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Sabbath School teachers and mothers gathered at District 21 in San Jose for the Children’s Ministries Leadership Certification Level 1, held April 24-25, 2026.

The two-day foundational training focused on equipping participants with a deeper understanding of the "Alive in Jesus" Sabbath School Curriculum. The modular program guided attendees through the key pillars of AIJ: grace, character, and mission. Beyond the curriculum, the sessions provided vital insights into children's physical, mental, and emotional development from birth through adolescence.

Equipping Leaders for Impact

The certification aimed to move the ministry beyond simple instruction toward intentional, developmentally appropriate mentorship. By focusing on child safety and the role of parents in home-based faith formation, the program sought to ensure that local churches remain secure and nurturing environments.

“The Children’s Ministries Leadership Certification opened my eyes to the profound importance of my role,” Ardee Rose Veloro, an attendee, said. “It made me realize that nurturing young minds today equips them to become tomorrow’s church leaders. Everything in Sabbath School must be thoughtfully designed—not left to chance.”

Rubeliza Fontelo, another participant, described the experience as deeply enriching. “It helped me better understand how to guide and nurture children in their spiritual growth, while also becoming more aware of their characteristics at different stages of development.”

Local Leadership Support

Pastor Jester Jed Gapor, district pastor of District 21, emphasized the seminar’s role in refocusing the district’s mission for the children. He credited the guest speakers for making complex developmental topics applicable to daily ministry.

These guest speakers, who oriented attendees to the new curriculum and offered practical insights into ministry, included Melodie Mae Inapan, children’s and women’s ministries director for the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) and Ministerial Spouses’ Association (MSA) coordinator. Leading alongside her was Caryl Abejero, the children’s, women’s, and family ministries director and MSA coordinator for the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission (NSM). They were joined by Laarni De Leon, treasurer of the NSM, who provided additional leadership perspectives.

"It really reminded me how vital it is to guide children while they are still young,” Pastor Gapor said. “It’s easy to overlook this area with so many responsibilities, but even small things like listening and being present can impact a child’s faith. It was a reminder to be intentional and invest time where it matters.”

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the event's success, organizers noted that limited time was a significant challenge from preparation through to the culmination. However, the tight schedule did not diminish the weekend's spiritual outcomes. 

In addition to the event, one of the major highlights of the gathering was the baptism of three individuals, signaling a direct fruit of the ministry’s evangelistic efforts.

Looking Ahead

The event concluded with a commitment service led by Pastor Renito C. Inapan, ECPUC treasurer. He encouraged the newly certified leaders to move beyond theoretical knowledge and embrace a life of consecrated service, emphasizing that children's ministry is a sacred stewardship.

Pastor Inapan also urged the teachers to remain intentional in their efforts to lead every child into a transformative relationship with Christ. He further called on them to teach with hearts grounded in the Word of God, helping the youth stay focused on their spiritual purpose.

"Through prayer, patience, and biblical teaching, you can lead the young generation closer to Christ and prepare them to become faithful followers of His mission," he added.

The completion of Level 1 is only the beginning for San Jose’s leadership. Marichar Ruiz, a Sabbath School teacher, expressed the sentiment of many attendees: “The certification was very informative. I am praying and hoping to proceed with Level 2 so that I can complete the entire curriculum soon.”

Plans are already in motion to return to the district for the Level 2 Certification, which will focus on designing and improving specific ministry programs to further bridge the gap between biblical values and children's personal lives in the community.

By Caryl Abejero ⎸ Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission of the Seventh-Day Adventists