Pastors and their spouses from the Central Luzon Provinces Mission (CLPM) recently attended a three-day retreat from October 27 to 29, 2024, at Farm Ridge in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. The event, titled “Back to the Altar Training and Ministerial Couples’ Appreciation,” was organized to foster spiritual renewal, aiming to support pastoral families in their faith and service.
Following the principles of the “Back to the Altar” initiative, the event offered a structured approach to encourage daily spiritual devotion. Through seven guiding principles, participants were reminded of the essential role that personal spirituality plays in leading and nurturing congregations.
Day One: Emphasis on Spiritual Commitment and Renewal
The retreat began with a keynote address by Pastor Reylourd Reyes, CLPM Executive Secretary, who highlighted the importance of pastors’ commitment to their relationship with God as foundational to their ministry. This message set the tone for the event, emphasizing that personal spiritual health significantly impacts both the family and the church community.
That evening, Pastor Noel Manalunsung led the first plenary session, which introduced the principle “Come to Jesus As You Are.” Participants were encouraged to reflect on their connection with God through group discussions, fostering a supportive environment for shared spiritual growth.
Day Two: Practical Wisdom and Pastoral Appreciation
On the second day, Ma’am Esther Magas delivered a plenary session on “Digital Hygiene for Individuals and Families.” She shared insights on maintaining a balanced approach to technology, a valuable skill in today’s digitally driven world, which can strengthen personal well-being and family unity.
The day continued with a Pastor’s Recognition led by Pastor Danny Anillo, Ministerial Secretary of the Central Luzon Conference, which honored the dedication of pastoral families and acknowledged the sacrifices they make in their service to their communities.
In an afternoon session, Pastor Nick Francisco, Family Ministries Director of the Central Luzon Conference, focused on the story of Samson, using his failures as a reflection point for pastoral ministry. He highlighted how Samson’s impulsiveness and self-centered decisions ultimately led to his downfall, despite his calling and unique strength. This, Pastor Francisco explained, serves as a warning for pastors today: when personal desires or neglect of spiritual discipline take precedence, it can weaken their ministry and impact the spiritual health of their congregations. Samson’s story is a reminder for pastors to ground their resilience in humility, discipline, and unwavering commitment to God’s purpose.
Evening of Commitment and Celebration
The day’s program concluded with a Commitment Service and Banquet led by Pastor Gerry Estabillo, President of CLPM. Pastor Estabillo reflected on the biblical account of the priests handling the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Samuel, using it as a metaphor to stress the risks pastors face when neglecting their spiritual priorities. The evening challenged pastoral families to keep their spirituality at the forefront, recognizing it as essential for leading the church towards transformation.
The retreat concluded with a joyful evening featuring games and photo sessions, celebrating the unity and bond among pastoral couples. The “Back to the Altar” event provided a valuable space for pastoral families to recharge and re-center, reinforcing the belief that a pastor’s personal devotion is crucial in inspiring spiritual growth and renewal within their congregations.
Central Luzon Provinces Mission