More than 100 delegates and guests attended the Bi-Union Spirit of Prophecy and Publishing Leadership Summit at the Literature Ministry Seminary -Center of Influence in Talisay City, Cebu.
The three-day event took place from Aug. 11 to 13, 2026, with the theme ‘Sharing the Gift of Light: Sow the Word, Reach the World.’
The summit drew 102 officially registered church administrators, publishing directors, and literature ministry leaders from across the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) and West Central Philippine Union Mission (WCPUM). Attendees also included 11 guests, members of the ECPUC publishing and administrative committee, and Area Publishing Ministries Leaders (APMLs).
Pastor Jomar Compuesto, the executive secretary, delivered the welcome address during the opening program and thanked the leaders for facilitating the event. Donny Chrissustianto, Ph.D., director of the Ellen G. White Estate Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) branch, served as the opening day keynote speaker, addressing the intersection of literature ministry and the Spirit of Prophecy.
This session focused on servant leadership, modeling administrative and ministry styles after the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Rather than relying purely on corporate hierarchies or secular management tactics, the presentation emphasized humility, compassion, and empowering others.
For publishing leaders, it served as a blueprint for guiding literature evangelists and church teams through relational, ethical, and purpose-driven leadership.
Day one sessions on August 11 explored structural leadership and market reach. Pastor Mario Martinelli, publishing ministries director for the General Conference (GC), presented “Leadership Like Jesus.”
This session focused on servant leadership, modeling administrative and ministry styles after the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Rather than relying purely on corporate hierarchies or secular management tactics, the presentation emphasized humility, compassion, and empowering others.
“The topic guides literature evangelists and church teams through relational, ethical, and purpose-driven leadership,” one publishing leader said.
Pastor Norberto Pamisa, vice president for marketing at Philippine Publishing House (PPH), spoke on “Marketing in Leadership.” This topic bridged the gap between spiritual mission and practical enterprise.
Pamisa explored how administrative and publishing leaders must understand modern marketing dynamics to promote literature evangelism effectively. The session covered strategic planning, audience engagement, resource allocation, and how spiritual leaders can adopt sound promotional principles without losing sight of their primary gospel mandate.
Chrissustianto returned to discuss the “Spirit of Prophecy in the current SDA belief,” emphasizing the Bible as the ultimate authority and clarifying the ongoing relationship between Ellen White’s writings and Scripture. He reinforced the Adventist stance that her works serve as a “lesser light” leading people back to the “greater light” (the Bible), acting as an inspired guide for instruction, comfort, and correction rather than replacing the biblical canon.
Presentations on Aug. 12 focused on operational efficiency and financial stewardship. Pastor Florante Ty, former Philippine Publishing House president, lectured on “Effective Leaders are Goal Setters,” followed by Martinelli, who outlined methods for “Handling Literature Evangelists the Best Way.”
Pastor Tercio Marquez, president of Safeliz Publishing House, delivered Safeliz press reports, and Joel Silva, PPH vice president for finance, presented on “Smart Financial Management Among Leaders.”
The event also featured a special question-and-answer session and APML testimonials. The Q&A panel—comprising Pastor Leonardo Heyasa Jr., Pamisa, and Silva- was designed to provide delegates with practical insights and address field challenges. Meanwhile, the APML testimonials, facilitated by Pastor Joebert Arroz and Robert Baldoza Jr., shared firsthand success stories from the front lines of literature ministry.
The final day of the summit, Aug. 13, focused on digital ministry integration, health, and legal compliance. Pastor Rey Cabañero, publishing ministries director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), introduced “Paraphernalia for Every Messenger of Hope and OneVoice27 for Publishing Ministers.
He focused on modernizing and unifying the literature ministry for the digital age. OneVoice27 highlights a strategic, synchronized approach to evangelism—leveraging contemporary media tools, digital platforms, and collaborative networks to amplify the distribution of faith-based literature.
Meanwhile, the “Paraphernalia” discussion equipped publishing ministers with updated, practical resources, technology, and branding tools necessary for today’s frontline literature evangelists to effectively reach modern audiences.
Pastor Marquez spoke on “Healthy Lifestyle Approaches in Publishing Ministry,” and Martinelli presented “Publishing Leadership at its Best.” Atty. Randel Ty closed out the academic sessions by outlining the “Legal/Ethical Standards of Every Publishing Leader.”
Pastor Toneri Gaa, ECPUC publishing ministries and Spirit of Prophecy director, expressed gratitude for the event’s turnout. He said, “We are deeply moved and inspired by the overwhelming turnout of this year’s Bi-Union Spirit of Prophecy & Publishing Leadership Summit. This gathering has truly revitalized our mission, equipping our leaders and literature ministries with the spiritual depth, financial wisdom, and practical strategies needed to sow the Word and reach the world. As we return to our respective fields, our prayer is that the insights gained here will ignite a renewed passion for publishing the light of the gospel across every community we serve.”
As the summit concluded with a solemn commitment ceremony led by Martinelli, participants departed equipped with renewed administrative strategies, financial stewardship tools, and a unified vision to expand the reach of literature ministries across the region.
Lyn Lucero ⎸East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications