Spiritual renewal, unity and preparations for Fiji for Christ were among the focuses of the Fiji Mission’s annual ministerial retreat, held at the Adventist campground in Deuba from May 27 to 30 under the theme “One in Christ”.
The retreat brought ministers together for worship, fellowship, training and mission planning as the Church prepares for the evangelistic campaign scheduled to begin in August.
Guest speaker South Pacific Division ministerial secretary Dr Darius Jankiewicz said ministerial retreats are “incredibly important because they allow pastors to step back from daily ministry routines, reconnect and refocus on the core of their calling, which is the proclamation of the gospel”.
Dr Jankiewicz said he observed a strong sense of unity, prayer and shared purpose among the ministers throughout the retreat. “The messages they heard were designed to encourage and prepare them for the upcoming campaign,” he said. “I saw them genuinely energised and expectant about what God will do.”
The retreat also provided updates on Fiji for Christ, with organisers reporting that 449 evangelistic sites are planned across Fiji. Of these, 148 sites will host international speakers, while 301 will be led by local speakers.
The theme “One in Christ” highlighted the role of collaboration and shared mission as ministers prepare to support the campaign in their local churches and districts.
One of Dr Jankiewicz’s presentations focused on the theme “Obedience is discipleship”. He explained that obedience should be understood as a response to God’s grace rather than a condition for receiving it.
“True discipleship flows out of grace; it is not a condition for receiving it,” he said. “Like grace, discipleship is a gift from God.”
Dr Jankiewicz said understanding the relationship between grace and obedience was particularly important for those involved in evangelism and discipleship.
“If we’re not careful, obedience can sound like a burden rather than something that grows out of a relationship with Christ,” he said. “But when the gospel is clear, obedience becomes a natural, even joyful, response.”
He added that ministers expressed a strong desire to centre their preaching on Christ and discipleship.
“There was a strong desire to lift up Christ, preach the gospel clearly and lead people not just to decisions, but into a life of real discipleship,” Dr Jankiewicz said.
