Worship, Not Just Music: JECPP Southern Mindanao Holds Musicians Retreat

By:  Jeanelle Grace B. Lorilla

What was planned as a musicians’ retreat became a powerful divine encounter as worship team members from across Southern Mindanao experienced spiritual renewal, surrender, and revival during the Jireh Evangel Church Planting (Philippines) Southern Mindanao Musicians Retreat, held in partnership with Evangel Family Church Davao on May 21–23, 2026, in Tagum City.

A total of 62 delegates representing EFC Davao, EFC Kidapawan, EFC Davao del Norte, and EFC SOCCSKSARGEN gathered with a common purpose—not only to enhance their technical abilities in worship ministry but, more importantly, to be spiritually strengthened and awakened to their calling as carriers of God’s presence in their local churches.

From the moment delegates arrived, an atmosphere of anticipation and expectancy filled the venue. Fellowship, worship, and the acknowledgment of participating churches set the tone for the retreat. The EFC Tagum Worship Team ministered through a special number before delegates participated in group-sharing sessions and fellowship activities that fostered unity and strengthened relationships among worship ministries from different regions.

Behind every smile and conversation, God was already preparing hearts for transformation.

The opening evening service, led by Rev. Liza Angelias, became a profound call to return to intimacy with God. Through her message, “Protecting the Anointing in Music Ministry,” delegates were reminded that true anointing is not measured by talent, performance, or recognition but by a life wholly surrendered to the Holy Spirit. The message emphasized the importance of guarding one’s private relationship with God above public ministry, teaching that genuine anointing is sustained through humility, holiness, obedience, and prayer.

Rev. Liza reminded the delegates, “The moment you respond to God’s call and the laying on of hands by your pastors, God wants to tell you to protect your anointing and guard what He has given you.”

As the Word was preached, many worship ministers were deeply convicted. Hearts were softened before the Lord as delegates recognized that ministry without intimacy can easily become empty performance. The altar quickly filled with individuals seeking cleansing, restoration, and a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit.

The second day began with prayer, devotion, and praise and worship led by EFC Davao Worship Team, followed by a special presentation from EFC General Santos.

Bro. Adrian Pangilinan led the first training session, “The ABC’s of Worship Ministry,” highlighting that worship ministry extends far beyond musical excellence. He emphasized that character, discipline, humility, holiness, teamwork, and consistency are equally essential for effective ministry. Worship, he explained, must bring glory to God both on and off the platform.

The second session was delivered by Pastor Judith Kintanar through the topic “The Spiritual Aspect of the Music Team.” She reminded delegates that worship team members are not merely musicians but spiritual leaders entrusted with preparing hearts to receive the Word of God. Her teaching challenged participants to pursue genuine intimacy with God and to minister with an “Audience of One” mindset—living and serving solely for the glory of Jesus rather than personal recognition.

Following the morning sessions, delegates engaged in an open forum where practical ministry concerns were addressed with wisdom, encouragement, and biblical guidance.

In the afternoon, specialized breakout workshops provided hands-on training and mentorship for various music ministries. Participants were grouped according to their areas of service. Bro. Adrian Pangilinan facilitated the keyboard workshop, Bro. Andrew Pangilinan led the bass workshop, Bro. Kurt Paul Cendana conducted guitar training, Sis. Trina Kintanar handled drums, while Sis. Joy Pangilinan and Sis. Artchelyn Casilum facilitated the vocal workshops.

While technical skills were sharpened throughout these sessions, each workshop consistently pointed participants back to the true heart of worship—using every gift and talent for the glory of God alone.

As the retreat neared its conclusion, the final evening service became its spiritual highlight.

Delegates were divided into six groups, each leading praise and worship after sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness and goodness. The sanctuary soon overflowed with heartfelt worship, repentance, and a renewed hunger for God’s presence.

Pastor Micah Lalugan then delivered a powerful and deeply

convicting message entitled “Take Off That Crown.” Drawing from 1 Peter 5:6 and Exodus 3:5, the message challenged worship ministers to lay down every “crown” of pride, self-recognition, title, identity, and personal ambition that could hinder complete surrender to God.

A powerful truth resonated throughout the sanctuary: “Revival starts within ourselves when we are broken and empty.”

Delegates were reminded that God desires to move powerfully through His Church, but hearts must first be humbled before Him. The message emphasized that worship ministers cannot effectively carry revival while holding onto pride, familiarity, or self-dependence. Just as Moses removed his sandals before stepping onto holy ground, worship leaders were challenged to remove every spiritual “crown” before entering God’s presence.

As the altar call was given, many openly wept before the Lord. Worship ministers knelt in surrender, laying down burdens, confessing weaknesses, and encountering God in a fresh and powerful way. The sanctuary echoed with prayers, cries of repentance, and passionate worship as the Holy Spirit moved mightily throughout the evening.

The revival services throughout the retreat were further ministered and attended by Rev. Tony Angelias, Rev. Greg Simpas, Rev. Rosario Simpas, Rev. Peter Wee, and Rev. Christine Wee. These leaders prayed over the delegates and encouraged them to continue pursuing humility, holiness, and deeper intimacy with God. Rev. Christine Wee also expressed gratitude to the organizers, the host church, JECPP core leaders, volunteers, and all the delegates who contributed to the success of the retreat.

More than a training event, the Musicians Retreat became a spiritual awakening. It reminded worship ministers that ministry is never about platforms, performance, or position, but about faithfully carrying the presence of God with clean hands, pure hearts, and lives fully surrendered to Him.

On the final morning, delegates shared one last breakfast together before returning to their respective churches. They left carrying renewed passion, restored hearts, fresh vision, and a deeper hunger for God.

Although the retreat officially concluded on May 23, many departed believing that what they experienced was not the end of an event but the beginning of a greater work of revival. The fire God ignited during those three days would continue to burn in their hearts, inspiring them to lead others into deeper worship and a closer relationship with Him.

Indeed, the retreat affirmed a powerful truth: worship is far more than music—it is a surrendered life devoted to the glory of God.