LEAD Mindanao 2026: Powerful Call for Young Leaders to Guard Their Calling
BUKIDNON, Philippines — The LEAD Mindanao 2026 leadership seminar concluded the International Young Watchers Department’s (IYWD) LEAD 2026 series on August 22 at Dahilayan Adventures Park, gathering young Apostolic leaders from across Mindanao to strengthen their leadership, deepen their faith, and prepare for greater responsibilities in the Church.
As the final leg of LEAD 2026, the LEAD Mindanao 2026 gathering brought together youth leaders and advisers from the Zamboanga Peninsula, CARAGA, Davao, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN. The event marked the culmination of a leadership initiative designed to equip young Apostolic leaders in different regions of the country.
More than a leadership seminar, the gathering provided an opportunity for young leaders to reflect on their calling, strengthen their spiritual lives, and recognize their responsibility in preparing the next generation of leaders in the Church.
Young Leaders Called to Take Their Place
Addressing the youth leaders, IYWD Adviser Pastor Abigail Ferriol-Pascual emphasized the important role young people will play in the future of the Church in Mindanao.
“Kayong mga kabataan, leaders dito sa Mindanao, you are the future of the church here in Mindanao. Kayo ang mga future elders, the future Bible students, future pastors. That’s why as early as your age, we should be training you, empowering you to take your place in the church. Kailangang panindigan natin itong pagkatawag sa atin.”
Her message highlighted the importance of beginning leadership formation early. Young people, she emphasized, must be trained and empowered while they are still developing so they can eventually assume greater responsibilities in the Church.
The call was not simply toward future leadership but also toward faithful service in the present. By recognizing and embracing their calling early, young leaders can develop the character, discipline, and spiritual foundation needed to serve effectively.
Guarding the Fire of the Calling
A central emphasis of LEAD Mindanao 2026 was the importance of keeping alive the spiritual fire received from God.
Pastor Abigail encouraged youth officers to continually nurture their calling, emphasizing that it is easier to fan into flame something that is already burning than to revive something that has already gone out.
The reminder was particularly relevant to young leaders actively involved in ministry. Amid the responsibilities of serving, organizing activities, and guiding fellow young people, leaders must not allow their own spiritual lives to become neglected.
She challenged the participants to guard their spiritual fire and keep it burning until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The message emphasized that leadership in the Church cannot be sustained by talent, skills, or ministry activity alone. Effective spiritual leadership requires a faith that is continually nourished and a relationship with God that remains strong.
For the young leaders gathered in Bukidnon, the challenge was both personal and ministerial: to remain spiritually alive while faithfully carrying the responsibilities entrusted to them.
Understanding and Responding to Today’s Youth
As part of the LEAD Mindanao 2026 activities, Pastor Abigail also met with Mindanao District Youth Advisers, providing a separate avenue to address those who directly guide and care for young people in their respective districts.
During the meeting, she discussed the current realities faced by young watchers and emphasized the importance of understanding the generation that youth advisers and ministers are called to serve.
She encouraged leaders to become more intentional in how they approach and minister to young people. Rather than simply expecting the youth to adapt to existing methods, leaders were challenged to understand their experiences, concerns, environment, and the realities shaping their generation.
This approach highlighted the importance of listening and building meaningful relationships in youth ministry. Understanding young people enables leaders to guide them more effectively and help them grow in their faith and calling.
The Final Leg of LEAD 2026
The Mindanao gathering held a significant place in the IYWD’s LEAD 2026 leadership initiative as its final leg.
Beginning with LEAD Greater Metro Manila and continuing through Northern Luzon and Visayas, the series provided leadership formation, spiritual encouragement, and opportunities for young Apostolic leaders to strengthen their commitment to ministry.
The LEAD 2026 Mindanao leg provided a fitting conclusion by bringing together youth leaders and advisers from different parts of the region. The participation of districts from the Zamboanga Peninsula, CARAGA, Davao, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN reflected the breadth of youth ministry across Mindanao and their shared commitment to developing future leaders.
The conclusion of the series also emphasized that leadership development does not end when a seminar concludes. The lessons learned, relationships formed, and challenges received during LEAD 2026 are meant to be carried into the local churches and ministries where these young leaders serve.
A Call to Lead With a Burning Faith
LEAD Mindanao 2026 concluded the IYWD’s LEAD 2026 series with a strong call for young leaders to guard their spiritual fire, strengthen their calling, and remain close to God.
As delegates return to their respective districts and locales, they carry not only lessons on leadership but also a renewed understanding of the spiritual responsibility that comes with serving the youth.
For these young leaders, the challenge is clear: they are not simply being prepared for a distant future. They are being trained and empowered today to take their place in the Church.
With a faith that continues to burn, leaders who understand the generation they serve, and a commitment to remain rooted in God’s Word, the young people of Mindanao are being prepared to carry the Apostolic mission forward.