"An astonishing and remarkable day" was a common thread by the 50 mission agency representatives and bloggers. "The speakers were brilliant with their presentations" was heard over and over during afternoon tea concluding the "One Day in Melbourne – Evangelicals Online" held at the 'Sallies headquarters' in Blackburn.
'One Day in Melbourne—Evangelicals Online' was a one-day gathering for editors, writers, designers, social media mavens, authors, bloggers, self-publishers—anyone in Christian media whose aim is to maximise the Gospel.
It's philosophy was to provide a top of-the-line presentation to the forgotten Christian media: Missionary/mission publication editors, bloggers and small Christian media.
The top of the line presenters gave their time at no cost so as to ensure such mission agencies received a thorough concordant.
Sophia Sinclair – Social Media
Editor Press Service International
Captain Peter Brookshaw—Marketing
Salvation Army Melbourne
Rev Bob Thomas—Platforms
Editor New Life
Mr David Goodwin—Design
Former Editor of On-Fire 'Salvation Army'
Ms Sheelagh Wegman—Editing
Tasmanian Anglican Editor
Captain Peter Brookshaw—Blogging
Salvation Army Melbourne Blogger
Interactive
The sessions were interactive whereby during presentations there was response and, moreover "response there was". This was particularly the case in the hour long Social Media segment where Sophia Sinclair had intermittent 'group sessions' with very specific questions. Brought to the attention of Mission agencies with Social Media were the associated many legal dramas.
Marketing, led by the Salvation Army's Captain Peter Brookshaw noted that Pastors and Teachers are featured prominently in the church whereas Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists, an area that he likened to the history of successful marketing,
Reverend Bob Thomas in his Platform session told his story and how Australia's fortnightly Evangelical Newspaper was unable to sustain the cost factors. They took the momentous step to become digital. What occurred was a cleaner and better product and although he cannot give an exact distribution number due to so many sharing it, but it's way above the former hard copy.
Enlighting
Design was given a thorough hearing as some had come to One Day in Melbourne to focus on this area of publishing Christian magazines 'online'. David Goodwin gave a specialised presentation having been the 'OnFire' editor where design was critical.
Sheelagh Wegman a professional freelance editor and that of the Tasmanian Anglican with a power point highlighted the fundamentals of the editing role with many surprising insights to the appreciation of mission publication representatives. The handout was instructive to say the least.
Captain Peter Brookshaw took the final session on "Blogging". He drew upon his experiences as a Salvation Army blogger where his blogs have reached around the world. Christian blogger John Lemon in the interactive spoke of the nature of social media distribution.
The central theme, above all else, was "quality content".
The gathering
Fifty attended, this number represented 24 separate mission agencies along with bloggers and writers attended. The lunch was provided by Holy Trinity at Doncaster while the Sallies supplied the venue and a wonderful morning and afternoon tea.
The Melbourne gathering wants it held again in 2017, and a "One Day in Sydney – Evangelicals Online" is set for Saturday 13 August. There is discussion under way for other - "One Day in ..... "
Huge thanks to the Sallies June Knop and David Redman. Rosie Timmins was on the welcome desk and the scribe while Bridget Brenton was on the video camera.
"One Day in Melbourne - Evangelicals Online" was a combined effort by Rev Bob Thomas Editor New Life, the Salvation Army's Media Head Dr Bruce Redman and Well-Being Australia's Dr Mark Tronson a Christian Today daily columnist. Mr Basil Sellers AM who supports missionary respite facilities in the Whitsundays and Aldinga Beach (Adelaide) underwrote the necessary expenses for this "one day".
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html