Lay Convention in Central Philippines Reaffirms Commitment to Adventist Identity and Mission

In a strong display of unity and purpose, more than 300 lay missionaries gathered in the central Philippines this month to reaffirm their commitment to the mission and identity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The spiritual convention, held in Negros Occidental, brought together members of the Negros Occidental Advent Heralds (NOAHs), a grassroots network of volunteer Bible workers and local missionaries. The event aimed to equip attendees with theological training and spiritual support as they navigate increasing challenges to religious belief in their communities.

Organized through a partnership between the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), the Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC), and the Negros Occidental Conference (NOC), regional administrative bodies of the global Adventist Church, the convention placed special emphasis on strengthening members’ understanding of key doctrines and their role in community-based outreach.

“We are living in a time where belief systems are constantly being challenged,” said Ian Felicitas, field secretary for the SSD, the church’s regional office overseeing parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “It is in these moments that the church must redirect its people back to the source of our identity—the Bible.”

Founded in the mid-19th century, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is best known for its emphasis on the Sabbath, which members observe from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, as well as its focus on health, education, and worldwide evangelism.

With over 22 million members globally, the denomination places strong value on lay participation, with everyday church members—known as lay workers—often leading ministries in remote or underserved communities.

The gathering in Negros Occidental highlighted the urgent need to re-educate members about foundational beliefs, especially amid growing reports of doctrinal confusion and spiritual disengagement. Organizers referenced recent research from the General Conference, the Adventist Church’s global headquarters, which revealed that many members struggle to explain key teachings clearly, such as the Sabbath, the afterlife, and the prophetic ministry of Ellen G. White, one of the church’s early founders.

“We must remember why we exist,” said Felicitas, quoting former global church leader Jan Paulsen: “Mission is the environment in which the church comes alive.”

For the NOAHs, many of whom serve in rural and marginalized areas of the Philippines, this mission is both practical and deeply personal. Participants left the convention with a renewed commitment to share their faith not just through formal programs but through consistent, compassionate presence in their communities.

The event also encouraged reflection on global outreach, particularly in the so-called “10/40 Window”—a region encompassing parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia where large populations have limited exposure to Christianity. Adventist leaders stressed the need for thoughtful, culturally sensitive evangelism grounded in Christ’s example of service and compassion.

Through worship, small-group discussions, and personal testimonies, attendees said they felt spiritually renewed and better equipped to face the challenges ahead.

As society continues to shift and religious institutions confront both internal and external pressures, gatherings like this one serve as a reminder of the Adventist Church’s enduring focus: a commitment to Scripture, a strong sense of global identity, and the mission to share hope and healing across all nations.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.

by Edward Rodriguez, Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and ANN | March 31, 2025