Did you miss it? Best Practices Summit 2025

At this year’s Associated Church Press Best Practices Summit held virtually October 28th, faith-based journalists, editors, and communicators gathered to do what they do best — share stories, ideas, and encouragement. The Summit celebrated a simple truth: when Christian media professionals come together to exchange experience and insight, everyone leaves renewed in both skill and spirit.

At this year’s Associated Church Press Best Practices Summit held virtually October 28th, faith-based journalists, editors, and communicators gathered to do what they do best — share stories, ideas, and encouragement. The Summit celebrated a simple truth: when Christian media professionals come together to exchange experience and insight, everyone leaves renewed in both skill and spirit.


The afternoon opened with conversations about AI in the Christian newsroom, a topic that sparked both curiosity and caution. Participants shared ways they could use AI to “clean the house so you can write” — tackling tasks like transcription, headline testing, or calendar management — while keeping a firm commitment to human oversight. AI can assist but we would not use AI content for byline material. The group also emphasized adopting clear ethical guidelines and transparency in labeling AI-generated material.


A session on storytelling and audience engagement reminded everyone that faith communication thrives on authenticity. From photo essays and podcasts to interactive devotionals and online polls, creative formats are helping audiences connect more deeply with spiritual content. Participants discussed how small experiments — like short daily podcasts or themed micro-newsletters — can expand reach and build trust. Readers don’t just want information ; they want to feel seen and part of a community.


The final discussion focused on sustainability and mission-driven revenue. Faith media is evolving beyond traditional ads and subscriptions toward community-based support, grants, and memberships that align with purpose. Attendees shared ideas such as collaborative grant calendars, member gratitude events, and donor campaigns framed around “why” their journalism matters. People give to what they believe in — we just need to show the impact of that belief in action.


Throughout the Summit, a spirit of generosity and collaboration filled the room. Each conversation, tool, and takeaway reflected the same goal: to strengthen one another as storytellers of faith. As participants left, they carried not only new practices to try but also a renewed sense of connection — a reminder that best practices are, at their heart, shared ones.


Did you miss the Summit?  This new virtual event will be held each fall.  Look here for key takeaways and action items from the 2025 Summit.

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