Baguio Convention Center, Baguio City—One of the most important conferences by PGCAG, Church Health and Growth Leadership Summit concluded with its third installment last December 3-5, 2014.
Hundreds of church leaders from all over the region flocked together at the Summer Capital to attend the conference facilitated by acclaimed teachers namely Rev. Dale Pond, Dr. David Dykes, Dr. Greg Smith, and Dr. David Sobrepeña.
“We wanted to create an avenue where church leaders [ even from different denominations] get inspired with enriching sessions that will build on their strengths and enhance their gifts. This time, we focused on Vision: Catching it; Visualizing it; and Actualizing it.” Said Rev. Thimberton Bugtong, District Superintendent of SCCDC-CAR and Convention Coordinator.
The convention’s theme is to teach how to create a healthy atmosphere in the church where members can thrive, stressing on the relevant impact of the church leader, relationship, and quality.
“Our tagline is that growth is the will of God for His church. We believe that every leader has the potential to lead growth. We can see that there is a considerable number of churches having an average number of 50-100 members. Because of this, we make sure that they are given the apt boost that they need to drive their expansion. We do not want to settle for the average. Of course, we do not focus only on the attendance. Definitely, the quality impacts quantity. That is why we build on Church Health.”
Rev. Bugtong wants to promote a certain DNA in the churches. That is to be unfaltering, perform well under pressure, and make good use of the distinct characteristics and gifts each leader has.
“I want us to not be easily discouraged by critics. It’s better to regard them as challenges and stepping stones. Pressure will always be present. We shouldn’t be rattled by it.”
The reason behind putting up this event at the close of the year is to prepare leaders for the Vision Casting held every January. Passionate ministers of big churches are invited to share their fervor in cultivating both spiritual and quantitative growth of their churches.
The overwhelming responses of the participants were so positive; they couldn’t wait for the next convention.
“We truly hope that they were inspired enough to apply the things they have learned to their churches. This is not a onetime event. Our follow up session for this are the John Maxwell trainings.”
