Leaders at the forefront of disciple-making in the Papua New Guinea Union Mission were challenged to work with the Holy Spirit for the growth of the church in the country.
South Pacific Division Discipleship Strategy leader Pastor Danny Philip made the call at the end of the weeklong New Disciples Empowerment Conference in Lae, Morobe province.
Pastor Philip, while thanking the leaders for attending the conference said: “If we want to go a long distance, we need to go together.
“Don’t work alone. Work with your teams and in partnership with the Holy Spirit. The working of the Holy Spirit will convert people.”
He said retention plans and strategies would not work if there was no consultation with the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Philip also encouraged the leaders to embrace change and have a “growth mindset” as they led people to Jesus Christ.
Sabbath school and personal ministries, children, women, Youth and stewardship directors from the Central Papua Conference and eight local missions gathered to learn more about how they could effectively retain new members, especially those baptised during the PNG For Christ evangelism campaign earlier this year.
South Pacific Division Director of Ministry and Strategy Dr Sven Östring, Stewardship Director Julian Archer, Hope Channel South Pacific Manager Pastor Wayne Boehm, Health Strategy leader Dr Geraldine Przybylko and Pastor Philip joined facilitators from PNG to speak on the different aspects of retention.
Among the topics presented were the local church leaders’ responsibilities in disciple-making, identifying stewardship challenges in retention, engaging disciples in meaningful ways, health retention, using media in ministry, kids in discipleship and knowing your church manual.
The conference participants were given resources and also encouraged to ensure they continued trainings in their local missions.
Meanwhile, PNGUM office staff, church members and conference participants gathered each night at the Lae Memorial Adventist Church to listen to sermons on the theme “Back to the Altar” from Dr Ostring, Mr Archer and Pastor Boehm.
