CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — More than 700 Children’s Ministries (ChM) leaders representing the 13 districts of Samar Mission gathered for an integrated leadership training program held on February 27–28, 2026, at the Calbayog Adventist Center Church.
Organized under the leadership of East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) Children’s Ministries Director Mrs. Melodie Mae Inapan and Samar Mission Children’s Ministries Director Mrs. Grace Intanto, the two-day program brought together ChM leaders, church elders, and ministry workers to strengthen their commitment to nurturing children in the church.
The training, themed “One Mission, One Ministry: Integrating Children’s Ministries, Stewardship, and Elder Leadership,” focused on three key areas: orienting ChM leaders on what constitutes an effective local church children’s ministries program; equipping participants with stewardship principles that help guide children toward a personal relationship with Jesus; and strengthening the role of church elders as spiritual guardians and role models for young members.
Resource speakers included Pastor Ildefonso Baquilabat, ECPUC Field Secretary and Stewardship Director, and Mrs. Melodie Mae Inapan, who presented sessions on stewardship, spiritual nurture, and the collaborative role of church leadership in discipling children.
In light of the multi-departmental seminar, Intanto emphasized the necessity of a unified approach. “This gathering reminds us that mission is a shared responsibility,” she said. “For the ministry to succeed, leaders, parents, and church members must work in harmony.”
Furthermore, Pastor Baquilabat explained the purpose of this integrated stewardship program, stating that stewardship involves four core areas of Christian responsibility. It includes the spiritual nurture of children, highlighting the accountability of parents and leaders in mentoring young characters, alongside financial stewardship through faithful tithing and offerings.
The initiative also includes stewardship of relationships by reflecting Christlike love and missional leadership, where a deep connection with God inspires a commitment to sharing the gospel and leading others to salvation.
“We may be faithful in using our talents and resources for God’s work, but if we neglect our stewardship responsibility to our children, we lose the most important stewardship,” Pastor Baquilabat added.
The event concluded with a commitment service on the afternoon of February 28. During the service, Pastor Remegio Risos Jr., Samar Mission auditor, delivered the commitment message, encouraging Children’s Ministries leaders to faithfully fulfill their responsibility in guiding children to know and follow Christ.
When asked about the impact of the entire seminar on her personal view, Mrs. Intanto cited one particular outcome: “Parents and leaders have committed to strengthening the nurturing of children and focusing on grounding their faith to prepare them as the church’s future leaders.
The gathering highlighted Samar Mission’s continuing efforts to strengthen children’s ministries and equip church leaders to nurture the next generation in faith. With its success, plans for future trainings and collaborative ministry were discussed.
Melodie Mae Inapan⎸ ECPUC Children’s Ministries Director