The landscape of faith communication in Latin America is preparing for a major event. Leaders, pastors and media representatives gathered at the Barceló Hotel in Guatemala City for the official launch of COICOM Plus Guatemala 2026. The Ibero-American Confederation of Christian Communicators and Media (COICOM) formally launched preparations for its next international congress, scheduled for Nov. 9-11 in Guatemala.
The gathering marked COICOM’s return to Guatemala after more than two decades and focused on challenges facing the contemporary church in the region, including misinformation, generational leadership gaps and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
A historic return after 22 years
Guatemala’s selection as host for the November congress carries historical significance for the organization. In his remarks, Dr. Arnold Enns, COICOM’s international executive president, reflected on the organization’s past events in the country.
“Twenty-two years ago, we held the last COICOM congress here in Guatemala. In 2004, at the Grand Tikal Futura, we held the COICOM congress, and four years earlier, in 2000, we held the first COICOM congress here in Guatemala.”
Organizers described the return as part of a broader effort to respond to spiritual and social challenges across Latin America. They said preparing an event of this scale requires cooperation among local churches and ministry leaders.
“We have understood that in order to hold a COICOM congress, we must pass through the gates of the city and the gates of the nation,” Enns said. “The gates of the nation are guarded by the pastors and leaders of the country.”
The challenge of a “clear vision”
The theme for this year’s congress, “A Clear Vision,” addresses concerns about information overload and the loss of ethical and spiritual reference points in society.
Speakers also presented data on public perceptions of churches in Latin America, highlighting what they described as a growing disconnect between congregations and society.
According to statistics shared during the event:
- 74% of non-churchgoers believe the church adds no value to society.
- 34% believe the church has no relevance in modern times.
Organizers said the congress will focus on national transformation, the Great Commission and ministry to younger generations.
The four pillars of COICOM 2026
COICOM’s board identified four central themes that will guide the November congress:
- Encounter with God — a call to return to foundational Christian teachings.
- Generational change — addressing leadership transition between generations.
- New technologies — encouraging churches and ministries to engage more intentionally with digital tools and artificial intelligence.
- Humanity and unity — strengthening cooperation among pastors, communicators, business leaders and civil society organizations.
Pastor Dr. Luis Fernando Solares, a longtime figure in Christian broadcasting in Guatemala, emphasized what he described as the authenticity and relevance of COICOM’s mission.
Generational transition in Latin America
One of the main topics discussed during the event was the demographic imbalance in church leadership across Latin America. Speakers noted that while much of the region’s population is young, leadership structures remain concentrated among older generations.
“The challenge before us is enormous,” Enns said. “Sixty-five percent of the Latin American population is under 35 years old. However, 70% of evangelical leaders in Latin America are 45 years old or older.”
Dr. Mynor Vargas, chairman of the board and a founding member of COICOM, said leadership transition should be viewed as an institutional responsibility rather than an honorary gesture.
While introducing members of the board, Vargas highlighted both experienced leaders and younger professionals, including journalist Javier Bolaños, director of Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
Missionary Carlos Vargas, director of Hope of Life International, spoke from the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. He said younger leaders are capable of managing large-scale social and humanitarian initiatives.
Vargas also challenged churches to engage more directly with vulnerable communities.
“We talk so much about love and what we are going to do, but love is never seen; they are only words,” Vargas said. “We speak about it within four walls, but how many have gone outside those four walls?”
Technology adoption and social impact
Another major theme was the church’s use of digital technology. Organizers said many churches embraced digital tools during the COVID-19 pandemic but later returned to traditional approaches.
“During the pandemic everyone turned to digital platforms and media,” Enns said. “The pandemic passed, and everyone went back to their old ways. The church still has not purposefully embraced new technologies, and there is still some fear surrounding artificial intelligence.”
A moving testimony
Alex Mejía, vice chairman of the board and general coordinator of COICOM USA, shared a personal testimony about a recent accident in which he suffered a serious facial injury while playing tennis.
Mejía said the experience led him into deep spiritual reflection during several nights in the hospital. He said he initially struggled with anger and frustration before recognizing pride in his own life.
He later compared the functioning of the human body to the need for unity within the church, arguing that pride is often a major source of division.
Reflecting on his years working with Univision Radio and Univision TV, Mejía encouraged pastors and communicators to use their gifts and platforms intentionally in ministry.
Theological perspective of the launch
The event concluded with a theological reflection and prayer led by Solares, who emphasized the importance of authenticity in ministry and communication.
“The authenticity of a ministry has the full support of God,” Solares said. “If we want something to have relevance and lasting impact, then what we do must be authentic and born from the heart.”
Local leaders closed the event by committing to support the upcoming congress, which organizers said will bring together more than 60 speakers from across the region to encourage collaboration, leadership development and social engagement throughout Latin America.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
