Discipleship Conference 2021: Equip and Empower

River of God Galleria held its first discipleship conference for the year 2021 dubbed Equip & Empower, July 3. The event sought to encourage leaders and interns in their bid to share the love of God and make disciples of all nations, as our Lord taught in the Bible. Around 100 leaders and interns attended onsite, while 72 participants joined the event online via Zoom.

The day kicked off with an icebreaker segment courtesy of Ps. Tin Corpus and Angelu De Leon - Rivera to stir the attendees’ enthusiasm for the event, followed by an intimate worship session to invite the Holy Spirit’s presence through the entire conference. Attendees soaked deeply in the Lord’s presence as they were eagerly expectant for a great move of God during the event.

Lifegroup leaders Cheryl Cabanos Del - Rosario and Mike Fernandez gave their testimonies on how discipleship molded their lives for the better. Cheryl mused how God used her mightily in bringing souls to His Kingdom amid the issues she faced in the past and how social media could be an effective tool in evangelizing to people. On the other hand, Mike shared how his discipleship journey remained fruitful despite the limitations placed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Chito Sanchez opened the event proper by teaching the attendees the importance of discipleship in our current season. He echoed Paul’s words in line with the five-fold ministry and emphasized that its functions matter more than gaining titles. Bishop added that we should channel God’s love to other people and aid in bringing His children into the fullness of Christ. He concluded his preaching by ministering and praying for the disciplers and interns onsite.

Ps. Rachel Sanchez followed suit by talking about the role of the supernatural in discipleship. She taught that signs and wonders are meant not to exalt oneself, but to honor and glorify God, to evangelize to the lost, and to avoid depriving the people of the Lord’s might. Ps. Rachel cited abuses in the supernatural ministry and why we should veer away from such activities. She also preached that leaders should teach their disciples to have faith in the miraculous and imitate Jesus by following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Ps. Rachel then guided the attendees into a short ministry activity. The leaders were asked to join in pairs and pray for each other in the spirit. The attendees received new revelations and spiritual insights as the presence of the Holy Spirit remained thick all throughout the corners of the ROG Galleria center.

Shortly after the ministry time, Ps. Rico Ricafort of Victory Church took the pulpit and expressed his gratitude to Bishop Chito for allowing him to encourage the leaders of River of God. He taught the attendees to return to the basics and make new disciples out of sheer love for the Most High. Ps. Rico recognized that discipleship can only end on the day of our Lord’s return. He told all leaders and interns to teach the value of obedience, impart ministry skills, and trust their disciples’ capacity to lead. Ps. Rico also encouraged the attendees to build and strengthen each other’s faith.

Bishop Chito, Ps. Rachel, and Ps. Rico led a short question and answer segment to entertain the attendees’ queries in line with discipleship. Several questions were raised during the Q&A segment, including matters on disciples’ faithfulness as well as dealing with former LGBTQ+ members.

Right after the Q&A, River of God officially launched the ROG smartphone application. Developed by a team led by our very own Andrea Parrocha, the app works to consolidate all materials applicable to discipleship. Users may also use the app to access upcoming ROG events and classes, worship albums, photos, articles, and even a directory for all affiliate churches across the Philippines. The app is now available for download via Google Play and the App Store.

Ps. Greeko Villanueva wrapped up the event by commissioning the first batch of interns for the year 2021. He ministered to the newly commissioned leaders and prayed for their success in their endeavours as disciplers and stewards of our Lord Jesus Christ.