Growing Together: Leyte District Church Growth Summit 2026 Equips Leaders

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines — August 21, 2026 — The PMCC (4th Watch) Tacloban Locale welcomed ministers, church leaders, elders, Apostolic Missionary Program (AMP) interns, Bible students, and youth and adult department officers from across Leyte for the Leyte District Church Growth Summit 2026.

Held at the PMCC (4th Watch) Tacloban Locale, the gathering brought together delegates from local churches and extension churches throughout the district for a day of worship, reporting, ministry workshops, foundational teaching, and spiritual dedication.

Guided by District Coordinators Ptr. Loreto Cabantog and Ptr. Emie Cabantog, the summit emphasized a shared commitment to church growth and expansion in line with the vision of Chief  Executive  Minister Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol.

A Warm Welcome and Encouraging Message

The Leyte District Church Growth Summit began with a vibrant morning service led by Elder Marichu Sagaysay of the PMCC (4th Watch) Libagon Locale, who served as master of ceremonies. The Carigara Locale worship team led the congregation in praise and worship, creating an atmosphere of gratitude and devotion.

Ptr. Mila Quintal of the PMCC (4th Watch) Hilongos, Southern Leyte Locale offered the opening prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Bro. Junvey Tillo, head minister of the Tacloban Locale and host of the gathering.

The Tacloban brethren then led the delegates in a lively warm-up exercise, helping everyone shake off the fatigue of morning travel and creating an atmosphere of fellowship. The Ormoc Locale followed with a special song of praise that prepared the congregation for the morning message.

Ptr. Loreto Cabantog delivered a stirring exhortation centered on the responsibility of every church member in advancing the work of the Lord. He encouraged ministers, officers, and members to take personal ownership of church growth, emphasizing that meaningful expansion depends on the faithful service of the entire body of Christ.

Sharing Local Journeys and Practical Insights

After the morning service, the summit shifted into an open reporting session where each locale head minister shared updates on church attendance, local asset development, ministry initiatives, and practices that had helped strengthen their congregations.

The reporting session created an atmosphere of mutual learning and accountability. Instead of simply presenting statistics, the delegates were able to share experiences, challenges, and practical approaches that could benefit other churches throughout the district.

Ptr. Loreto and Ptr. Emie Cabantog listened to the reports and offered constructive feedback and practical guidance suited to the needs of each locale. Their responses provided the ministers and leaders with clearer perspectives on addressing both administrative concerns and spiritual challenges.

The session concluded with lunch and a time of fellowship among the delegates, strengthening the relationships built throughout the gathering.

Equipping Ministries for Greater Church Growth

The afternoon program focused on practical ministry training designed to strengthen the teams serving in local churches.

Bro. Paul Dawe, locale minister of the PMCC (4th Watch) Libagon Locale, and Bro. Luke Peja, a youth officer from the Tacloban Locale and member of 4th Watch Media, led a discussion on the Media Ministry. They shared practical insights on using digital platforms and media tools to communicate the gospel, support church activities, and help members remain connected.

The delegates then participated in specialized breakout sessions for key ministries.

Ushering Ministry

Ptr. Wilma Ligutan, head minister of the Ormoc Locale, led the ushering workshop. She highlighted the importance of the Ushering Ministry in welcoming worshippers, creating an orderly environment, and helping every visitor and member feel received in the house of God.

Music Ministry

Bro. Ronel Estopa of the PMCC (4th Watch) Camarin Locale and Elder Lily Cuartel facilitated the Music Ministry workshop. The session emphasized both the spiritual responsibility and practical excellence required in leading congregational worship.

Through these workshops, participants were equipped with practical knowledge that could be applied in their respective churches, helping strengthen ministry teams and support the district’s continuing efforts toward church growth.

Strengthening Foundations Through Teaching

The delegates later reconvened in the main hall for foundational instruction led by Ptr. Florida Tillo. She guided the assembly through Teaching Foundation 1 and 2, providing a refresher on core doctrines and reinforcing the importance of a strong spiritual foundation in church life and ministry.

Following the doctrinal session, Ptr. Nickolaei Jamito reviewed the Adult Department’s recent activities and accomplishments during Adult Month in July 2026.

He also presented plans for the remaining activities of 4th Watchers’ Month and shared a structured roadmap for upcoming district programs and ministry initiatives. The session helped delegates understand the direction of the district and the role of each ministry in supporting future activities.

A Renewed Commitment to the Mission

The Leyte District Church Growth Summit 2026 concluded with a solemn time of prayer and dedication. Ministers, elders, students, and department officers stood together, committing their lives, gifts, and ministries to the Lord and to the work entrusted to the church.

As the delegates returned to their respective locales and extension churches, the summit left them with renewed direction and a stronger sense of shared purpose.

The gathering served not only as a venue for reports and training but also as a reminder that church growth is sustained by collective prayer, faithful service, effective ministry, and a willingness to work together for the harvest.

The Leyte District Church Growth Summit 2026 reflected the district’s continuing effort to equip its workers, strengthen its ministries, and unite its churches around a common mission: to faithfully serve God and reach more people through the gospel.