Our First Sovereign Grace Asia-Pacific Pastors Conference

An update from Jeffrey Jo, Senior Pastor of Cross of Christ Salvation Gospel Ministries (CCSGM) in Manila, Philippines, and National Leader for our work in the Philippines ...

It was a hot summer's day, Tuesday March 28, 2023 in Manila, Philippines where, for the first time, Sovereign Grace Churches hosted our Sovereign Grace Asia-Pacific Pastors Conference entitled “The Beauty of Pastoral Ministry”. Over 120 Filipino pastors with their wives from different parts of the Philippines, along with pastors from Pakistan, South Korea, India, Australia and the United States gathered joyously in Microtel Wyndham Hotel.

The conference started with the reading of Ephesians 4:4-6 in 7 different languages, followed by a time of heartfelt singing. We dwelled on the greatness and wisdom of God in salvation, led by Emmanuel Iluzada and CCSGM Kawit's worship team. Our Director of Global Missions, Dave Taylor, welcomed all the delegates and kicked off the preaching on ‘The Pastor and The Cross’. It was a powerful reminder indeed to all of us of our foundation, reason, inspiration and passion in pastoral ministry; namely the cross of Christ.

The following day, we faced the morning with love and laughter as all the delegates enjoyed breakfast in the hotel restaurant. The joy experienced through the fellowship of people called by God to care for His church was a lovely sight to witness. Mark Prater, our Executive Director, graced the day with his preaching on ‘The Pastor and The Flock’, teaching us that shepherds should live among their flock so that they can lovingly care and guard them. In the afternoon, the preaching centered on ‘The Pastor and His Soul’, which I had the preach. The lesson was drawn from David’s intimacy with God even in his prime years.

The last day was a blast! Mark gave a very clear instructional sermon on heathy plurality in leadership entitled ‘The Pastor and His Team’. He concluded by encouraging us with this: “When you cultivate a healthy plurality, team ministry is a joy.” Then in the afternoon, Dave gave his last sermon by challenging us to take risks for the cause of Christ, because Jesus is worth it! It was an awakening yet inspiring sermon fit to adjourn the conference.

There were church testimonies and updates as well both in the second and the third day. It was inspiring to see a genuine love of the gospel and of God's people, especially in men like Jaya Prakash, our first ordained Sovereign Grace pastor in India. It was encouraging to see a gratitude for God and for Sovereign Grace Churches, especially in men like Songhwan Kang of South Korea. It was enlivening to hear of the humility and joy of being part of a local Sovereign Grace Church, especially in men like Andrew Leung of Sydney, Australia. It was energizing yet humbling indeed to see courage and passion for the gospel, especially in men like our key leader in Pakistan!

The conference was also attended by four Filipino pastors and their wives who are interested in being adopted by Sovereign Grace Churches. One of the pastors said he had never attended a conference where the schedule was so well organized that it didn’t feel tight, where sermons were grounded from the scriptures and where preachers exemplified humility. One of the pastor’s wives also commented that this was the first pastors conference she had ever attended where the wives were appreciated, and emphasis was placed on the beautiful role she played in fulfilling her husband's pastoral calling.

Though we all know that these are the works of our gracious Chief Shepherd, I'm thankful to the people who prayed and supported us in any and every way to make this conference happen, who provided generously to the conference, and who served with loving hospitality. I hope that in God’s providence a gathering of Sovereign Grace Asia-Pacific pastors and wives can become a biennial event so that shepherds who care for the sheep will be encouraged and our region will be strengthened and unified to make His Name known!

Thank you, Sovereign Grace family of churches!