LEAD 2026 Empowers a New Generation of Apostolic Youth Leaders
PARAÑAQUE CITY, Philippines — LEAD 2026: Leaders Empowered through Apostolic Doctrine gathered young leaders from the Greater Metro Manila and South Luzon Districts on July 18, 2026, at the PMCC (4th Watch) Sucat Locale in Parañaque City.
Organized by the International Young Watchers Department (IYWD), the leadership conference equipped District Advisers, District Representatives, and Locale Presidents and Vice Presidents with biblical leadership principles, practical ministry strategies, and renewed spiritual vision to strengthen youth leadership across the Church.
Centered on developing Christ-centered leaders, LEAD 2026 provided a meaningful platform for collaboration, discipleship, and spiritual growth. Throughout the gathering, delegates were encouraged to deepen their commitment to God while learning practical approaches to effectively lead and disciple the next generation of Young Watchers in their respective districts and local churches.
Worship Service Opens LEAD 2026
The program opened with a solemn worship service led by Sister Alyson Tarun, who encouraged participants to dedicate the gathering to God through prayer and heartfelt worship. Sister KC Ferriol and Sister Alyson Tarun served as the event hosts, warmly welcoming the delegates and guiding them throughout the day’s activities.
Following the worship service, participants took part in a collaborative roundtable discussion. District representatives and locale officers exchanged ideas, shared successful ministry initiatives, and discussed strategies that have encouraged greater youth participation in their respective churches.
The discussion created opportunities for leaders to learn from one another’s experiences while identifying practical solutions to common challenges in youth ministry.
LEAD 2026 Strengthens Apostolic Leadership Through Collaboration
One of the highlights of LEAD 2026 was the presentation of district action plans and ministry strategies. Representatives from each district shared key learnings, successful youth programs, and innovative approaches to leadership development.
Through these presentations, delegates gained fresh insights that could be adapted to the needs of their own districts and local churches. The exchange also emphasized the importance of unity, communication, and cooperation in building a stronger youth ministry.
District Advisers also participated in a separate leadership session with Pastor Abby Ferriol-Pascual, focusing on strengthening their partnership with the International Young Watchers Department as an extension of its leadership ministry.
The discussion highlighted the responsibility of District Advisers in mentoring District Representatives, District Officers, and Locale Officers while helping ensure the effective implementation of IYWD programs across every district.
Pastor Abby encouraged the advisers to cultivate servant leadership, spiritual accountability, and consistent communication as they guide the young people entrusted to their care. The session also provided an opportunity for advisers to share ministry experiences and best practices that can further strengthen youth leadership throughout the Church.
Wavemakers Initiative Promotes Youth Discipleship
Delegates were introduced to one of the International Young Watchers Department’s flagship discipleship initiatives, Wavemakers: Encourage. Empower. Edify.
Brother Daniel Jae Aquino, an IYWD Officer, presented the vision, objectives, and implementation process of the program. He also provided practical guidance on how local churches can adapt the initiative according to the unique needs of their young members.
The Wavemakers initiative is designed to strengthen biblical discipleship, particularly among new converts. Through intentional mentoring and spiritual guidance, the program seeks to help young watchers become firmly established in Apostolic doctrine, actively participate in church ministries, and continually grow in their relationship with God.
The initiative reinforces the importance of discipleship in developing young believers who are not only knowledgeable about their faith but are also prepared to serve God and others.
Cadets Ministry Invests in Future Church Leaders
Another leadership session introduced the Cadets Ministry, carrying the theme “Cadets: Discipling Tomorrow’s 4th Watchers Today.”
Presented by Elder Madel Costa Almonte, an IYWD Officer, the session emphasized the importance of investing in children at an early age by nurturing their spiritual growth and encouraging them to participate actively in ministry.
Delegates learned how intentional discipleship during childhood can help prepare future church leaders who are grounded in biblical truth and committed to serving God.
The session reinforced the IYWD’s long-term vision of developing faithful leaders by cultivating spiritual maturity from an early age. By investing in children today, the Church strengthens the foundation for the next generation of Apostolic workers and leaders.
Youth Month 2026 Plans Presented
The leadership presentations continued with the unveiling of proposed activities for Youth Month 2026, scheduled for September.
IYWD Presidents Sister Meilene Sapida and Brother Gid Bautista presented the planned activities, including their objectives, implementation guidelines, ministry goals, and technical requirements.
The detailed presentation aimed to help districts and local churches prepare for the month-long celebration and implement each activity effectively and consistently.
The planning session also encouraged greater unity and collaboration among youth leaders as they work together to provide meaningful, engaging, and spiritually enriching activities for Young Watchers nationwide.
Pastor Abby Calls Youth Leaders to Guard Their Spiritual Fire
The spiritual highlight of LEAD 2026 was the preaching of the Word of God by Pastor Abby Ferriol-Pascual, who delivered the message “Guard Your Fire,” anchored in 2 Timothy 1:6.
Pastor Abby reminded the youth leaders that the spiritual fire God has placed within them must be intentionally nurtured through prayer, faithful service, and unwavering devotion to God.
Drawing from Revelation 2:5 and Leviticus 6:12–13, she emphasized the need for believers to remain spiritually vigilant and committed to their calling. She encouraged the delegates to continually protect their passion for ministry by maintaining a strong prayer life and remaining faithful in their service to God.
Pastor Abby also warned against spiritual complacency, bitterness, and unforgiveness, explaining that these attitudes can gradually weaken a believer’s spiritual passion and diminish one’s effectiveness in ministry.
The message challenged every participant to examine their spiritual condition and remain intentional in keeping their faith alive.
Pastor Abby further reminded the youth leaders that their identity as members of the Apostolic Church should be reflected in their character, speech, decisions, and daily conduct.
She encouraged them to faithfully represent Christ wherever they go by living lives marked by holiness, humility, love, and unwavering commitment to God’s work.
LEAD 2026 Inspires a New Generation of Apostolic Leaders
As LEAD 2026 concluded, participants departed with renewed vision, strengthened faith, and practical leadership strategies that they could bring back to their respective districts and local churches.
More than a leadership conference, LEAD 2026: Leaders Empowered through Apostolic Doctrine served as a reminder that effective Christian leadership begins with a heart fully surrendered to God and firmly established in Apostolic doctrine.
Through worship, collaboration, discipleship initiatives, leadership training, and biblical teaching, the conference strengthened the commitment of young leaders to serve the Church and guide the next generation.
The gathering also reaffirmed the International Young Watchers Department’s commitment to raising servant leaders who are spiritually mature, doctrinally grounded, and prepared to fulfill their God-given calling.
As these young leaders return to their districts and local churches, they carry with them not only new strategies for ministry but also a renewed responsibility to inspire others to follow Christ.
LEAD 2026 ultimately demonstrated that the future of Apostolic youth leadership is strengthened when young leaders are empowered through God’s Word, equipped for service, and committed to living out their faith.