In a significant move to enhance the communication strategies of the Adventist Church in East Indonesia (EIUC), the executive committee of EIUC appointed Pastor Alvianus Saleppang as the new Communication Director. This designation is expected to further develop EIUC’s outreach and engagement efforts within the diverse and dynamic region it serves.
Saleppang, who brings a wealth of experience in ministry and communication, is well-regarded for his dedication and innovative approach to spreading the message of hope and faith. His appointment comes at a time when effective communication is crucial for the church's mission, particularly in a region characterized by its rich culture and varied religious landscape.
With a background that combines pastoral ministry and communication expertise, Saleppang is expected to lead EIUC's communication department with vision. He has previously served in various capacities within the church, demonstrating a strong commitment to disseminating the church's message through both modern and traditional channels.
Saleppang earned his bachelor's degree in theology from Universitas Advent Indonesia (UNAI) in Bandung, studying there from 2007 to 2012. He then pursued his Master's degree at Universitas Klabat in Manado, completing it between 2021 and 2023.
In his early years in ministry, Saleppang joined the One Year in Mission (OYiM) initiative in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD). He served as a coordinator for OYiM from 2015 to 2017. OYiM is a global youth initiative aimed at giving teams of young professionals the opportunity to magnify Jesus in cities worldwide through the Three Angels' Messages. This experience broadened Saleppang's perspective on global church ministry and deepened his sense of mission for the church.
Saleppang also served as a church pastor from 2012 to 2021, and subsequently as the Associate Communication Director of the East Indonesia Union Conference (EIUC) before his current appointment as Communication Director.
"I am blessed to take on this role and serve God through the means of communication and media,” said Saleppang. "I look forward to working with our dedicated team of communicators and young people to enhance our communication efforts, ensuring that our message of love and hope reaches every corner of our region."
EIUC covers a vast territory with diverse communities. Saleppang’s role will involve not only managing the communication channels but also training and equipping local church communicators. His leadership is expected to bring about a renewed focus on utilizing digital platforms and social media to connect with the younger generation and engage with a broader audience.
The EIUC President, Pastor Yotam Bindosano, expressed his appreciation for Pastor Saleppang’s willingness to heed God’s call to further improve EIUC’s communication efforts. “The work in this region is vast, and we need to develop new strategies and find effective ways to share the gospel of hope in this challenging area. In this era of the younger generation, Pastor Saleppang, with the skills that God has given him, will help propagate the gospel in the digital space within this region,” Bindosano said.
The previous Communication Director, Pastor Harry Waworuntu, has now assumed the role of president of the Adventist Church in Central Sulawesi. His transition reflects the church's ongoing commitment to leadership development and strategic appointments that best serve the needs of its members.
As the new Communication Director, Saleppang aims to promote a culture of openness and transparency, ensuring that the church's activities and messages are communicated clearly and effectively. His approach will emphasize storytelling, leveraging the power of personal testimonies and real-life experiences to inspire and inform.
Pastor Alvianus Saleppang is happily married to Darla Mirel Sualang and has two wonderful children, Arion Devan and Aluna Canasya. The family is dedicated to mission work and creating a positive impact in the community through the compassion and love of Jesus.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department