Christ as the Center – members of the Convention gathered together to make a human formation of the CPBC acronym.
United through faith and love anchored in Jesus—The Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches held its 6th Biennial at Central Philippine University from May 22-24, 2018.
With the theme “Partnering in Mission: Venturing Beyond Familiar Spaces,” the event gathered 962 participants from 372 churches. Baptist pastors and leaders all over the country came to rekindle Christian friendship and to further equip Baptist leaders in advancing the work of the Lord throughout the globe.
CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso with Baptist Ministers from Korea.
In his message to the CPBC, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, recognized the university’s partnership with the Convention in producing exemplary Christian learners, “Indeed, working with the Convention has truly developed a deeper desire for the university to pursue and support programs that empower men and women whose lives have been dedicated to serve the ministry and whose response to the call of mission is hoped to have inspired others, especially the younger generation, to take the path less traveled.”
The first day of the convention featured an opening parade and Kinasadya where members of the convention made a human formation of the acronym CPBC in the CPU Football Field. It was then followed by the Gathering of Praise and Opening Celebration.
In his keynote address, CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, welcomed the participants to the 6th CPBC Biennial Assembly, “How beautiful and pleasant it is when all of God’s children live and work together in unity in the household of God.”
He then went on to talk about this year’s theme that highlights unity and partnership among the members of the convention: “I want you to take note that we are witnessing a significant breakthrough of God’s people coming together from different churches and places here and abroad to share the common vision of reaching out to more people through the Living Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
CPBC Palawan in blue during the opening parade.
The members of the Negros Kasapulanan of Baptist Churches Inc. were all smiles during the parade.
Leading the parade is the Luzon Convention Baptist Fellowship.
The Iloilo Kasapulanan Baptist Churches Inc. brimming bright in red.
The Antique Kasapulanan Baptist Churches Inc. pauses before continuing the parade.
According to Rev. Narciso, the annual assembly is one of the venues of CPBC member to immerse themselves in Christian fellowship and to equip themselves for God’s mission: “I am confident that through this time of engagement, worship, learning, sharing, and reflection we will all be enriched, encouraged and equipped by our varied and unique experiences as we respond to the challenges of the ministry in our time.”
On the second day, the convention held the dedication of the CBPC Ministries Building at Fajardo, Jaro. It was then followed by the Morning Worship with Rev. Edwin Lam as speaker, Biblico-Theological Reflection by Rev. Danilo Borlado, and a lecture by Rev. Dr. Ann Borquist, Rev. Taku Longkumer and Kate Longkumer. The evening gathering featured guest speaker Rev. Ngwedia Paul Mszia, President of the Baptist World Alliance.
During the last day, Rev. Filipe Espindola spoke during the Sanctuary Hour. Interest Groups were also held, catering to different church ministries: 150 participants attended the Ministry with the Homeless with Mrs. Ruth Callanta, 126 participants joined the Ministry with LGBT with Pastor Danilo Borlado, 126 participants attended the Ministry with People Living with HIV-Aids with Prof. Rea Angelica Villeza, 150 participants attended the Ministry with the OFW and their families with Pastor Mary Malou Borlado, 100 participants joined the Ministry with Disaster Survivors with Ms. Henna Caipang, 84 participants attended the Ministry with Person in Conflict with the Law with Pastor Wilson Andion, 100 participants for Doing Mission to Sports Interest Group with Pastor Randy Camponion, 58 participants attended the Corporate Safekeeping with Atty. Zacarias Bedona Jr., and 66 participants attended the Financial Literacy with Mr. Jay Galang.
The closing celebration held the communion and installation of a new set of CPBC Board of Trustees and Officers with Rev. Felix Tingson as guest speaker.
The achievements of the Convention in 2016-2018 include the institutional review and assessment, the proposed amendments to the CPBC by-laws, the testimonial and turning over ceremony for Benjamin Shun Lai Chan and Lesley Turley, the revival of the Manugbantala publication, revival of the Palawan Mission, the Magtanong sa GS Program, the initiated Camp Higher Ground Restoration Fund Campaign for the rehabilitation of Camp Higher Ground, the first International Mission Conference in Hong Kong, the construction of CPBC Ministry Building, production and printing of CPBC Primer, distribution of free hymnbooks, partnership with Vietnam Baptist Convention, a liturgical guide published in coordination of CBMA, and the Save Marawi Fund.