Batangas, Philippines – February 24-28, 2025 – The JRAM Asia Pastors Summit 2025, held at the Mt. Makiling Re-Creation Center in Batangas, brought together pastors and church leaders from across the Philippines and Macau for a week of worship, training, and spiritual renewal. Centered on the theme “Conformed to Christ: Practicing the Pastoral Pattern of Jesus,” the summit emphasized servant-hearted leadership, the sufficiency of Christ, and the divine equipping necessary for pastoral ministry.
Anchored in the Word, Strengthened by Grace
The overarching focus of the summit was rooted in Hebrews 13:20-21, which highlights that Christ is the Great Shepherd and all under-shepherds must conform to His model of sacrificial and servant-hearted leadership. From the opening chapel service to the final benediction, participants were reminded that pastoral endurance is not a result of human strength but of Christ’s sustaining power and that, ultimately, everything must be done to the glory of God alone.
Guest preachers Rev. Ronald Hernandez and Bishop Jess Urbina delivered stirring messages on the themes of personal and pastoral disciplines and putting God first. Their expositions reinforced the call for pastors to align their ministry with Christ’s example—marked by humility, sacrifice, and unwavering trust in God’s provision.
Equipping Pastors for Effective Ministry
Beyond the inspiring sermons, the summit featured intensive training sessions led by experts in strategic leadership and organizational development. Trainers like Prof. Vicente Mauricio III and Franklin Manila conducted workshops on translating ministry vision into actionable strategies, ensuring that pastors are equipped with both spiritual and administrative competencies.
Participants engaged in group dynamics, self-reflection exercises, and interactive discussions that fostered both personal and corporate growth. Learning sessions intentionally designed toward “leading and managing the Church through Vision 1-3-5-10,” provided practical insights on leading and managing effectively on the pastoral care group level.
Worship, Fellowship, and Renewal
Each day began and ended with corporate worship, setting a reverent tone for reflection and renewal. The evenings were dedicated to group talks and fellowships among the leaders, pastors, and staff that provided core moments of laughter, camaraderie, and deeper bonding among the participants.
A highlight of the summit was the day tour at Villa Escudero in the nearby province of Quezon, offering attendees a time of rest before diving into the rigorous sessions. This balance of spiritual formation, learning, and recreation underscored the holistic approach of the summit in equipping pastors for sustainable ministry.
Soli Deo Gloria: Looking Ahead
As the summit drew to a close, participants left with renewed passion and a deeper understanding of their pastoral calling. The final part of the program, where everyone rededicated their commitment to Christ, His cause, His calling, and His cross, served as a solemn reminder that all ministers and ministry efforts must ultimately point to Christ alone.
The JRAM Asia Pastors Summit 2025 was not just an event—it was a divine encounter, a reaffirmation of God’s faithfulness, and a catalyst for a greater gospel impact. As JRAM Asia continues to proclaim Christ through the cities and nations, this summit stands as a testimony that God is raising under-shepherds who are truly conformed to Christ.
LECTIO DIVINA. Practicing silence and solitude as a pastoral discipline, facilitated by Rev. Ronald Hernandez, faculty in Pastoral Studies and former Director of Student Life and Ministry at the Asian Theological Seminary.
PRAYER PARTNERS: United in Christ, pastors uplift and intercede for one another—standing as faithful co-laborers and burden-bearers in God’s ministry.
NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND. HR Specialist Franklin Manila leads a reflective session on the vital role of planning, leading, organizing, and monitoring for the team to move forward together and achieve their common goal.
EVERYONE MATTERS. Pastors actively engage, share insights, and collaborate in meaningful discussions and activities, strengthening one another in faith and ministry.
OUTPUT VS OUTCOME. Professor Butch Mauricio unpacks and amplifies the Pareto Principle, helping pastors identify and maximize their most impactful 20% for greater ministry effectiveness.
COFFEE AND CATCH-UP. JRAM Asia board members connect with pastors from the Philippines and Macau for personal talks and ministry updates.
WITH THE ILOCOS NORTE PASTORS. JRAM Asia Executive Pastor Edith Mendoza, JRAM Creatives and Communications Officer and JRAM Asia Board Secretary Maida Pulido, JRAM Asia Board Treasurer Sis. Bless Abalos, and JRAM Canada/Asia Board Member Pastor Al Abalos, together with JRAM Asia Dingras Associate Pastor Mercy Ruiz, JRAM Asia Associate Pastor Jun Labasan, and JRAM Asia Calaguip Associate Pastor Jheny Labasan.
WITH THE PANGASINAN PASTORS. JRAM Asia Executive Pastor Edith Mendoza, JRAM Creatives and Communications Officer and JRAM Asia Board Secretary Maida Pulido, JRAM Asia Board Treasurer Sis. Bless Abalos, and JRAM Canada/Asia Board Member Pastor Al Abalos, together with JRAM Asia Seaside, San Fabian Associate Pastor Yolanda Merillo, JRAM Asia San Fabian Associate Pastor Dennis Racelis, and JRAM Asia Mangaldan Associate Pastor Joy Racelis.
WITH THE METRO MANILA PASTORS. JRAM Asia Executive Pastor Edith Mendoza, JRAM Creatives and Communications Officer and JRAM Asia Board Secretary Maida Pulido, JRAM Asia Board Treasurer Sis. Bless Abalos, and JRAM Canada/Asia Board Member Pastor Al Abalos, together with JRAM Asia Aroma, Tondo Associate Pastor Alvin Bernardino, JRAM Asia Muntinlupa Children’s Pastor Lucy Dahilog, JRAM Asia North Caloocan Pastoral Intern Hazel Nadres, JRAM Asia Muntinlupa Pastoral Intern Orlan Ocampo, and JRAM Asia Parañaque Pastoral Intern Malou Espiritu.
WITH THE MACAU AND ORMOC PASTORS. JRAM Asia Executive Pastor Edith Mendoza, JRAM Creatives and Communications Officer and JRAM Asia Board Secretary Maida Pulido, JRAM Asia Board Treasurer Sis. Bless Abalos, and JRAM Canada/Asia Board Member Pastor Al Abalos, together with JRAM Asia Macau Associate Pastor Angelo Eustaquio, Pastor Edgar Mendoza, and Pastor Dang Mendoza, and JRAM Asia Ormoc Associate Pastor Elleen Madronio.
TOGETHER FOR JESUS. By His grace and for His glory, JRAM Asia exists to proclaim Christ to the cities and nations through the Gospel.
