TALISAY CITY, Cebu — Over 400 church leaders, members, and pastors attended the inaugural Cebu Province-wide Care Group Leadership Reorientation and Training Seminar on Oct. 10 at the Adventist Academy Cebu gymnasium in Bulacao.
Organized by Central Visayan Conference (CVC) leaders, the event aimed to support “OneVoice27: Mission for All,” a global initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Representatives from 23 districts in Cebu province participated in six breakout sessions and three plenary meetings focused on the theme “From Care to Mission.”
The event’s main objectives are to equip participants to reaffirm the biblical purpose and mission of care groups, understand the responsibilities of an effective leader, and develop essential skills in connecting, listening, serving, sharing, and discipling.
Additionally, the training aimed to strengthen member-retention strategies, create practical local action plans, mobilize groups as pathways for evangelism, and secure a commitment to multiplying groups and reaching people for Christ.
The training also sought to establish a clear, repeatable pathway from active group life to community outreach, and to promote a sustainable, discipleship-focused culture.
Pastor Lelord Aranguez, CVC executive secretary; Justice Francisco, the treasurer; and other departmental directors facilitated the modular breakout sessions.
Breakout sessions covered Christian leadership fundamentals, shepherding small groups, personal spiritual devotion, and effective strategies for nurturing members’ spiritual growth.
Facilitators demonstrated how to facilitate meaningful discussions, manage group dynamics, encourage participation, and promote a welcoming environment during weekly meetings.
They also explained how and when care groups should divide and multiply to ensure healthy growth and prevent stagnation.
Moreover, facilitators also addressed connecting internal care with external mission by training groups to engage local communities, identify needs, and establish a repeatable process for welcoming new members.
“I have learned a lot,” a participant said, explaining how the training equipped him to restructure a care group. “Facilitators also discussed post-evangelism care, mentoring seekers, teaching foundational Bible principles, and retaining members through ongoing, structured discipleship.”
Ultimately, facilitators provided administrative and practical tools to help groups set goals, align with the church calendar, and track spiritual milestones within the district.
Pastor Berdandino Maniego, CVC president, rooted the divine worship service with a plenary address titled “Rediscovering the Biblical Purpose of Care Groups.” Drawing from Scripture, he challenged attendees to see small groups not just as social gatherings or administrative units, but as instruments for spiritual nurturing and community transformation.
Meanwhile, Pastor Godofredo Romanillos Jr., communication and Sabbath School/Personal Ministries director for the East Central Philippine Union Conference, emphasized that a care group is a mission school during the afternoon commitment service.
Rooted in the ‘Great Commission” stated in Matthew 28:19–20, the core message highlights that true spiritual growth begins by abiding in Christ and naturally flows into a lifestyle of outreach, transforming church attendees into active, multiplying disciple-makers.
“It is where everyday believers—much like the ordinary disciples called by Jesus—are empowered to move beyond receiving care to actively sharing Christ, making disciples, and becoming missionaries,” Romanillos said.
Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barliso Jr., the first ECPUC president, expressed strong support for the training seminar’s goals. He praised the event for helping local church members move from simple church attendees into active, mission-minded workers.
In a social media post, Maniego publicly recognized Barlizo, thanking him for the financial and logistical support that helped make the training possible and successful.
“I am grateful the church sent me to the event,” a delegate said. “During the discussion, I realized how genuine our leaders are in encouraging everyone to respond to the commission call. The eagerness for the gospel to reach all corners of the world so that Jesus will come again was so palpable.”
Furthermore, Jeffrey Obsioma, a Maguikay SDA Church elder, also shared an impression of the event: “Nalipay kaayo ko nga nahimo kong usa sa gihatagan sa Ginoo og pribilihiyo nga makaapil sa maong seminar. Daghan kaayo ko og nahibaloan, ug hapsay sab kaayo ang pagka-organisar sa programa mao nga mas dali ang pagkat-on. Glory to God!”
(I am deeply grateful to have been privileged by the Lord to join that seminar. I learned a great deal, and the program was so well-organized that it made learning much easier. Glory to God!”)
By Lyn Lucero | East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications