International Church Elders Conference 2026 Strengthens Biblical Partnership

TUBA, BENGUET, Philippines — September 5, 2026 — The Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) successfully concluded the International Church Elders Conference 2026, a three-day gathering that strengthened church elders in their calling as faithful and biblical partners in the apostolic mission.

Held from September 3–5, 2026, at the Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol (AATF) Global Prayer Mountain in Tuba, Benguet, the conference brought together nearly a thousand church elders and leaders for spiritual empowerment, fellowship, training, outreach, and recognition.

Through the leadership of the Church’s Chief Executive Minister, Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol, the conference emphasized the importance of biblical partnership, faithful service, spiritual maturity, prayer, and commitment to the mission of the Church.

Under the guidance of its adviser, Presbyter Rowena Marbida, the International Church Elders Department (ICED), together with its officers and district representatives, organized and facilitated the three-day conference.

Day 1: Eldership Is a Lifetime Worthy of Investment

The International Church Elders Conference 2026 opened with morning devotion, placing prayer at the foundation of the gathering.

Anchored on Galatians 2:9 and the theme, “Faithful Partners in Apostolic Mission: Extending the Right Hand of Fellowship,” Presbyter Jim Bigalbal highlighted four ways elders can extend their fellowship in the mission of Christ: serving the Lord, loving the Church, evangelism, and prayer.

Following breakfast, Presbyter Maritess Ferriol conducted a seminar entitled “Change Management and Financial Effectiveness.” She emphasized the importance of embracing change, describing it as a necessity for growth, a test of faith, and a prerequisite for reaching one’s goals.

“If we will not change, we will die as a Church,” Presbyter Maritess stated.

The Opening Service continued with a series of performances and songs that prepared the delegates for the messages ahead. Elder Boy Oquino also shared an inspiring testimony about his struggles and faithful experience in the Middle East as a bearer of the Good News.

Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol challenged the elders to become dependable partners in God’s work.

“Aspire to be irreplaceable…but don’t hold the work of God hostage; instead, make it a sense of honor,” Apostle Jonathan said.

The highlight of the Opening Service was Apostle Jonathan’s message, “The Whys and Hows of Biblical Partnership.”

In his two-part message, the Apostle explained why biblical partnership is important. He identified it as one of the godliest investments a person can make, a means of adding great value to one’s worth, and one of the most compelling proofs of loyalty.

He also presented three ways to become a biblical partner: recognizing the grace in others, operating in the spirit of agreement, and investing in the growth of partnership.

The afternoon session featured seminars from Bishop Reynald Sulayao, Evangelist Leticia S. Ferriol, and Presbyter Rowena Marbida. The elimination round of the Pickleball Tournament also concluded the day’s activities.

In her seminar entitled “Valuing the Gift of Eldership,” Evangelist Leticia reminded the elders that their position was rooted in faithful service and spiritual promotion.

“Do you know why you became elders? It’s because you served well…you are the people who went beyond ordinary membership, [received] spiritual promotion, and have an extraordinary heart for the mission,” Evangelist Let said.

Day 2: Serving With Purpose

The second day began with a morning devotion led by Presbyter Jhun Marbida, who taught the elders about prayer and its role in extending the right hand of fellowship to the apostolic mission.

This was followed by an exhortation from Evangelist Leticia, encouraging the delegates to apply the lessons they had received throughout the conference.

After breakfast, Bishop Samuel Ferriol delivered a message on serving with purpose and remaining faithful to God-given talents. He emphasized three things elders should remember: who called them, what was entrusted to them, and what needed to be finished.

“[Your] calling demands faithfulness,” Bishop Sam stated.

The conference also addressed practical and spiritual concerns affecting families and communities. Pastor Benjamin Sico discussed the Safe Spaces Act, while Presbyter Lily Ferriol presented “Christ-centered Home: Facing Family Challenges Together and with Faith.”

Presbyter Lily emphasized the importance of prayer and faith during difficult seasons.

“A difficult season can teach the family to pray more deeply,” Presbyter Lily concluded.

The highlight of Day 2 was the ICED Crusade, which also served as the Home Free Global Crusade Promotion, held at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet.

As part of the outreach, the church elders distributed 500 pieces of 5-kilogram bags of rice to residents of the community. The initiative demonstrated the elders’ commitment to caring for people while advancing the evangelistic mission of the Church.

Meanwhile, elders who remained at the AATF Global Prayer Mountain participated in a medical seminar and Zumba session. The day concluded with the Pickleball Tournament finals and the Foundations 1 and 2 Contest at the auditorium.

Day 3: The Heroism of the Elders

The final day of the conference focused on the heroism, faithfulness, and lasting contribution of church elders.

During the morning devotion, Presbyter Mona Quillao emphasized the importance of apostolic prayer in sustaining anointed eldership and deepening humility.

“Humility protected the ministry we are standing in,” Presbyter Mona said.

The Closing Service provided a meaningful opportunity to honor and recognize faithful elders. The Church first remembered those who had passed on and are now with the Lord, followed by recognition of elders who have served as soul winners, kingdom builders, and faithful workers for more than 25 years.

Bishop Osie Quillao delivered the concluding message based on 2 Chronicles 15:7, reminding the elders that their labor for God and His Church will not go unrewarded.

“Every work for God and His Church will be rewarded.”

Bishop Osie shared examples of people from the Old and New Testaments who demonstrated faithfulness and heroism through their dedication to God’s work. He also emphasized the important role of elders as the right hand of the apostles in carrying out the mission of the Church.

He concluded his message with the promise found in Revelation 22:12:

“See, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay everyone according to the deeds he has done.”

Strengthened as Biblical Partners in the Apostolic Mission

The International Church Elders Conference 2026 concluded with gratitude to God and appreciation for the Church’s leadership, particularly Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol and the church leaders and ministers who contributed to the success of the gathering.

The organizers also expressed appreciation for the hospitality of Bishop Reynald Sulayao and the Northwestern Luzon District, the dedicated service of the ICED adviser and officers, and the commitment of all the elders who attended despite challenging weather conditions and difficult travel.

More than a three-day conference, the gathering served as a reminder of the sacred responsibility entrusted to church elders. Through prayer, faithful service, biblical partnership, evangelism, family-centered faith, and compassion for the community, the elders were encouraged to continue standing alongside the apostolic leadership in advancing the mission of the Church.

The International Church Elders Conference 2026 ultimately strengthened the Church’s elders as biblical partners of the Church—faithful servants, kingdom builders, soul winners, and committed workers in the apostolic mission.