UBAY, Philippines — Women and children’s ministries coordinators from across Bohol gathered at Camp Karis for the launch of the Children’s Ministries Leadership Certification Level 1 training program.
The two-day seminar, which started June 26 and concluded Saturday, June 27, brought together representatives from all 10 districts of Bohol. Its training curriculum covered practical leadership, safety protocols, and child psychology.
Participants included local mothers and official coordinators from the Western, Central West, Central, South Western, Southern, Southeastern, Northwestern, Northern, Northeastern and Central East Bohol districts.
The primary objective of a Level 1 Children’s Ministries Leadership Certification is to provide local church volunteers, teachers, and youth leaders with the foundational skills needed to nurture children into a committed relationship with Jesus while ensuring their emotional and physical safety.
Because passion alone isn’t enough to run an effective youth program, this introductory-level training shifts leaders away from traditional “lecture-style” teaching. It equips them with modern, child-centered ministry strategies.
Furthermore, Michelle Nogra, director of the Central Visayan Conference for the children and women’s ministries, said the program focuses on equipping local leaders to support and train younger church members, from beginners to juniors and earliteens. During her lectures, she emphasized faith development, and active learning strategies.
“I pray that we will all have the enthusiasm and burden to care for our little flock in the church, for they will become our future leaders and pillars,” Nogra said.
On the other hand, Marilyn Lucero, associate Mizpah editor and news writer for the Adventist Church East Central Philippines, spoke on understanding child development from birth through adolescence. She also shared instructional methods for positive discipline.
She emphasized that the Old Testament prophets foretold a time—which we live in now through the new covenant—when God would not just give external laws but also teach children internally through His Spirit.
She quoted Isaiah 54:13, which says, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Fe Pigon, former women’s ministries president for the ECPUC, presented a topic on child abuse prevention, protection, and emergency measures. “While we train the children to become independent and God-fearing, we must also ensure their safety.”
Franz Blessy Paceño Andrade, a participant from the Northern Bohol District, said the seminar offered valuable insights into working with children of varying needs.
“I gained valuable insights on how to handle children with love, patience and understanding, recognizing that each child is unique,” Andrade said.
The program concluded with a message from Maria Lourdes T. Lamorin, BOFESDAAC children’s ministries president of the Northern Bohol District, who expressed: “Dako ang among pagpasalamat sa tanang mga partisipante, tigpasiugda, ug mga nagtabang nga nahimong instrumento aron kini mahimong usa ka makahuluganon ug mapuslanong kalihokan alang sa kaayohan sa atong mga kabataan. Dalaygon ang Ginoo sa Iyang giya ug panalangin nga naghatag kanato og kalampusan.” (We are deeply grateful to all the participants, organizers, and those who helped and served as instruments to make this a meaningful and beneficial event for the well-being of our children. Praise the Lord for His guidance and blessing that gave us success.)
By Reachly L. Alcanzare ⎸ Northeast Bohol District