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Pastor Agapito Catane, Jr., retired president of the Central Philippine Union Conference, articulated the global theme of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: “Integrated for Mission: Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission.” He called on every member to embrace a unified vision.

From his perspective, the church must move away from operating as a collection of independent departments and instead adopt a cohesive approach in every strategic plan.

“The mission is not just a department or a program,” he noted, “but an essential part of the church’s identity.” He reminded the delegation that an integrated mission ultimately belongs to God; when ministries unite, the gospel advances with greater power.

Is this theme biblically grounded?

Pastor Catane pointed to Luke 4:18-19 as the ultimate model for a holistic, integrative approach that connects spiritual and physical needs. By preaching to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, and delivering the captives, Jesus demonstrated that the mission addresses the whole person.

He further illustrated this through Acts 3:4, where Peter and John addressed both physical and spiritual needs, proving that a community is reached not through preaching alone, but by witnessing Christ in action.

Addressing the Needs of Central Visayas

Citing Central Visayas as a vast mission field, Pastor Catane identified ripe opportunities for evangelism among digital seekers and secular professionals, students within Adventist schools, residents in unentered barangays, and many others.

He emphasized that an integrated mission effectively addresses real-world struggles—such as spiritual dryness, family breakdowns, poverty, and health crises—with the transformative power of the gospel.

Strategies for Implementation

To achieve a “plentiful harvest,” Pastor Catane outlines a comprehensive strategy that shifts the focus from isolated efforts to a unified, relationship-driven ministry. This approach begins with collaborative planning, integrating various church departments—from elders and youth to women’s ministries, ACS, and many others—into a single shared objective.

Another way is for leaders to establish year-long goals, such as strategic planning at the start of the year, a week of prayer for spiritual growth, and the formation of departmental committees dedicated to soul-winning initiatives.

In goal-setting, training for each department in evangelism should be included to ensure complete church involvement and to coordinate evangelistic schedules that engage laypeople, district pastors, and departmental leaders.

Additionally, church officers and leaders should prioritize action, recognizing that an integrated mission values relationships over events and emphasizes ongoing disciple-making rather than relying solely on large campaigns.

Churches should be integrated through prayer, collaborative planning, connecting church boards with local members, and serving the community together.

The Heart of Ministry: Character Over Skill

In a sincere reminder, Pastor Catane stressed that the foundation of the church’s work should be character, not just professional skill. He defined true ministry by service, love, and sacrifice rather than power or financial gain.

He shared the powerful example of the Moravian missionaries, who famously sold themselves into slavery to reach the suffering. This level of immersion and commitment, he argued, is the “ultimate” example of an integrated mission.

A Call to Unity

As he concluded his devotional, Pastor Catane re-echoed the call for a church that is biblically grounded and Spirit-empowered. He encouraged every leader and member to move forward with a collective pledge: “One mission, one conference, one gospel.” By remaining grounded in the Word and focused on the objective, the church in Central Visayas and beyond can work together in love until Jesus returns.

This article is taken from Pastor Catane's message during a mid-day devotional at the 8th General Constituency Meeting of the Central Visayan Conference (CVC), discussing ways for the church to unite for an integrated mission. The event was held on Dec. 3-5, 2025, at the Adventist Academy Cebu, in Bulacao, Talisay City, Cebu.

Lyn Lucero ⎹ CPUC Communication Department