Issue 3 | July 2013 - Prioritizing Pentecostal Prayer and Discipleship by PGCAG

Volume 2 / Issue 1 / 2013

Editor’s Note

elcome to the third issue!

We are ENGAGED to publish every issue according to three criteria: INFORM, INSTRUCT, and INSPIRE. This official magazine of the Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc. also contains vital updates and information from the General Council’s executive leaders. This issue “Prioritizing Pentecostal Prayer and Discipleship” attempts to expound two aspects of the 8-Point Agenda: Pentecostal Prayer and Discipleship. Our aim is to help pastors in sustaining the ministry and creating a unique impact to the community through a fired up personal and corporate prayers of their congregation. We also want to inspire your church by the testimony of the local church that adapted an all-church discipleship system and to encourage you to continue making disciples who will become catalysts in our society. Furthermore, we want to provide practical instructions on prayer and discipleship to guide your church on its journey toward vibrant and fruitful ministries. Blessings! Lawrence Romero

The Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Layout Artist Consultants Adviser

Lawrence Romero Jilmer Cariaga Patrick Tan Sur del Rosario, Alvin Tud, Adsville de Leon Alex Fuentes

Table of Contents PENTECOSTAL PRAYER Pentecostal Prayer and Witness: Keys to Sustaining The Ministry Jilmer Cariaga

Mobilizing People for Prayer in the Local Church “Let the F.I.R.E. Spread” Lulu Umali-Suico

DISCIPLESHIP Discipling Our People for Church Mobilization

Lawrence Romero

Discipleship unto Mobilization: Bringing the Church back to its Purpose

Angie Tud

Handing the Gospel to the Next Generation Patrick Tan

COLUMNS PCEC Affirms the Legitimacy of GS Calusay

Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God (PGCAG, Inc.) Website: www.pgcag.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ pgcagofficial

Typhoon Pablo Disaster Response Program

Alvin Tud

PGCAG Secretariat Telephone: (02) 292.6613; (02) 294.6136 Mobile: 0908.8217812 (Smart), 0917.7965025 (Globe), 0932.8620336 (Sun) Email: PGCAGoffice@gmail.com

Joseph Suico

Minister’s Licensing and Renewal Alex Fuentes Announcements List of District Officers 2012-2015, Regional and District Bible School Heads

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ev. Abraham Visca is currently heading the Pentecostal Prayer and Revival Commission which is tasked to help AG churches throughout the country to be revitalized in prayer and Pentecostal witness. Kuya Abe, as he is known to many, together with his family, served as missionary-pastor to Papua New Guinea from 1985 to 1992. But his divine calling for mission came as early as 1978. Since then, he and his wife Lita, were fervently praying for a country—their mission field, where they will serve. While waiting patiently for God’s direction, he served as senior pastor to Central Assembly of God Church in Manila while simultaneously serving the National Youth Department and ICI Ministries. It was in 1985 when one of their former church members arrived from Papua New Guinea (PNG). Just before Kuya Abe shares his burden for missions, the former church member expressed that there is need for a Filipino missionary in PNG. Although surprised by the news, he knew it was a definite answer from God. Affirmed of the call for missions, he went to PNG in 1985 together with his wife Lita and son Chad. Since then, God opened doors for him to minister. Even with his appointment as director of Asia Pacific Theological Association (APTA) from 1992 till 2002, he always finds opportunities to stir his call for missions. On Pentecostal witness His exposure to Pentecostalism started in his early days as a believer. Kuya Abe recalls, “I was exposed to it. I saw miracles.” He was amazed that God used his pastor despite the latter’s lack of Bible School training. He embraced Pentecostal belief as his “first faith” and “the Bible School also played a major role”, he added. This

“Our motto is ‘not by might, nor by power, but by Thy Spirit… [what] gives you stamina in the field is the power that comes from the Holy Spirit.” shows how his experiences prepare him a Pentecostal missionary. He says, “… it is necessary that you are led by the Spirit, otherwise, it would be quite difficult”... “our motto is ‘not by might, nor by power, but by Thy Spirit…’ so don’t rely so much on your experience or what you have learned;… for, “[what] gives you stamina in the field is the power that comes from the Holy Spirit.” He thinks that going to PNG as missionary is where the Spirit was leading him to. “There is no work for me except mission”, he reasons. A distinguishing mark Convinced that no work of God can be accomplished apart from the Holy Spirit, Kuya Abe believes that the baptism in the Spirit prepared him well in the mission field. He believes that the baptism in the Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is necessary to make any missionary a powerful witness for Christ. continued on page 5

Prioritizing Pentecostal Prayer & Discipleship | ENGAGED Magazine

Mobilizing People for Prayer in the Local Church By Alvin Eleazar G. Tud

artin Luther, the great reformer, said that “the ancients defined prayer as the climbing up of the heart unto God.” Through prayer we commune with God. When we commune with God we experience not only His answers to our prayers but His very presence as well. Prayer is supremely essential to a believer. It should actually be a lifestyle of every growing believer. However, it should be a lifestyle not just of the individual Christian but of the local church. To be healthy, fervent congregational prayer should saturate every local church.

should be clearly placed on the church calendar. The church calendar is heavy with different activities like seminars, Bible studies, retreats, DVBS, etc. But do we have time on the church calendar for daily intercession, weekly prayer meetings or Prayer Conferences and overnighters? When we calendar it, let’s make sure that we do it! Prayer should be part of cell meeting/small group To really experience prayer, the weekly cell meeting/ small group should include time for intercession. Usually, it is placed after the study of the Word. Prayer time in the cell group provides opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to “quicken” the Word in the hearts of members and to raise prayer requests to God. It’s also a time to pray for unsaved loved ones and friends. More mature believers can actually model biblical, Spirit-filled prayer to new believers. In the small group, people actually celebrate and rejoice together when God answers their prayers! Provide prayer opportunities to different people groups in church The local church is composed of different people groups—adults, youth and kids. Biblical principles of prayer in the church may be unchangeable but the methods are not. The way adults pray during the midweek prayer meeting may be different for the youth on youth fellowship. To get the kids to pray together and not be bored may require more creativity which may include art and music! The saying “different strokes for different folks” should be kept in mind when mobilizing different age groups to pray in church. However, when you put the spiritual maturity of adults and the zest of youth together for an extended congregational prayer meeting, the results is an explosion of prayer power!

How do we mobilize people in our local church to pray? Preach on prayer The pastors and the leaders should intentionally schedule the topic of prayer in their pulpit preaching and teaching. It must be taught and discussed in Sunday Schools and in small groups. The church must have a clear biblical understanding of the principles and practices of prayer. The examples of great “prayer-warriors” in the Bible and Christian history can also motivate people to pursue prayer in the church. Place corporate prayer times in church calendar One leadership book said that, “what we schedule, gets done!” If congregational prayer is important it

Personal prayer precedes public prayer Nothing fires up prayer in the church more than fervent personal prayers of the saints! The real secret to prayer power is: “believers on their knees ‘locked-up’ in their prayer closets talking with the Father daily”. There is no substitute to daily devotion for the people of God! Imagine if a high percentage of church people (adults, youth and even kids), have daily personal prayer times, what a power-packed congregational prayer it will be! Imagine if all local churches in the town is a praying church, what transformation it will be for the town or city! So what are we waiting for? Let’s preach it! Plan it! Pursue it! May all Assemblies of God churches be a fervent praying assembly! If so, soon it will be Pentecost again not just in church but in the Philippines!

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“Let the F.I.R.E. Spread” by Lulu Umali-Suico

he burden to include prayer ministry in the PGCAG’s program was already a discussion between me and the then PGCAG General Secretary Joseph Suico when we were still in Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in Baguio City. The goal is to promote the important role of prayer in every ministry of the church, and to encourage every local church to actively participate in corporate prayer and intercession for the needs of our denomination. This prayer ministry could include prayer conferences, prayer network, prayer and fasting, etc. In 2009 when we moved to Manila, the burden that God placed in my heart remained. I continued to pray for this ministry and shared the burden to some of my friends asking them to pray and hoping for them to be involved. I asked then Gen Sec Suico on several occasions about the progress of my request and was advised that the leadership might consider creating a Prayer Committee or Commission to handle that. I did not lose hope but prayed earnestly to God to send someone that can help me start a prayer group/ network. Indeed, God sent me a divine contact! During the 2011 World Missions Congress in Manila, I learned that Rev. Rey Calusay wanted me to meet Rev. Michael Dissanayake, the General Superintendent of AG-Sri Lanka and concurrently the the prayer director of the World AG Missions in the Asia Pacific. Rev. Dissanayake proposed to create a prayer network within the PGCAG

FIRE network started by the late Dr. Eli Javier in the 80’s

Churches so that we can easily disseminate prayer needs, urgent prayer request primarily for World Missions, unreached people groups and missionaries. He gave me materials on how to start this project. He suggested the use of sending text (or SMS) messages as means of disseminating information, although he also agreed on the use of social networking like Facebook. GS Rey Calusay suggested to call the prayer network in the Philippines Fervent Intercessors for Revival and Evangelism (FIRE). He said that this name was coined by Dr. Eli Javier in the 80’s. I then asked permission from Dr. Javier if we could use that name and he readily agreed. He said, “Of course, I may have initiated it but that really continued on page 10

Thoughts of a Missionary, continued

The challenges for mission The same distinguishing mark enabled missionaries like Kuya Abe to hurdle challenges even the problems that beset the denomination. Despite very menial support and difficulties in the mission field, the missionary fire within Kuya Abe, sparked by the Spirit was never extinguished. The passion for missions imparted by the Holy Spirit allowed Kuya Abe to serve in the mission field in different capacities even to this day. All his experiences and the lessons learned from his understanding of the Spirit’s move made Kuya Abe conclude that there is no substitute for

Pentecostal Prayer and Witness in accomplishing the work of God. Prayer emphasis in local churches Thus, Kuya Abe wants to emphasize the importance of prayer in local churches. Aside from the essential personal prayers, he stressed the importance of corporate prayers. Also, the church must “cultivate God’s presence” by desiring to be baptized by the Holy Spirit with the gift of speaking in tongues. Obviously, prayer and baptism of the Holy Spirit go together. It is time that the churches re-emphasize them in teachings and practices to fire up our unique Pentecostal witness.

Prioritizing Pentecostal Prayer & Discipleship | ENGAGED Magazine

PCEC Affirms the Legitimacy of GS Rey Calusay

The article “Watch and Pray for H.O.P.E.: Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections”, initially posted on PGCAG Facebook accounts, was editorially removed as it past its prime upon publication.

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Typhoon Pablo Disaster Response Program by Joseph Suico

ablo (international name: “Bopha”) swept across eastern Mindanao on Dec. 4, 2012 with monster winds gusting up to 200 kilometers per hour, causing flash floods and landslides, flattening communities and banana plantations, and prompting President Aquino to declare a state of national calamity. More than a thousand people were confirmed dead and about 844 remained missing, about half of the number were fishermen who ventured out to sea before the 16th cyclone of the season struck. More than 15 PGCAG local churches were affected by this calamity and so with the help of pastors and churches under the purview of the PGCAG executives, relief funds were received and proper designations made as our response to the needs of our constitutents particularly in the Compostela Valley area. Relief goods were collected and delivered to Rev. Cres Nahial’s church in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley which became the distribution center for the whole operation. The Southern Mindanao District Council (SMDC) churches also came to help in this endeavor. Several visits were made in January to areas concerned and after careful assessment, a budget allocation of P40, 000 per church was agreed in order to maximize the donations received through PGCAG. This amount is enough to provide basic materials for roofings of church buildings and pastoral houses. Churches that were helped through the received funds intended for church building rehabilitation include Temple of Praise AG in Monkayo, Mamonga AG Church, Rizal AG Church (Monkayo), BTC Salvacion AG Church, Sta. Maria AG Church. Funds received by PGCAG office came from the International English Service (Indonesia), Grace of Jesus Fellowship (HK). United Bethel Church (Manila), and Grace of Jesus Church (USA). Other donors also include Holy Ground Family Fellowship (Davao & Fresno, USA), AG Churches in Bataan (Central Luzon District Council/ Section B). The project is not over yet; more churches in the other side of Compostela Valley need to be visited and assessed. The leaders, pastors and churches of Southeastern Mindanao District Council (SEMDC) are grateful to all the help received. Thanks for your participation.

Rehabilitation of Church Buildings after typhoon Pablo hit in Compostella Valley.

Prioritizing Pentecostal Prayer & Discipleship | ENGAGED Magazine

very believer should be at the frontline of preaching the gospel and making disciples of all nations. But the real picture shows us that most believers are not doing it. As pastors, how do we confront this issue? Let’s dig in to Ephesians 4:7-16 for solutions. Know what Christ has given to the Church Grace is given to every believer in Christ. Verse 7 says, “But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (RSV). That means everyone who is in Christ has grace that allows us to be used by God “according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” “And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (v.11-12, RSV).” The gifts are given for the edification of the body. Understand why Christ has given these gifts Grace and gifts are given to each of us for one purpose: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Why do we need to equip the saints? “For building up the body of Christ.” Build up is synonymous to develop and to shape. According to The Free Dictionary, to develop means “to cause to grow; to cause to mature; and to bring out the possibilities of.” As pastors, we need to guide our people to grow in their daily prayer and bible meditation. Then we should lead them in exercising their faith for the purpose of bringing out in them the possibilities of doing great things for God. Shape has something to do with character formation.

There are three important questions that we need to ask ourselves in this area: (1) What character do we want our people to adopt? (2) Whose character do we want our people to imitate? (3) As a pastor, am I Christ-like? So “building up the body of Christ” means helping our people develop their passion for Jesus by shaping their character towards Christ-likeness. Put into practice these God-given gifts When people are equipped, v.14 says “that we may no longer be children tossed to and fro ...” Our people will begin to see themselves being used by God in capacities they never imagined they could do. They shall have the courage and the power to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations. Keep on growing as we enable others As we equip our people, verse 15 tells us to “grow up in every way into Him who is the Head, into Christ.” That means we are to feed ourselves in Jesus. As we teach and guide our people about spiritual maturity, we should also be faithful in doing our daily prayers and bible meditation as pastors. Reap the fruit of your labor “… When each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and up builds itself in love (v.16).” Growth is the obvious outcome when we equip our people for ministry. “Gone are the days when the pastor has to do everything by himself. Now is the time to equip and involve our people in leading bible studies, small groups, praying for the sick, evangelism, and the various ministries God has entrusted to us.

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Discipleship unto Mobilization: Bringing the Church back to its Purpose By Angie Tud

race Christian Assembly (GCA) in Agoo La Union puts high priority in discipleship. Pastored by Rev. Minaflor Somera, GCA commits to develop Christlike members mobilized for ministry and mission. But the church was not like this several years ago. Rev. Somera made all efforts to bring the church to an active lifestyle of worship, evangelism and discipleship by going through the routines of bible study, Sunday School, prayer meetings and weekly services. Despite all the vigorous attempts, there were minimal results. Few people had an active lifestyle of worship, evangelism and discipleship. However, changes began to take place when Rev. Somera participated in the Trainor’s Training of Intentional Moves (IM) in 2010. The seminar challenged her to have a careful evaluation of the church ministries. She saw the need to embrace the IM framework and make some ministry adjustments like scheduling an early Sunday service so the church could meet for another session with their discipleship groups using IM materials. Several months into the IM framework, wonderful changes became evident as the church grew more vibrant in worship, evangelism and discipleship. People felt a deep hunger for God and His Word and an eagerness to share with others their experiences as they

Handing the Gospel to the Next Generation by Patrick Tan

n a recent projection published by HSBC Global Research, the Philippines would place 16th among the world’s economies by 2050. According to HSBC, one of the defining characteristics for economic growth is a young working demographic. A nation with an 85% population of 40 years and below, there is no wonder why the Philippines is set

Leaders of Grace Christian Assembly headed by Rev. Mina Somera

seek more of God. The faithful few were edified and the pew fillers were mobilized. The church grew in number as they engaged in reaching the lost and discipling the new believers. From a traditional church to a mobilizing church, GCA has moved from reaching their neighbours alone to planting churches in different towns. Thanks to the Holy Spirit who empowers His people and to Rev. Minaflor Somera for taking on the challenge of making changes and being an instrument to bring the church back to its primary purpose.

to become a great Asian economy in the next few years. While there is much to be celebrated with our nation’s economic rise, the church faces a great challenge: to raise up followers of Christ among the young who will carry the gospel over to the next generation. But in order to do this, the Christian youth today must be discipled and be mobilized to do the one thing that Jesus commissioned us to do: to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Since its relaunch in 2004, Chi Alpha (XA), the student movement of the National Youth Department of PGCAG, continues to equip and train

our local churches in mobilizing their young people to reach the campuses and beyond. We believe that a “systematic, aggressive and intentional discipleship” is a key ingredient that turns the youth in our ministry to be a harvest force for evangelism and missions. Chi Alpha Leadership Training (XALT) and our resources, like the up and coming Student Intentional Moves (SIM), emphasize on youth discipleship and equipping young people with skills on how to evangelize and disciple their friends to Christ. As a campus pastor in University Belt Manila, I got acquainted with Mr. Al continued on page 10

Prioritizing Pentecostal Prayer & Discipleship | ENGAGED Magazine

FIRE, continued

belongs to the PGCAG. We need intercessors very badly. Let the FIRE spread. God bless you!” Finally, in June 2011, the FIRE Prayer Ministry Network was created. The FIRE network provides information of prayer needs, prayer targets, and prayer initiatives and other prayer-related matters. This prayer ministry networks dedicated intercessors who faithfully bring all these needs in God’s “throneroom of grace.” Eventually, few months after the FIRE creation, the crisis within the PGCAG erupted. Despite of what was happening in our denomination, FIRE prayer network played a vital part in mobilizing prayer warriors and intercessors to pray (and others fasted) fervently believing that prayers enable us to survive this crisis. For more than two years of its existence, we have witnessed God’s goodness and faithfulness in answering our prayers for our denomination and for the furtherance of our mission. Looking back, it is clear that FIRE payer ministry network had been part of God’s vision for PGCAG since the early 80s. Fervent Intercessors for Revival and Evangelism has been a long time program of PGCAG. And, throughout the years, God has also been calling intercessors to carry the burden of standing in the gap for the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our churches and reaching the lost for His kingdom. God’s will is for His people to go deeper in Him through prayer! God has preserved this FIRE vision and did not let it die. May all AG churches pursue this vision and form an intercessory group for His Kingdom’s sake! This is God’s move! This is his FIRE! Find the “Fervent Intercessors for Revival & Intercession” group in Facebook and join to post and receive prayer requests. Handing the Gospel, continued

Advincula, a physics professor from Technological University of the Philippines. He was saved through a local church Chi Alpha ministry while studying in University of the Philippines, Los Banos, Laguna. As a student, Al was trained to be a committed disciple of Jesus. Now as an educator, he was able to share Christ to one of his students named Russel, who is currently being mobilized to reach other students to know Christ. Both Al and Russel are serving the Lord in our local AG church in the University Belt. Imagine the impact that a church can have if it actively disciples young people to obey the Great Commission and win their family and friends to Christ. When we disciple our young people, we are helping them fulfill their kingdom purpose. When we invest in raising them up, we become obedient stewards of the gospel as we hand it to the next generation. For more information about Chi Alpha and their trainings, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/ChiAlphaPhilippines.

Announcements Conferences 23rd Pentecostal World Conference

27-30 August 2013, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For registration details, visit http://www.pwc2013.org. To those who will attend the conference, please coordinate with PGCAG office.

Christian Education Department Sunday School Curriculum

Looking for a Sunday School curriculum? The Philippine Children’s Curriculum Volume 1 & 2 is a perfect fit for the church and is already available at ICI.

Vacation Bible School

CE has come up with a Five Series of Vacation Bible School (VBS) materials that are available at ICI.

National Bible Quiz

CE launched the National Bible Quiz Program (NBQ) from six years old to seventy ++ years old. NBQ aims to promote the reading and love for the Bible, assimilate important truths in the Bible, and provide a venue for fellowship and mutual encouragement. There are three categories in this competition: Bible Quiz • • • •

6-10 y/o - Jesus’ Miracles and Parables 11-14 y/o - Gospels 15-30 y/o - Book of Acts and The Epistles 31 ++ y/o - Pentateuch

Memory Verse - Contestants are to memorize and recite as many verses as they can to win. Poster Making Contest - an on-site poster making. The NBQ Sectional Level is from January to May 2013 while the District Level is from June to December 2013. The National Level will be on May 2014. Please contact your District CE Director and or Rev. Rufino Mabini, our National Bible Quiz Coordinator at 09194695328 or via email revpines@yahoo.com.

Royal Rangers Ministry

CE also advocates the adoption of the ROYAL RANGERS MINISTRY in very local church. Royal Rangers aims to reach, teach, and keep boys, girls and youths for Christ and provides Christ-like character formation and servant leadership development in a highly relational and fun environment. A basic Royal Rangers training is scheduled on the last week of April 2013 at IBC Campus, Cebu. For more details, please contact Rev. Emerose Nemenzo, Royal Rangers National Coordinator, at 09322257618.

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District Officers 2012-2015 NIDC

NLDC

NELDC

SCCDC

CLDC

STDC

BRDC

PDC

NWVDC

WVDC

DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec

Benito Lacaden Willy Cimatu Eleanor Sul-lim Leo Basbas Alejandro L. Langiden Onofre Morano Minaflor Somera Saul Dela Cruz Josie C. Co Levy M. Baldonado Juanito L. Balite Glenn Howard B. Lucas Walter Caput John Vicente Marcos Salicob Dominador Lopez Joel D. Mendoza Leroy Williams Rolando Padolina Edgar Salcedo Gerardo Cruz Sr. Cipriano Mortel Jr. Reynaldo G. Fernando Tomas Dulatas Salvador Belen Lauro B. Rito Reynante Osial Edwin Serrano Romulo Panes Pedro Orozco Jr. Jose Rey Matunding

DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas

Jino Lumbo Dionel Flores Patrocino Martinez Rosenie Posadas Edgar Germo Abner Bais Josephine Taran Michelle Colongon

NODC

CVLLDC

EVDC

NCMDC

NEMDC

NWMDC

CMDC

LDC

SMDC

SEMDC

SWMDC

DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec FO DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas DS ADS DSec DTreas

Melbert Fajarito Darien Bais Johnny Lingco Sonia Dequiña Teodoro Largo Gaudioso Antipuesto Lemuel Engcoy John Sainz Joel Lerios Vaden Matiga Lowen Acabal Nena Ibañez Eduardo Roperos Rodulfo Juranes Ruben Villafuerte Bonifacio Taculod Esther Cebuala Demetrio Bulala Jr. Doris Cahatian Hilario Macabasa James Cagaanan Orthudomy Madula Sabas Cabilin Raul Rollinas Shadrach O. Leyson Jose Q. Bacang Ruel L. Ibale Herma Mae P. Ibale Herson Niog Ailyn Paranpan Edna Villapuz Noel Perocho Patricio Sanchez Rodolfo Flores Melvin Junco Crisanto Medel Hermenigildo Dolilasa Cresente Nahial Bienvenido Gamboa Teddy Tibon Ricardo Ibañez Dioscoro Llenares Josephus Amil Pepito Yagos

Global District Council Japan Section Coordinator Secretary Treasurer Middle East Section Coordinator Ass’t. Coordinator Secretary Treasurer Italy/Greece Section Coordinator Secretary/Treasurer

Johnny Gallos Jerly Gallos Glen Gazzingan Jesse Medina Ernesto Pailan Maureen Medina Chris Montero Daniel Domingo Maritess Omaoeng

REGIONAL Bible School PRESIDENTS Bethel Bible College Fermin Bercero Immanuel Bible College Wenifredo Capapas Jr. Bible School for the Deaf Ellen Castillo

DISTRICT Bible Schools SCCDC Bible Training Institute Sefton Bible Training School Central Luzon Bible College AG School of Ministry

Oliver Domingo – Director Josie Co – Chairperson Dolan Acda – President

Leo Moralizon – Director Evangel Bible College Nelly Fulgencio – President Evangel Bible Institute Peter Kim - President AG School Of Workers Genevieve Tilos – Director Full-Life Global Misision Abner Bais – President School Negros Bible Training Rey Delicano - Director School Philippine Institute of Rey Margallo - Director Christian Ministry Northern Mindanao Esther Cebuala – Bible School President North Central Mindanao Eduardo Roperos Bible College Director South Eastern Roger Nahial – Mindanao Bible President Institute Berean School for Rey Calusay - President Church Planters

LEGEND: DS - District Superintendent, ADS - Assistant District Superintendent, DSec - District Secretary, DTreas - District Treasurer, FO - Finance Officer

Prioritizing Pentecostal Prayer & Discipleship | ENGAGED Magazine

Minister’s Licensing and Renewal by Alex Fuentes

he Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God (PGCAG) has grown rapidly through the years, with over 4000 churches and about 3000 licensed ministers. Like any organizations, growth comes with a realization for the need to increase effectiveness and relevance. To be able to cope with these developments and new trends, there must be commitment to sustained learning and improvement. PGCAG envisions to breed, develop, and sustain fully competent Spirit-filled ministers who would confidently carry out their calling amidst constantly changing environment. Hence, the creation of the Minister’s Licensing and Renewal Programs.

The leadership of PGCAG, during their October 8, 2012 Executive Presbytery meeting, has approved the implementation of the Minister’s Licensing and Ordination (MLO) Program for all new license applications and the Minister’s Continuing Education Program (MCEP) for all license renewals (EP-2012-66). The PGCAG Constitution and By-Laws Article XVI Section 1 stipulates, “…It is God who calls individuals into ministry and endows them with the gifts and graces to fulfill His calling on their life. We recognize and confirm this divine work by the granting of ministerial credentials to those who manifest such a calling, demonstrate the presence of such gifts and graces and give evidence of intention to devote their life to the work of the ministry.” Therefore, the leadership of the PGCAG deemed it necessary to ensure all current credential holders as well as the ones desiring a credential meet the qualification standards listed in the same PGCAG CBL Article XVI. PGCAG also desires, without prejudice, to provide a workable and standardized track that would

enable the ministers in honing their competencies in their respective ministries. What is MLO The Ministers Licensing and Ordination (MLO) is a program designed to improve the credentialing process of the PGCAG through modifying its standard requirements for licensing and ordination. The MLO shall address the specified PGCAG CBL provisions for licensing requirements as well as provide opportunities for ministerial growth and upgrading. It would also safeguard that all PGCAG credential holders are fully trained and competent in their heart, head, and hands to meet the demands of the work of the ministry. A component of MLO is MILO. The Ministers Institute for Licensing and Ordination (MILO) is the institute that our Bible School and Training Institutions will offer using the curriculum set forth in the MLO program. This curriculum specifically addresses the need of biblical and doctrinal training as well as the minister skills of the licentiate applicants without bible school degree. What is MCEP Ministers Continuing Education Program (MCEP) is designed to provide an avenue for an ongoing skills, knowledge and aptitude enhancement for all PGCAG Ordained Ministers and licentiates. The MCEP as an integrated requirement of the renewal process for all PGCAG licenses shall encourage, promote, and enjoin ministers towards improving himself to maintain his effectiveness, efficiency and relevance in ministering in a developing context. Holding a PGCAG credential benefits not only a minister in proving his competency and capability in the ministry. The church and the community, as well, gain an assurance that their ministers are competent, properly trained, and equipped to carry out their responsibilities. Their credential verifies that the minister has achieved what is perceived as a baseline level of knowledge, skills and competency required of him. While some may view the MLO & MCE Program an additional encumbrance, PGCAG leadership reiterates the values of the program. The Office of the General Secretary has scheduled in May-June 2013 successive MLO Orientation meetings with District Leaders. 2013 OM Licenses

2013 Ordained Minister (OM) licenses have been released since January. Kindly check with your district office and see the released dates on our official website.

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