PADAYON KATIPAN (Keep up the Covenant) - Part II

EDSA Revolution is a product of respective struggles participated in by the basic masses gaining support from various sectors of diverse orientation, status, political and ideological leanings, colors and shapes. Youth, professionals, church people, businessmen and women, government officials, military and others. All have contributed their share in shaping the Philippine history. Try to isolate one, and the beauty of the event is gone. Just like the rainbow. With only three primary colors (red, yellow, blue), a beautiful multiplication of colors takes place when they link, interact, and overlap. Try to separate one from the other, and the beauty of rainbow is gone.

Such is the message of PADAYON KATIPAN. The collective faith and action must be uphold in order to sustain the unprecedented success, the changes, the development in our association. The moment we cease to keep up the covenant, we will be condemned to repeat the past.

I decided to keep silent for a year, not just because of my health. But to give more time for my successor to establish his leadership. Although the last quarter of 2009 was a transitory period when my illness confined me to an electronic leadership through text and internet. At that time, Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and Rev. Rustom B. Ola were already taking the lead together with the CBMA Board.

Undeniably, however, my productive terms had embedded on the organizational culture. More so, with my closeness to him, being in the team leading the change. Hence, a year of rest and silence was the best option for a transition which became effective. For it was marked with the establishment of Pastor Jalando-on’s leadership. The only thing I contributed to him was the turn over of records and unfinished tasks and assurance of my prayer support.

My illness has given me sufficient time to rest, pray, meditate, read the bible, reflect and write. All the wonderful experience my previous hectic schedule deprived me. But it’s lingering effect exposes my vulnerability. There were times when I had already resolved to go to the beyond bringing with me thoughts of our collective success.

The only thing that holds back is the commitment made on that haunting day when I was about to respire my last breath: “Not now, Lord... for my family… the CBMA…there are still evil to fight and conquer.” I believe God took notice of that appeal and sincere desire as manifested in the extension and subsequently slow but sure healing process.

This is the commitment that keeps me going despite the pain and vulnerability experience for more than a year now. It is in this context that I now view your decision to bestow on me the title of President Emeritus. A providential niche for my lifetime commitment to CBMA. As long as I live, you can assure of my service to the CBMA. Let us continue our collective faith and action. PADAYON KATIPAN, ANO MAN ANG ATON MADANGATAN. (Keep up the covenant, no matter what.)

PADAYON KATIPAN (Keep up the Covenant)

(Article first published as open letter for Baptist Pastors on Pahayag, official publication of the Convention Baptist Ministers Association.)

Two words that capped my SONATA 2010 (State of the Association Address) as a clincher to six years of service as your president. The best years I have ever given to a particular cause in my lifetime. Years that witness the commitment and dedication surpassing my other endeavors, paid or likewise voluntary in nature.

It will be recalled that PADAYON was the word used to close the successful conduct of our 68th National Assembly in 2009. Inspired by your overwhelming responses, I was looking for a punch line to sustain the momentum in delivering the concluding remarks. Then came the text message from my *Ihado when the worship leader innovatively asked us to write a message to a person of choice. All the notes coming to me have common message of encouragement to “keep up the good work.” My ihado gave me a note with one word which captured all other messages: PADAYON

KATIPAN, on the other hand, has become a symbol of our unity and success. It bespeaks of the realization of collective faith and action (Katumanan sang Tingob nga Pagtoo kag binuhatan). It sums up our victory in reclaiming the spiritual heritage of the Camp Higher Ground as icon of serenity, spirituality and renewal. Katipan has even galvanized our relationship bringing our association to the door step of the leadership and politics in Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.

KATIPAN was added during my swan song in SONATA 2010. Purposely as a recognition of our collective success, it also serve as reminder to stay true to our covenant. I thought that was the last time I would be using the two words, cognizant of the end of my term and my unstable health condition. Not until our CBMA Coordinator invited me to write an article for the Pahayag. I immediately said yes. For I want to use the opportunity to officially thank you for the support you have extended me and my family in the most trying moments in our life. Although not fully recovered yet, the delay has been compensated by the inner healing and renewal which strengthened my faith and determination.

Excited to communicate with you again, I found myself overwhelmed with all the journal, thoughts, insights which accumulated for more than a year of reflections. This is the second time it happened. The first was last February, while making reflections on the 25th Anniversary of EDSA Revolution. Extracting from aforementioned references, those two words dominantly flashed back in my mind.

The significance of EDSA has been carved in the innermost part of my soul. It was the turning point of my life. When I left seminary in 1984, one semester before graduation, I thought it was a goodbye. Aware of the risk of full time solidarity work during the intensification of the people’s struggle, I was not expecting to see the dawn of the new day. By God’s grace, I have seen it and more. After the historic EDSA '86, I decided to go back to the seminary to resume my studies. Thereafter a paradigm shift in my direction took place. The rest is history

*Wedding godson
(To be continued)

Letter for MSPM students

Dear Pastor,


It’s more than a year that we have not met. Not only due to my health condition but also with the change of leadership in the Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) and Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC). Having been inactive, I am no longer acquainted with the direction and priorities of both organizations. But this is just a temporary set back. With the slow but sure healing process, it won’t be long and, by the grace of God, I will resume my commitment to the full.

The scene during the most critical moment in my life has already been embedded in my mind. When I was about to make the last breath, my final thought was: "Not now, Lord...please...because of my family, the CBMA, and there are many evil to fight still." God might have heard my last appeal and searched my heart that He made me survive. The long and painful process of recovery has become a purging process to me and almost daily I experience healing inside. With this development, I become optimistic to receive the total healing soon.

And with the initial physical healing, I have started to fulfill my commitment to God for my family in the last months. I feel the time has come for me to move the next level and do the last later. Having learned from experience, I want to move slower this time. Hence, I will focus first on the Master of Social Pastoral Ministries (MSPM). Our priority is to have all those who started the program complete the requirements. At the same time, train those who have graduated either to assist or handle another batch who signify their interest to avail of the program. Our target is to expand to other evangelical groups and the lay leaders.

It is in this connection that I would like to invite you to a reunion meeting and seminar on May 30, 2011, 9:00 am- 3:00 pm at Central Philippine University. The University Outreach Center will sponsor the seminar, as culminating outreach activity of Dr. Melvin M. Mangana for the pastors. Our newly formed Learning Institute for the Fullness of life and Empowerment (LIFE), Inc. will co sponsor the activity. We will take charge of the food and lodging when necessary. Your counterpart is the transportation expenses.

Please confirm attendance not later than May 27. God bless you.


In the service,



(Sgd)EDWIN I. LARIZA

Benefits of the CPBC UNITES

The CPBC UNITES (Unified Theological Education System) has become a paradigm shift in the systemic problem of our theological institutions. It was instrumental in the synchronization of diverse programs, divisive orientations and institutional culture. Through this breakthrough, we succeeded to formulate a standardized curriculum which promotes unity while maintaining respective peculiarities and specializations.

The bond of seminarians has been strengthened as the innovation has institutionalized the theological forum and fellowship of various seminaries and bible schools. It also resulted to faculty exchange and opened the door for volunteerism. National officers of the Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) volunteered to teach with the support of our association.

The CPBC UNITES continues to consolidate and synergize initiatives from various individuals, groups and institutions. There is now a venue for concerted effort, and exchange of ideas, dreams and visions. Likewise, it provides a link to the past, present and future. In one instance, we were surprised to discover that the CPBC UNITES has answered exactly previous needs and dreams of some leaders as culled from an almost forgotten document.Excerpt of which …the series of consultations resulted to some recommendations that paved the way towards the concept of unified theological system:

(1)Continuing theological education should be regularized and institutionalized on a ladderized scheme, with credits towards bachelors and masters degree, or certificate.

(2)Creation of Center of Allied Learning Institute for Life (CALL) composed of accredited faculty from various institutions to call the shot for unified system and to confer degrees to its graduates.

(3)Enrich and upgrade existing theological institutions

Another product of the CPBC UNITES is the Master of Socio Pastoral Ministries (MSPM). The degree is a combination of Master of Science in Social Work program and pastoral ministry courses. The mission of the MSPM program is to prepare graduate students for leadership roles in church, church-related institutions and community. Specifically, it is geared towards a healthy and balanced pastoral leadership, church administration and social/community services.

Recently, I received more benefits. While posting, I was inspired to integrate my other blogs to avoid hassle in maintenance. As such, I added pages to this blog and transferred posts from other sites. You may view them at the left corner. Pages are arranged under the acrostic PADAYON, as follows: Personal Note, Antipodes, Development, Advocacy, Yardstick, Opportunities, and Networking.

Moving on to the next level of service

With my election to the board of trustees of the Convention of Philippines Baptist Churches (CPBC), pastors were assured of representation. There was a relative unity between the Convention leadership and our association. Synchronization of programs and direction of both bodies produced mutual benefits. Pastors concern and requests were directly addressed while programs of the Convention were easily disseminated and supported by pastors.

Making things more favorable was my appointment to head the Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns (TEMC) Committee. Thereafter, I found the missing link i.e. the CPBC Ten Year Strategic Plan for 2000-2010. Significantly, it incorporated TEMC as one of the major program components of the Convention. Specifically, it aims to empower the local pastors to comprehensively develop their potentials so that they can more relevantly respond to the challenges and needs of the present situations.

While this could have been an answer to the needs of pastors, unfortunately, the program was not well implemented because of the lack of budget. Since its inception, the program was not given much priority due to limited budget and lack of personnel. Unlike other programs with respective directors, the TEMC activities are either carried out as additional function of other personnel, or undertaken by volunteers and TEMC Committee. It was compounded by prevailing misconception that the CPBC caters only to churches. The pastors needs and concerns should be addressed by their association.

This discovery resulted to a deliberate effort to advocate for the pastors cause resulting to some significant changes. Some notable developments were the approval of CPBC UNITES (Unified Theological Education System) which broadened the opportunities for continuing pastoral education; the approval of CBMA Placement Bureau, and other resolutions passed by the assembly and subsequently approved by the Board. Since then, the TEMC program was revisited, promoted and given fresh mandate.

KATIPAN Hall: Monument of Gains in Networking

Early this morning I received blogging tips from Pastor Jonan Castillon. He is the pastor-friend I mentioned earlier who advised and taught me to open a blog. Enjoying now the benefits of on-line writing, he is willing to share his talent to pastors for free. Tentatively, we have scheduled a hands-on training for pastors on April 27, 2011.

Learning Institute for the Fullness of life and Empowerment (LIFE) will coordinate this activity. LIFE is a voluntary organization of pastors, social workers, educators and other professionals which was organized after my term in CBMA. Purposely, it will continue the commitment to serve the pastors beyond our term in the association. Interested pastors in Iloilo may contact this blog. You can also visit Pastor Jonan’s site.

Following an expert advice, starting today, this blog comes out every Thursday, Sunday, and Tuesday to avoid information overload. A journal of faith journey, it attempts to inspire readers to continue the commitment in service in respective fields no matter what. This is a forerunner of my dream book, PADAYON: Our life journey.

Padayon is an Ilonggo term which means continue. In deeper sense, it connotes moving/going on (or never give up) despite adversaries or adversities.PADAYON serves as framework or acrostic of my life’s experiences and the lessons learned from life. This blog deals each area or sub topic accordingly. The series of posts on Gains and Pains in Serving the Pastors is a representation of the second letter in PADAYON, i.e., Antipodes. After three more posts, discussion will focus on the third topic – Doing God’s Will is dangerous to your health.

Previous blogs mentioned the role of KATIPAN Hall in reclaiming the spiritual heritage of the Camp Higher Ground as icon of serenity, spirituality and renewal. Katipan is an Ilonggo term for Covenant. In the CBMA context it means Katuman sang Tingob nga Pagsalig kag Binuhatan (realization of something through collective faith and action.

Never did it occur in our wildest dream that our association would engage in an infrastructure project. More so, under my term as president. My social work orientation and past organizing experience taught me to be people-centered in approach to development. However, circumstances led us to this new challenge.

It started from an invitation of the Pastors’ Kids (PK) Association to hold our National Assembly at Camp Higher Ground in 2006 for free. At that time, they were starting to develop the Camp after the mandate to manage this neglected treasure of our Convention. Few months later, the Convention leadership retracted, forcing the PK to cancel its goodwill.

Having set our preparation on the venue, our Association decided to take matters in our hands. With the projected cost within our reach, we undertook the project. Only to found out later, there was an overly underestimation of the cost. Upon expert advice, we opted to improve the design with permanent materials due to susceptibility of the area to termites. Exhausting our own resources, we engaged in various fund campaign and use our network, both personal and organizational. Concerts, dinner for a cause, solicitation, loans were but a few of the strategies we undertook.

Soon, we got the support of auxiliary organizations in our Convention, as well as related institutions and Kasapulanans. Our NGO network was also tapped, as well as linkages with the government officials the city and province of Iloilo. Later, independent foundation and network of our pastors abroad assisted us. The rest is history. After fours year, the collective faith and action was realized. The Katipan Hall was finished- a monument of gains in networking.

Social Work, Systems Theory and the CBMA

The celebration of the World Social Work Day highlights the role of social workers in responding to individual, family and community crises. In another site, I discussed Social Work as a Profession. Yesterday’s blog pointed out that social workers are also skilled in analyzing the frameworks of social conditions, and know how to change them to foster a more dignified life for all people, in all communities. This makes our discussion on systems theory and networking more relevant as they contribute to the development of such skills. Speaking by experience, the CBMA has benefited from my past learnings in social work when I led the association for six years. I feel a discussion on this topic is helpful before we resume the Gains in networking…

Ann Hartman (1970), as cited in Johnson (1995), noted that the systems theory is useful to social workers for it gives a means for conceptualizing linkages and relationships among seemingly different entities: individuals, families, small groups, agencies, communities, and societies. It notes similarities and differences among different classifications of systems. It aids social workers in considering both private troubles and public issues within the nurturing system and the sustaining system of a situation they are assessing.

The application of system analysis to social work practice was best described in the book written by Allen Pincus and Anne Minahan in 1973 entitled Social Work Practice: Model and Method. Their basic premise, that there is a common core of skills and concepts, which are essential to the practice of social work, is in fact basic to most theoretical interpretations of systems theory.

Pincus and Minahan theorize that there are four basic systems in social work practice: (1) a change agent system, (2) a client system, (3) a target system, and (4) an action system. The change agent system is composed of professionals who are specifically employed for the purpose of creating planned change. Also part of the change agent system is the employing organizations of the change agent.

The client system is composed of the people who sanction or ask for the change agent’s services, who are expected beneficiaries of the service, and who have working agreement or contract with the change agent.

The target system is composed of the people, agencies, and/or organizational practices that one wishes to change in some measurable way in order to reach the goals of the change agent. As such, by analyzing the changes of the target system, one can measure effectiveness and provide a mechanism for accountability.

The last is the action system, which is used to describe those factors with which a social worker works in his/her effort to accomplish the tasks and achieve the goals of the change effort. One may need to involve a number of different action systems in different aspects of a planned change effort to accomplish all of the different goals of the change agent. In the Pincus and Minahan model, the four basic systems are not mutually exclusive, but can and do overlap in many cases.

Following the Pincus and Minahan framework there is overlapping among the basic systems in the process of development. This means that a person, which may be considered a client system may also become a target system, a change agent or even an action system just like the processes, experienced by other systems. In the same way, that the social worker, who is considered basically a change agent, may at times become a client system, a target system or an action system.

This is true with those considered as action system. They may also become a target system or a change agent system or even a client system, as the need arises. Each system, therefore, is a contributor to and recipient of development which is the by-product of the whole interaction processes and relationships between and among NGOs and the network and their environment.

Pastors can apply this in their ministry, in dealing with the parishioners, officers, lay leaders, auxiliary and fraternal/maternal organizations, government and other institutions in the community. The framework can served as guide to respective actions.

Gains in networking: The CBMA experience

This post resumes the Gains and Pains in Serving the Pastors. While the presentation in networking was primarily a response to the feedback, it was also a prelude to remaining accomplishments as represented by the paradigm, MINISTER. As earlier stated, this means Ministerial identity, Institute, Networking, Integrated services, Spirituality, Team work, Entrepreneurship, Resource mobilization. The gains in the first two letters were posted prior to discussion in Networking.The gains in the last letters have been largely influenced by networking concept.

Integrated services, Spirituality and Team work imply wholeness which is a key concept of systems theory. The gains we have on these areas were result of linkages within the CPBC system by tapping the auxiliary organizations and establishing partnership with outside organizations, both governmental and NGOs. Hence, we were able to hold medical-dental missions and other services every assembly with the participation of the medical teams from the military and dentist association. Membership of our association in the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ICON) and Volunteer Organization, Information, Communication Exchange (VOICE)-Iloilo Cluster ushered this partnership. Our advocacy for the provision of health and welfare benefits for pastors has been supported by sectoral organizations in the CPBC and related institutions, aside from individuals and groups.

Entrepreneurship and Resource mobilization activities resulted to the construction of KATIPAN Hall and establishing of canteen at the Camp Higher Ground, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. KATIPAN (covenant) means Katuman sing Tingob nga Pagsalig kag Binuhatan. It symbolizes the realization of the project through collective faith and action.

The project started as an attempt to construct a modest Session Hall at Camp Higher Ground to accommodate the participants for the January 2006 National Assembly. Soon, the design was improved to accommodate 1,000 people and keep abreast with the development of the Camp as planned by the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. In the process of campaign and construction, pastors had experienced God’s power and provision as church leaders, members and even government officials and the general public gave their support. Also they realized the beauty of restoring trust and confidence and the power and strength in unity. Moreover, the project became an opportunity to meet friends and partners in service including those abroad.

From the construction issue, the project transformed into a spiritual warfare in reclaiming the legacy of the Camp Higher Ground. The place, which serves as venue for camping, conventions, retreats, conferences, has been a living witness to transformation of lives brought about by past experiences in the Camp. It is considered an icon of serenity, spirituality and renewal. However, the place had been abused and neglected for the past decades. Seldom was it used for the aforementioned purposes. Through the project, pastors were able to reclaim the spiritual heritage of the Camp. Thereafter, its beauty and usefulness has been gradually restored.

Gains and Pains in Serving the Pastors (D): Institute

The idea or dream to set up an institute to offer degree courses through ladderized scheme was conceptualized by previous CBMA leaders long time ago. It was a response to the call for upgrading of Pastors’ education at all levels and updating their skills and specialization. There has been initiatives leading to this direction, although some experience natural death. One sustained project was the Institute for Advanced Theological Studies (IATS). Undertaken by the CPU College of Theology in partnership with the CBMA and CPBC, the program of studies has equivalent hours credit in the College.

During my term the challenge to reach the dream was intensified due to the pressing demands and favorable conditions. Foremost, my election to the CPBC Board and subsequent appointment as chair of the Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns (TEMC) Committee. There was relative unity between the leadership of the CPBC and CBMA National which led to the synchronization of programs and direction in CPBC and CBMA activities and leadership.

At that time, I was also serving as director of the University Outreach Center and coordinator of the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program. We opened an extension class which meet once a week at the Convention Baptist Bible College for Negros students. The experience made me integrate instruction with outreach and relate this to the CBMA dream. This, after pastors who were enrolled in the MSSW encouraged me to integrate social work courses in designing a masteral program for pastors. Moreover, some of us were teaching in a Korean seminary in Iloilo City which offered Master of Arts in Missiology. Learning from such experiences, we reflected on the question: Why can’t we design similar approach for a graduate studies program for pastors in the CBMA?

Completing the favorable condition was the approval of the CPBC Unified Theological Education System (UNITES). It was conceptualized by the TEMC, with Pastor Billy Reyes and Prof. Josita Alpha Jalando-on, as lead. Previous studies and initiatives of various organizations related to continuing theological education were incorporated in the concept. Unanimously approved and endorsed during the 2007 CBMA National Assembly, it was subsequently approved the CPBC Board of Trustees for implementation.

Two breakthroughs were then undertaken namely: Formulation of Standardized Curriculum for CPBC-related theological institutions; and the Master of Socio-Pastoral Ministries (MSPM) program. Under the CPBC UNITES, MSPM classes are conducted in provincial centers by TEMC and CBMA. Participating theological institutions will grant the degree. Enrolment can be done simultaneously while attending classes or later. The program is student -friendly and very affordable, with only P500 as payment per semester/ summer plus contribution for transportation expenses and food of the faculty for four semesters and two summers. Starting in North Negros Baptist Bible College, learning centers were established in Central Philippine University, Ajuy Christian Development Academy, Antique Christian Center, Filamer Christian College, Convention Baptist Bible College, Asian Christian Outreach (ASCO), Lambunao, Iloilo and South Negros Bible Institute. The program was incorporated in the annual CBMA Institute and seminars of the Institute for Advanced Theological Studies.

Pains and Gains in Serving the Pastors (C) Ministerial Identity-Vestment

The year 2006 appeared to be the consolidation of assembly action on Ministerial Identity. Aside from the ratification of the Code of Ethics, two related actions were done. A resolution was acted upon which sealed off the perennial debate on pastoral identity which caused irritants and divided the pastors for decades. This was done after the panel discussion on the presentation of Rev Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Administration of CPU on faces of Pastoral Identity. It was resolved to recognize ministers as “Pastors” whether they work in churches, church related institutions, government, and NGOs. Criteria, categorization and guidelines were also made. Moreover, there was an understanding that the title must be spelled out not abbreviated like PTR, or Pas or Tor because the title carries the function.

It was also the year when the ministerial vestment was implemented. This serves as official uniform of Baptist Pastors under the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches(CPBC). The committee that made the research and design was chaired by Dr. Domingo J. Diel Jr. Members were Pastor Prima Formilleza, Prof. Melanie Catolico, Dr. Armando S. Kole, Rev. Lolita Dais, Prof. Grace Reyes. Symbols and colors have the following meaning: Dove- Holy Spirit; Empty Cross- Christ has risen; Icthus: (fish)- early symbol for Christian religion; Fire- refining fire/ Holy Spirit. Purple stands for Trinity; White for Purity; Blue for Virginity; Red for Love. The embroidered logo represents membership/affiliation, as follows, CBMA, CPBC, National Council of Churches in the Philippine (NCCP).

Pains and Gains in Serving the Pastor (B): Ministerial Identity-Code of Ethics

THE PASTOR AND THE PROFESSION : SUPPORT

Support the CBMA which is duly organized and constituted for the welfare of the pastor, as well as for the enhancement of spirituality which is the essence of the pastoral calling.

Uphold as sacred the Baptist heritage and principles, such as: (a) the authority of the Bible, (b) the competency of the soul to work out its religious destiny, (c) a regenerated church membership, (d) the democracy and independence of the local church, (e) the separation of church and state, and (f) religious liberty as stated in the Constitution of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. (CPBC).

Protect the dignity of the pastoral calling by maintaining a healthy physical, mental, moral, and spiritual life; and by growing professionally through pastoral and theological education.

Promote the profession by demonstrating an exemplary character in thought, in word, and in deed; and by maintaining a high and strong sense of responsibility, accountability, transparency, fairness, integrity, honesty, diligence, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Observe protocol in fulfilling obligations and accountability to God and fellowmen, with the determination to live within means and to avoid unpaid debts and other financial liabilities.

Read the Word regularly, study it, meditate on it; and stay always attuned to God by conducting a regular in-depth self-critique as a means to realize and rectify mistakes, to increase in faith, to broaden attitude, to deepen knowledge, to sharpen skills, and to refine dealing with people.

Take time to retreat, to rest, to relax, to unwind, to recreate.

THE PASTOR AND THE CHURCH: SERVICE

Serve the church with genuine concern, love, and compassion, like a true shepherd
committed to “feed the sheep” of the Lord, by creating a wholesome atmosphere for growth in all areas of life and by helping the people of God fulfill the mission of the Church.

Edify church members through Christian Education in the context of the church, culture, society, and spirituality in the Philippines and in the world.

Represent the CBMA in the local church or in the institution to ensure a regular, sustained, and strong partnership in the ministry.

Visit the church members often and establish teamwork with them in working for peace, justice, and in protecting God’s creation.

Instill in all dealings with church members or constituents the spirit of impartiality to maintain dignity, self-respect, and trust. Always be on the side of the truth, but avoid anything that will undermine the unity of the church.

Confine to oneself information and other matters that should be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Encourage the church members or constituents to become self-reliant, active disciples, and effective implementors of the mission of Christ.

THE PASTOR AND THE COMMUNITY: HELP

Help create and implement activities and projects that build the socio-economic, political,cultural, and spiritual well-being of the people.

Exemplify the life of Jesus by getting involved in the life and affairs of the community without losing one’s identity as a pastor.

Lead the church members in sharing with the community the salvation in Jesus Christ and, with their lives, demonstrate the meaning of the Gospel of Christ and the quality of life that results from it.

Promote respect for human life and the environment.

THE PASTOR AND FELLOW MINISTERS: RESPECT

Respect fellow ministers regardless of difference in background, views, and abilities.

Exercise discretion and discipline in all dealings with fellow ministers. Never backbite them or gossip about them and their families. Counsel first with the fellow minister about what you see as a violation of the Code of Ethics of Pastors before bringing the matter to the appropriate body.

Share with fellow ministers knowledge, skills, experiences, wisdom, and joy in the service of the Lord. Appreciate openly the accomplishments of fellow ministers without any tinge of envy. Share material goods.

Preserve and build wholesome relations and partnership among co-workers by every possible means. Refrain from exacting fees for services rendered to fellow ministers and from encroaching on the pastoral duty of other ministers.

Extend necessary support to fellow ministers when needed, especially to a successor by turning over records and necessary information.

Consult the Council of Elders before bringing to court problems concerning fellow
ministers, or church members, or constituents.

Talk to settle problems of co-workers or church members in the spirit of Christian love, praying for each other to resolved the problem before it blows up into uncontrollable proportions.

*Drafted, during the term of CBMA President Rev. Jerson B. Narciso, by Dr. Nestor D. Bunda,Pastor Rea Angelica D. Faulan, and Rev. Samuel G. Talha. Discussed on January 2, 2003, for deliberation and/or approval of the CBMA Assembly on January 23, 2003, at Dumangas Baptist Church, Dumangas, Iloilo. Revised during the term of Rev. Edwin I. Lariza. Format change and label through an acrostic method, as recommended by the President, was done by the CBMA Council of Elders composed of: Chair, Dr. Domingo J. Diel, Jr.; Members, Rev. Lolita T. Dais, Prof. Lucy L. de la Fuente, Prof. Lydia B. Francia, Rev. Rafael B. Gicana, Rev. Amsil P. Alubog, and Rev. Arsenio G. Llamas, Jr. Ratified during the 65th CBMA National Assembly at Camp Higher Ground January 26, 2006.

Gains and Pains in Serving the Pastors (A) Organizational Breakthrough

First, the gains which, of course, underwent the birth pangs normally experienced by any organization in gaining the members trust and support.

Organizational breakthrough

Under the slogan SHARE, HELP, MINISTER, our association (CBMA) has soared to unprecedented heights. Summing up the vision-mission statement and paradigm thrust, the slogan captured the ideas, needs, aspirations, of pastors through the process of consultation and participatory planning. The strategic plan was validated and approved by the assembly, reaffirmed every assembly.

SHARE stands for the vision of fostering mutual relationship and solidarity towards holistic ministry, abundant life and responsible stewardship. The mission HELP means Holistic Enhancement of the Life of Pastors characterized by exemplary obedience to mission, ever conscious of their identity as servants of God, skillful in networking and partnership for integral and integrated services among themselves and towards total ministry with enabling skills in resource generation and other mobilization endeavors (MINISTER).

MINISTER also serves as the paradigm framework of the Association’s program thrusts, as follows: Ministerial identity; Institute;Networking; Integrated services; Spirituality; Team Work; Entrepreneurship; Resource mobilization. The formulation was by-product of the members ideas and participation, as well as the tedious processes undertaken by the officers and members of the board. My role was to arrange, integrate and consolidate the output for easy recall and identification.

Using aforementioned order, the following breakthroughs were gained: Finalization of Code of Ethics, ministerial gown/vestment, and resolving the perennial debate on pastoral identity of those engage in other work. We have also revived the CBMA Institute, opened extension classes in provincial centers for Masteral studies to upgrade the Pastors’ education and updating skills and specialization. These were synchronized with existing initiatives of Institute for Advanced Theological Studies.

As far as linkages and networking is concerned we have strengthened relationship with the Convention -related organizations & institutions, as well as government and non-government organizations (NGOs). The association was founding member of the Iloilo Coalition of NGOs and POs (ION)- umbrella network of NGOs and Volunteer Organization, Information, Communication Exchange (VOICE)-Iloilo Cluster.

We started to work out delivery of integrated services through medical mission every assembly and advocate for provision of health and welfare benefits for pastors. Streamlining of the national structure with provincial associations was done for proper coordination. Through the effort of our association, the CPBC UNITES (Unified Theological Education System) wand implemented. This bring together all existing theological institutions affiliated with the CPBC under one system. which broadened the opportunities for continuing pastoral education.

Entrepreneurship and resource mobilization activities involved construction of KATIPAN Hall and establishing of canteen at the Camp Higher Ground, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. The association also designated a full time pastors to help manage the Camp.

Details will be discussed in the next blog.

Gains and pains in serving the pastors

Given the overwhelming mandate, I made true my commitment to integrate my learnings from previous experiences in development work in leading the association. Soon, I realized even those unlikely experiences in past life were similarly useful. Like risk taking, from gambling, and the skills in arranging/organizing cards, mahjong tiles to win despite their weak/losing state. Likewise, calculating combination and predicting occurrence in the numbers games like jueteng. These were further honed and given social component in my involvement with the people’s struggle and in practice of social work profession. Of course, the spirituality that has been developed during the illness and crises in life served as overarching foundation.

Using participatory approach, consultations were conducted in grassroots. Board meetings were expanded to include provincial presidents. This was supplemented by informal ones like regular Kape-kape@CPU, extension classes in provincial centers, and intentionally soliciting member’s opinion/suggestion. The collective wisdom of senior ministers was maximized by creating Council of Elders to assist in major organizational changes. Subsequently, the vision- mission statement was formulated, employing Appreciate Inquiry approach which was accepted and collectively owned by members. It has provided the direction of the association which broke the cyclic tradition and set the foundation for continuity.

My stint as CBMA president was captured by our slogan: MINISTER & LEAD. The first term was focused on service reflected by the series of assembly themes in 2005-2007: Ministering the Ministers: Locating the Pastor’s Milieu… Empowering the pastors in respective milieu, and Advancing the pastors cause… (LEAD) Thereafter, we move to the second level i.e. leadership with the following series - Ministers as Leaders: Leading the churches in the Philippine Context… Leading communities and institutions... and finally, Leading the nation…. In a nutshell, we set the framework, must I say mandate: Ministering the ministers so that they become leaders of churches, communities, institutions and nation.

Indeed, God blessed our collective effort with considerable results. Some were not necessarily new but the realization of what my predecessors started.. Streamlining of the structure had put an end to perennial question on relation of provincial organizations and synchronize the activities of chapters with the national direction. Members’ organizational consciousness was raised. Annual assembly was no longer taken merely as time for fellowship but for planning and making major decisions affecting the lives of pastors. Hence, many perennial questions or issues were resolved e.g. Code of Ethics, Ministerial gown/Stola and pastoral identity.

(to be continued)

PADAYON: Our faith Journey

PADAYON was the word that capped the successful conduct of the 68th National Assembly of the Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) on January 25, 2009. Inspired by the overwhelming responses of pastors on the CBMA leadership and governance, as well as the advocacies on changes in the CPBC politics, systems and governance, I was looking for a punch line/ clincher to sustain the momentum in delivering the concluding remarks.

Then came the message from my *Ihado when the worship leader innovatively asked the participants to write on the provided piece of paper, message to a particular person of choice. All of the notes I received have common message of encouragement to “keep up the good work.” My ihado gave me a note with one word which captured all other messages. Subsequently, I used it to officially close the National Convention of CBMA: PADAYON

The second time I received the word was during my birthday celebration when this same ihado sent me text greetings, just the time I was looking for a title or a framework to launch my lifetime ministry to commemorate my 55th Birthday. Hence, this PADAYON - LEARN FROM LIFE reflections.


*Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, CBMA President 2010-2013