By Karren Jay G. Asgar
During his discussion, Rev. Dr. Jalando-on explored the three postures of digital mission, Presence, Proclamation, and Participation, emphasizing that faithful ministry in the online space begins with simply showing up and engaging meaningfully. Photo credits to Silliman University Divinity School.
Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the Office of Communications, delivered a lecture on “Social Media and Mission” during the 65th Church Workers Convocation at Silliman University in Dumaguete City on August 25, 2026.
The convocation gathered around 400 pastors and church workers and coincided with Silliman University’s Foundation Day celebration, themed “Remembering with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Hope.”
Jalando-on’s lecture centered on the convocation theme, “Doing Mission with Jesus,” and explored how churches and Christian workers can engage in mission within an increasingly digital world.
He opened the discussion with the key question: “What does it mean to do the mission of Jesus in a world where over 5.24 billion people are connected to social media?”
Describing social media as a digital mission field, he emphasized that churches must recognize that their communities are already present online. He noted that digital platforms provide opportunities not only for communication but also for sharing the Christian message and engaging people in meaningful ways.
“The same roads that carry fake news can also carry the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ,” he said.
He further emphasized that doing mission with Jesus means not merely doing mission for Him, but doing it with Him. He presented three postures for digital mission: Presence, Proclamation, and Participation.
He also shared a personal testimony through “Seeds of Faith,” a ministry of weekly devotional reflections that began 16 years ago as a simple email sent to a small group. The initiative has since grown into seven published volumes used across Central Philippine University and Baptist churches.
“It does not have to be spectacular. It has to be faithful,” he highlighted.
He concluded his message with a call to recognize Christian workers as “sent ones,” reminding participants that the mission of the Church extends into the digital spaces where people live, communicate, and seek information.
Through the lecture, Rev. Dr. Jalando-on encouraged pastors and church workers to embrace social media not simply as a communication tool, but as another avenue for presence, witness, participation, and faithful mission with Jesus.
The 65th Church Workers Convocation of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) is sponsored by the Silliman University Divinity School led by their Dean, Rev. Dr. Lope Robin.