The West Visayan Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department successfully conducted its “Sabbath School Alive!” seminar on April 3–5, 2025, at Iloilo Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jalandoni St, Iloilo City.
Sabbath School Alive! is a worldwide initiative of the General Conference (GC) Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department, helping local churches to rediscover the power and purpose of Sabbath School. It highlights three vital components of thriving Sabbath Schools: the Bible study and prayer, fellowship, and the mission.
“From childhood, we as Seventh-day Adventists have been taught that the Sabbath School is the heart of the church, and indeed it is,” said Robert H. Pierson, a former General Conference president. His words are quoted and displayed prominently on the front wall of the General Conference’s Sabbath School website.
This Sabbath School Alive! in Iloilo brought together 128 passionate delegates from Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo Province, and Iloilo City, all united in one mission: to strengthen discipleship, deepen spiritual growth, and reignite active participation in church ministries.
The seminar featured inspiring messages from key leaders in the Adventist Church, each sharing valuable insights on discipleship, church leadership, and the vital role of Sabbath School and small groups in fulfilling the church’s mission.
Pastor Richard Dean Masangcay, executive secretary of the Western Visayas Conference and director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries, set the tone with thought-provoking messages on “New Member Discipleship” and “How to Reclaim Missing Members.”
He stressed the need to nurture new believers and rekindle the faith of members who have grown distant, urging churches to foster care, connection, and spiritual revival.
Pastor Neildren C. Gulfan, director of the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries for the Negros Occidental Conference, challenged attendees to step up as soul winners in his topics: “Grow Your Church,” “Sabbath School Teacher: Soul Winner,” and “Global Total Member Involvement.”
His messages empowered Sabbath School leaders to recognize their critical role in evangelism and member engagement.
Meanwhile, Pastor Norberto W. Pamisa, director of the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries for the Central Philippine Union Conference, brought attention to the heartbeat of church life—personal ministry and small groups.
His talks, “Importance of Personal Ministry,” “Why Small Group,” and “Developing Small Groups,” emphasized the effectiveness of care groups or small groups as safe, intimate environments where members can connect, share, and grow in their faith.
These groups foster stronger spiritual bonds and provide meaningful support for individual growth and community outreach.
On the other hand, Pastor Kerry Estrebilla, president of the WVC, shared an empowering message of commitment to service, reminding all participants of their sacred responsibilities as Sabbath School leaders.
He stressed the importance of Sabbath School lesson review as a time for spiritual growth and learning through a structured Bible study. It also promotes fellowship —a sense of belongingness among church members as they discuss each topic together. Moreover, he encouraged everyone to promote family worship as a foundation for a thriving Christian life.
Throughout the seminar, a recurring theme was clear: every church member has a role to play. The church’s mission is not for a few—but for all. Total member involvement, through active participation in ministries, Sabbath School, and small groups, is essential to a growing, vibrant church.
For the delegates, they returned home with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of their calling—to disciple, to reclaim, to connect, and to lead others to Christ.
The “Sabbath School Alive!” seminar has not only equipped leaders with knowledge but has also awakened hearts to serve, love, and live the gospel fully.
Kenneth Decado, West Visayas Conference
The article’s original version was published on the official Facebook page of the West Visayan Comperence.