By: Glory Grace Plana
Speakers: Rev. Benjie Chavez, Rev. Tony Angelias, Rev. Jetro Novero, & Rev. Roberto Padinit
On September 16–17, 2025, church planters from across Western Visayas gathered for the Regional Church Planters’ Conference with the theme “Embracing the Next Level.” Sixty-five participants—pastors, leaders, and workers—came from Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Antique, Guimaras, Bacolod, and nearby provinces. Distinguished guest speakers included Rev. Benjamin Chavez, Rev. Tony Angelias, Rev. Jetro Novero, and Rev. Roberto Padinit, whose messages brought wisdom and encouragement.
The event became more than a conference; it was a sacred gathering where weary servants of God found renewal, vision, and strength for the mission of church planting.
The conference opened with morning devotion, where participants united in prayer for their lives, ministries, and the nation. This sacred moment of surrender reminded them that fruitful ministry flows only through God’s presence and anointing.
After fellowship and breakfast, praise and worship set an atmosphere of freedom and renewal, led by musicians from Iloilo, Ajuy, and Antique churches. Sis. Kezia Chavez served as worship leader, and the Spirit of God moved mightily as the assembly worshiped.
Rev. Roberto Padinit delivered the first message, “Beyond Borders: The Mission from Jerusalem to Illyricum” (Romans 15:19). He emphasized that church planting is sustained not by human ambition but by the power of the Holy Spirit. He challenged leaders to rise above burnout and comfort zones to fully proclaim the gospel through evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and community transformation. An altar call followed, with pastors and missionaries humbly surrendering their hearts for fresh fire.
In the afternoon, worship led by Ptr. Jalyn Bachoco ushered in another Spirit-filled atmosphere. Rev. Jetro Novero then conducted a workshop on “God’s Design for Marriage: Building Homes That Impact the Church.” He stressed that marriage is God’s foundational covenant, designed to strengthen families and, in turn, the church. Married pastors reflected on their roles as Christlike spouses, while singles envisioned building Christ-centered homes. The session closed with prayer over pastoral couples, affirming their covenant and mission together.
The day ended with fellowship, meals, and joyful conversations, leaving participants renewed both spiritually and relationally.
Morning devotion once again prepared hearts for the day, followed by a time of fellowship and breakfast. Worship at 9:00 AM created an atmosphere of expectancy before Rev. Tony Angelias preached on “The Flow of Generosity” (Proverbs 11:25–27). He reminded the participants that generosity is a lifestyle—offering time, talents, and love, not just material gifts. He stressed that “whoever refreshes others will be refreshed,” calling leaders to reflect God’s generosity in all areas of life. A moving altar call followed, as pastors and leaders surrendered discouragement and weariness to the Lord, receiving renewed strength.
The afternoon session opened with powerful worship led by Sis. Kezia Chavez. Rev. Benjamin Chavez then delivered the final message, “Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples” (Acts 14:19–28; Matthew 28:19–20). He reminded the assembly that discipleship is the heart of Christ’s command—requiring obedience, sacrifice, and perseverance. He challenged leaders not merely to maintain gatherings but to intentionally raise disciples who will multiply and expand God’s kingdom. The final altar call sealed this challenge, with pastors committing themselves afresh to the Great Commission.
The conference concluded with a fellowship dinner where participants expressed gratitude to the speakers, organizers, and one another. Testimonies, prayers, and words of blessing filled the evening, as leaders committed to apply the lessons learned in their ministries.
As participants departed, they carried renewed zeal for their mission. The conference reminded them that church planting is not simply about building congregations but about raising disciples who will make more disciples. With strengthened hearts and spirits, they embraced the assurance that God’s Spirit goes before them—empowering them to bring the gospel beyond borders, into families, communities, and nations.
