiting skilled talent and researching better tools and strategies to keep the mission of the Texas Conference moving forward. With you, the constituency, in mind, we created the Texas Conference App, TXSDA. From events, to push notifications, to a prayer wall, to live streaming content—on our App, conference sites, social media, Apple TV and Roku devices—we want to keep you informed and educated on how we are stewarding trusted resources.

The reach of our Texas Conference social channels has increased 300 percent since we aggressively launched content, creation and strategy. The total number of viewer hours on our YouTube channel since 2020 has reached 1.7 million. We understand the need to connect with specific audiences, and we continue to focus on creating intelligent strategies that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based.

Our social channels are extra active during our annual Determined Cycling tour to various parts of the Texas Conference. Dedicated cyclists ride approximately 400 miles in six days, promoting health and raising funds for a Texas Conference Adventist Education Endowment. When we reach the goal of $1.5 million, the interest will create scholarships to assist students who want to attend a Texas Conference school.

The Texas Conference Communication & Public Relations team believes that our greatest asset is not the cameras or computers we use to tell stories, but you—all 65,934 members of the Texas Conference. You are an essential member of our team. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

EDUCATION