In order to develop the manpower of the church in the Philippines, the UCG Home Office conducted a two-day Leadership Seminar, through Mr. Doug Horchak and Mr. David Baker, on December 24 and 25 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

Mr. Horchak (who visited the Philippines for the first time) pastors the Dallas and Sherman, Texas congregations and serves on the Ministerial Services Team; Mr. Baker is the Senior Pastor for all of Asia. Sixteen pastors, elders, and wives, plus 45 deacons, deaconesses, and congregational leaders attended, for a total of 61. Most of these men and women serve about 24 active congregations and Bible study groups in the Philippines. We also had one delegate from Sri Lanka, Mr. Rodney VanHeer.

The theme of the Leadership Seminar was based on 2 Timothy 2:15—to “show yourself approved unto God.” The classes taught were the topics that were presented at the U.S. Regional Ministerial conferences in 2007 and 2008. The video presentations during the seminar were taped at the last Regional Conference in Ohio in early December. While Mr. Horchak presented three topics at the conference (Pride and Humility in your Ministry, Leadership and Mentoring Programs, and Speaking at the Feast of Tabernacles), all the rest of the presentations were from the taped presentations. Mr. Baker made introductory comments at the beginning of the two-day seminar and fielded questions at the end of each presentation. There was also an extended Q&A at the end of each day’s presentations.

Here are the topics covered during the two-day seminar:

Wednesday, December 24:

Introduction and Video Comments (Mr. Kilough, Mr. Franks, and Mr. Salyer)
“Introduction to 2 Timothy 1 and 2” (Mr. Clyde Kilough—VIDEO)
“The Importance of Doctrine—First Step in Leadership Development” (Mr. Jim Franks—VIDEO)
“Pride and Humility—How They Affect Your Ministry” (Mr. Doug Horchak)
“Authority and Submission to God’s Government” (Mr. Lyle Welty—VIDEO)
“Teaching as You Have Been Taught” (Mr. Jim Franks—VIDEO)
Concluding Comments and Q&A (Mr. Baker and Mr. Horchak)

Thursday, December 25:

“Leadership Clubs and Mentoring Programs” (Mr. Doug Horchak)
“Examining Yourself and Taking Correction” (Mr. Richard Thompson—VIDEO)
“Creating the Right Environment for Growth” (Mr. Richard Pinelli—VIDEO)
“Personal Integrity and Code of Ethics” (Mr. Richard Thompson—VIDEO)
“Speaking at the Feast” (Mr. Doug Horchak)
“Preaching the Gospel and Preparing a People” (Mr. Jim Franks—VIDEO)
Concluding Comments and Q&A (Mr. Baker and Mr. Horchak)

The presentations were very well received by everyone. The Q&A sessions and discussions were very helpful to many as well. Everyone likewise appreciated the nice seminar location as well as the chance to fellowship with one another. Here are some of the comments and feedback we received:

“The December leadership seminar was well-planned, the topics were properly delivered by each speaker, and the time allotted for every topic was strictly followed. We were all benefited as leaders. Excellent accommodations. Thanks!”
—Manuel Valdez, Kiara, Bukidnon

“Unifying and edifying.”
—David Macaraeg, Davao City

“It was very instructive, especially the topic on speaking at the Feast of Tabernacles by Doug Horchak.”
—James Presbitero, Butuan City

“Seminars are certainly good and helpful, particularly when done more frequently than once a year.”
—Paul Cebrian, Butuan City

“It was a very good conference. The systems used were high tech, the venue and accommodations were top class, and the topics covered were very interesting. I hope the seminar will bear good fruits. Thank you very much.”
—Frank Basilio, Banisilan, Cotabato

“We are thankful to God for giving us the privilege to receive His wonderful opportunity to learn how to serve through the Leadership Seminar held last Dec. 24-25. We are thankful to you our pastor, to Mr. David Baker, Mr. Doug Horchak and all the staff. The seminar was conducted very satisfactorily that we could understand. There were wonderful accommodations for us. The Leaders meeting was excellent in all aspects.”
—Eliza Evaristo, Mati

“Surprising—because we didn’t expect to have our own luxurious room. Enjoyable because we were able to fellowship with other leaders nationwide. Encouraging messages that we can do for this year. Very uplifting because we were able to see the sincerity of our leaders and hear them using the new tech. We are very thankful to God and for the effort of brethren that made the leadership meeting a success.”
—Steve & Linda Budoyan, Mati

“In his opening statements, Mr. Clyde Kilough talked about hearts that must be prepared to serve in spite of insufficiency. We in Mindanao feel that inadequacy because of our limited opportunities to meet together and learn at the feet of worthy mentors. The leadership seminar filled that need. We had the rare privilege of having top men at the home office attending to the business of preparing us to serve God’s people.”
—Merlito Tonog, Kidapawan City

“The aim and purpose of the conference and the ministerial meeting was to help and prepare future leaders for their job in the Work of the Body of Christ, the preaching of the gospel and to nurture God’s people, helping them in their spiritual growth and preparing them for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

“Overall, the ministerial meeting and the leadership conference was a huge success and God be praised for the effort of His ministry.”
—Florante Siopan, Bacolod City

© 2008 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas