The LEAD Conference 2024 commenced at the Costa Resort in Palawan, Philippines, bringing together over 500 leaders and administrators from Adventist organizations across the Philippines as well as from the Southeastern Asia Union Mission (SEUM), which includes delegates from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Conference aims to equip leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective ministry and administration.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Chosen for Mission: Lead Like Jesus.” The sessions opened with a devotional message from Roger Caderma, the president of Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), the Adventist regional headquarters in Southeast Asia. Drawing inspiration from the account of David’s anointing, where God told Samuel, “Arise, anoint him, for he is the one” (1 Samuel 16:12), Caderma Caderma emphasized that all attendees are “the one” chosen for mission, despite personal limitations or weaknesses.
Adventist Leadership and Record-Keeping Strategy
Pastor Mamerto Guingguing, Associate Executive Secretary of SSD, highlighted the importance of intentional record-keeping within the church. He stressed that preserving records is crucial for maintaining the church’s history and heritage, which can inspire and guide future generations. It also serves as a reminder that the church is a prophetic movement with a unique mission.
Record-keeping not only protects data and preserves organizational memory, providing a sense of continuity, but it also assists church leaders in mobilizing members for ministry and mission. Proper records ensure transparency and accountability, building trust within congregations. They are essential for legal compliance, data analytics, promoting efficiency in resource allocation, ultimately minimizing risks and improving decision-making.
Guingguing emphasized that “Record-keeping is not merely an administrative task but a biblical mandate with profound implications for the church’s health and mission. We honor God by keeping an accurate record.”
The Role of the Leader to Put the Mission First
“Leadership is important when fulfilling God’s mission,” emphasized Elder Abner De Los Santos, Vice President for the General Conference (GC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As the church refocuses on mission, it needs good leaders because they create environments where members and pastors can thrive, provide the structure and resources needed to accomplish the mission, and open opportunities for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully through those on the frontlines.
De Los Santos pointed out that a good leader for mission refocusing understands that everyone benefits when a leader improves, and therefore, seeks continuous transformation of character. Such a leader remains focused on the church’s mission prioritizes time management, and ensures a controversy-free environment. A good leader in mission refocusing “understands that church vitality depends on strong leadership characterized by deep commitment, genuine authenticity, and a clear vision.”
As he closed, De Los Santos offered several suggestions for leaders: Refocus on mission, but do not change the mission – change the way you do the mission. Remember, you are human and can learn from others so stay humble and open-minded. Do not attempt to control what is beyond your reach; surrender everything to God. Be mindful! Avoid assuming you have found the best way of doing things and that everything will stay the same. He urged church officers: “Be a leader who is refocused on the mission! Fulfill your role and put the mission first.”
Hedonism in Leadership
Elder Thomas Lemon, Vice President of the world church, addressed the topic of hedonism in leadership. He defined hedonism as living intemperately, self-indulgently, and for self-gratification, illustrating his points with Biblical accounts, including the story of Moses and Aaron.
Moses, though a humble man at the beginning, was raised in wealth and prestige, which led him to feel entitled to respect and authority. It wasn’t until he fled to Midian that he learned true humility and full dependence on God, rather than relying on himself. In contrast, Aaron, though the older brother, was only second in command. When Moses was away on the mountain for an extended period, Aaron succumbed to the people’s demands and made a golden calf to please them.
Lemon cautioned against the dangers of hedonism saying “Hedonism covets or desires inordinately material goods, power, influence, and standing in the community, not for the purpose of spreading the gospel, but for the purpose of spreading oneself. This attitude can turn bitterly against the Lord, the church, and genuine church leaders.”
In closing, Lemon reminded leaders of their calling in God’s end-time remnant church—not for wealth or power, but to be fishers of men – disciple-makers. He highlighted, “Being fishers of men and disciple-makers is the starting point and ending point of ministry. That is why we are who we are, why we do what we do, and why we preach…”
The LEAD Conference opened on September 2, 2024, and continues until September 4.
North Philippine Union Conference