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| List of News Articles | |
| Leaders' Forum Tackles 2010 Elections | |
TOPIC Pursues Leadership Training
The Trainers of Pastors International Coalition (TOPIC) continued its pursuit of developing Christlike leaders in the country’s churches and other Christian ministries. This ministry has tasked itself to teach and mentor leaders to be more faithful and passionate in their pastoral and ministry commitment.
TOPIC’s latest activity was the Action Team Consultation held at the Christian Development Center in Tagaytay City, attended by 62 persons, 52 of whom were pastors. It was themed: “Back to Christ and Towards Christlikeness.” The consultation was in preparation for TOPIC’s Core 300 Graduation in 2009 and for making long-term plans (beyond 2009). Through the consultation, TOPIC hoped that the delegates would have “deeper realization for the need to grow in Christlikeness, greater commitment to God and TOPIC Vision and Mission, and greater appreciation to fellowship and co-labor beyond their denominations.”
Dr. Philip Flores, TOPIC national coordinator, reported that the delegates accomplished the consultation’s objectives, through their workshop, personal reflections on their calling and strategic planning on training pastors in their respective regions. The meeting ended with the signing of the CORE 300 Covenant, the washing of one another’s feet, and the symbolic giving of a towel to each one, reminding the delegates that they are His servants.
"Economic Crisis: A Heart Crisis"
Promise Keepers (PK), the PCEC Men’s Commission, organized a Business Summit last November 29, 2008 at the Word of Hope in Quezon City. Themed “Economic Crisis: A Heart Crisis,” the Summit sought to assay the point that the current crisis that the country and many parts of the world are experiencing is caused my man’s departure from God’s truth. It was likewise designed to equip men and women in business with Biblical truths and practical principles to help them survive the economic crisis and to bring God back to the business of business. More than 500 business and church leaders attended the summit conference.
The speakers included well-known personalities in the industry: Dr. Andrew Liuson (co-founder and vice chair of Cityland Development Corp.) who spoke on “Surviving the Economic Crisis” and Mr. BJ Sebastian (senior VP of JG Summit Holdings), “Bringing God Back into Business.” Pastor Rex Resurrection of Passion for Perfection, Inc. also shared biblical insights on the need to have a Christian heart in running business.
The conference made a lasting impact on the participants as they realized the importance of following Christian principles in everything they do, including business transactions, as well as incorporating practical business tenets in other areas of work, including the gospel ministry. Pastor Jun Macuja of Manila shared: “I am not a business person, but I got ideas on how to apply business principles in my work as a minister.” Another delegate said: “Mr. Liuson’s message was so simple yet creative and practical. It is very easy to apply because it’s down to earth.” Still another delegate said: “BJ Sebastian is organized and makes sense. He knows what he’s talking about. His message was balanced, Biblical and practical; straight, clear, short and accurate.”
A group of 53 Filipinos led by the PCEC Women’s Commission made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from November 7 to 17, 2008 and visited important biblical sites in the area. The group was composed of church pastors and workers, and other leaders. They toured famous sites in Israel and Egypt, including the Jerusalem Temple, Cana, Mt. Sinai and Pyramids at Giza. The groups believed that through the tour, they would have a deeper appreciation of God and the His Word, and a greater resolve to live for Him. For them, retracing the steps of Jesus and other characters in the Bible would give a whole new meaning to the Biblical passages.
The women’s group, in its report, said that the participants were touched by the daily devotions led by the pastors as they vividly presented the meaning of the events that transpired in the places the group visited. After listening to the passages, some members made commitments to follow the Lord Jesus while others vowed to take their faith to greater heights. Said one member: “We are celebrating this year our 25th wedding anniversary. We are privileged to be part of the group and renew our wedding at the church in Cana.” Another said: “Mt. Sinai was the peak of my experience. I believe God is preparing me to higher level of ministry.” Another one said: “I am a geologist by profession, and I have all the reason not to believe in God. But God opened my eyes through the prayers of my wife. I am now a pastor and I praise the Lord for this opportunity to walk where Jesus walked.”
The Evangelical Leaders Forum discussed the forthcoming national elections in 2010 and its importance to the nation, during its regular monthly meeting (October 29) at the World Vision office in Quezon City. The 30 participants decided to come with an election guideline to educate the Body of Christ on how to meaningfully participate in the election, an event that would surely affect our future as a nation. The guideline includes practical ways for churches and Christian individuals to join and make their voices heard in various pre-election, election, and post-election activities. The forum was facilitated by Ms. Joy Famador of Christian Convergence for Good Governance (CCGG).
The November meeting was a continuation of the discussion on the proposed election guideline for Christians. Ms. Famador again led the forum and facilitated the discussion on possible revision or additions to the guideline. The group then decided to adopt it and to circulate it among Christian churches and institutions.
The ELF is a monthly gathering of Christian leaders from churches and organizations to have fellowship and sharing as well as take up issues of national importance or vast significance. It is a partnership among PCEC, Philippine Ministerial Fellowship Network (PhilMFeN) and World Vision.
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