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, Parañaque. 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 the mission of developing Christ-centered leaders, LEAD 2026 provided a meaningful platform for collaboration, discipleship, and leadership development. Throughout the day, delegates were encouraged to deepen their commitment to God while learning innovative approaches to effectively lead the next generation of Young Watchers in their respective districts and local churches.

Worship Service Sets the Tone for LEAD 2026

The program opened with a solemn worship service led by Sister Alyson Tarun, who encouraged every participant to dedicate the entire gathering to God through prayer and heartfelt worship. Sister KC Ferriol and Sister Alyson served as the event hosts, warmly welcoming delegates and guiding them through the day’s activities.

Following the opening service, participants joined a collaborative roundtable discussion where district representatives and locale officers exchanged ideas, shared successful ministry initiatives, and discussed best practices that have strengthened youth participation in their respective churches. The discussions encouraged open communication and provided valuable opportunities for leaders to learn from one another’s experiences while identifying practical solutions to common ministry challenges.

Strengthening 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 their key learnings, successful youth programs, and innovative approaches to leadership development, allowing fellow delegates to gain fresh insights that could be adapted within their own ministries.

At the same time, District Advisers 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. The discussion emphasized the significant responsibility of District Advisers in mentoring District Representatives, District Officers, and Locale Officers while ensuring the effective implementation of IYWD programs across every district.

Pastor Abby also encouraged the advisers to cultivate servant leadership, spiritual accountability, and consistent communication as they guide the youth entrusted to their care. The session concluded with the exchange of ministry experiences and best practices that will further strengthen youth leadership throughout the Church.

Wavemakers Initiative Strengthens Youth Discipleship

Delegates were introduced to one of the International Young Watchers Department’s flagship discipleship initiatives, “Wavemakers: Encourage. Empower. Edify.”

Presented by Brother Daniel Jae Aquino, an IYWD Officer, the session explained the vision, objectives, and implementation process of the discipleship program. Participants received practical guidance on how to effectively adapt the initiative according to the unique needs of their respective locale churches.

Designed to strengthen biblical discipleship, Wavemakers aims to help young watchers—particularly new converts—become firmly established in Apostolic doctrine, actively involved in various church ministries, and continually growing in their relationship with God.

Cadets Ministry Invests in Tomorrow’s Church Leaders

The second leadership session introduced the Cadets Ministry, themed “Cadets: Discipling Tomorrow’s 4th Watchers Today.”

Presented by Elder Madel Costa Almonte, another IYWD Officer, the discussion emphasized the importance of investing in children at an early age by nurturing their spiritual growth and encouraging active participation in ministry. Delegates learned how intentional discipleship during childhood prepares future church leaders who are grounded in biblical truth and committed to serving God throughout their lives.

The session reinforced the IYWD’s long-term vision of developing faithful leaders by cultivating spiritual maturity from an early age.

Youth Month 2026 Plans Presented

To conclude the series of leadership presentations, Sister Meilene Sapida and Brother Gid Bautista, IYWD Presidents, presented the proposed activities for Youth Month 2026, scheduled for September.

The presentation carefully outlined each activity’s objectives, implementation guidelines, ministry goals, and technical requirements to ensure that every district and locale would be fully prepared to execute the programs effectively and consistently. The planning session encouraged unity and collaboration as districts work together to provide meaningful and spiritually enriching activities for young watchers nationwide.

Pastor Abby Ferriol-Pascual 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 inspiring message “Guard Your Fire,” anchored in 2 Timothy 1:6.

Pastor Abby reminded every youth leader 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 that believers must continually guard their passion for ministry by remaining spiritually vigilant and committed to God’s calling.

She also warned against spiritual complacency, bitterness, and unforgiveness, explaining that these attitudes gradually extinguish one’s passion for serving God and weaken one’s effectiveness in ministry.

Encouraging the delegates to remain steadfast, Pastor Abby reminded them that their identity as members of the Apostolic Church should be reflected in their character, speech, decisions, and daily conduct wherever they may go. She challenged every leader to faithfully represent Christ by living a life marked by holiness, humility, and unwavering commitment to God’s work.

LEAD 2026 Inspires the Next Generation of Apostolic Youth Leaders

As LEAD 2026 concluded, participants departed with renewed vision, strengthened faith, and practical leadership strategies that will benefit their respective districts and local churches. More than a leadership conference, the gathering served as a powerful reminder that effective leadership begins with a heart fully surrendered to God and firmly established in Apostolic doctrine.

Through collaboration, discipleship initiatives, biblical teaching, and spiritual encouragement, LEAD 2026: Leaders Empowered through Apostolic Doctrine reaffirmed the International Young Watchers Department’s commitment to raising a new generation of servant leaders who will faithfully advance the mission of the Church and inspire others to live lives devoted to Jesus Christ.