CLD Discipleship Orientation

Today, August 16, 2025, Sulipa United Methodist Church became a place of learning, fellowship, and equipping as the Nurture, Outreach, and Witness (NOW) committees of the District gathered together with the officers of the local church councils. The event brought together leaders from different local churches, united by one purpose—to strengthen and guide the ministries of the church through effective leadership and faithful service.

I was deeply honored to take the first part of the orientation, where I shared the highlights of the job descriptions of the officers of the local church council. Leadership in the church is not just about titles or positions; it is a calling to serve God and the community. That is why understanding our responsibilities is vital. I particularly emphasized three key roles:

The Chairperson – who ensures that the council’s work is organized, prayerful, and aligned with the mission of the church.

The Lay Leader – who bridges the clergy and laity, encouraging participation and inspiring spiritual growth within the congregation.

The NOW Ministries (Nurture, Outreach, and Witness) – which embody the holistic mission of the church: nurturing the faith of believers, reaching out to those in need, and witnessing to the transforming power of the Gospel.

Each of these positions carries both privilege and responsibility. When faithfully fulfilled, they help the church grow not just in numbers but in depth of discipleship and impact in the community.

The second part of the program focused on the Lakbayin (Daliasat) Program, which will soon be implemented in every local church. This initiative is designed to strengthen the journey of faith and mission by encouraging every congregation to be intentional in discipleship, community involvement, and evangelism. “Lakbayin” reminds us that the church is not stationary—we are on a journey of faith together, walking with Christ, and walking with one another.

Overall, today’s orientation was more than just a meeting; it was a moment of empowerment and renewal for our church leaders. It is our hope and prayer that every officer and committee member who attended will return to their local churches with a clearer vision, deeper passion, and stronger commitment to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.