The South Pacific Division (SPD) Sabbath school and personal ministries department (SSPM) focused on strengthening disciple-making and preparing local churches for upcoming mission initiatives during its advisory meetings in Sydney from June 22 to 25.
Representatives from the Australian Union Conference, New Zealand Pacific Union Conference, Papua New Guinea Union Mission, Trans Pacific Union Mission and the General Conference met to discuss strategies for equipping local churches for OneVoice27 and South Pacific for Christ, while also sharing ministry experiences and resources from across the Division.
A highlight of the advisory was the participation of SSPM leaders from the General Conference, led by director Pastor Daniel Ebenezer. Their presentations and discussions explored disciple-making, leadership development and the future direction of SSPM across the South Pacific.
One of the key discussions centred on how the Church should measure the success of evangelism.
SPD SSPM director Pastor Obed Yamasombi said delegates agreed that while every baptism is a reason to celebrate, evangelism should also be measured by what happens after people join the Church.
“Success is measured when new believers are welcomed into caring church communities, grounded in God’s Word, nurtured in their relationship with Jesus, equipped for service and encouraged to become disciples who, in turn, make disciples,” he said.
Pastor Yamasombi said this understanding places Sabbath school and personal ministries at the heart of the Church’s disciple-making ministry.
“Evangelistic meetings may introduce people to Christ, but lasting spiritual growth takes place through intentional Bible study, meaningful friendships, mentoring relationships, small groups and opportunities to serve in ministry,” he said.
Throughout the advisory, leaders also explored practical ways to revitalise Sabbath school, strengthen personal ministries, resource local church leaders and develop sustainable discipleship pathways that continue long after public evangelistic meetings have concluded.
As the SPD prepares for OneVoice27 and South Pacific for Christ, Pastor Yamasombi said the discussions reinforced the importance of ensuring local churches are equipped not only to welcome new members but also to nurture them as lifelong disciples.
