By Karren Jay G. Asgar

During the opening convocation of this semester’s Christ Emphasis Week (CEW), Central Philippine University faculty and staff gather at the University Church for a time of spiritual renewal and reflection.

Marking the start of this semester’s Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) season, the University Church hosted a convocation for Central Philippine University Faculty and Staff on March 21, 2025. The gathering served as a time for spiritual renewal and reflection, aligning with the theme “METANOIA – Be not Conformed, Be Ye Transformed,” from the text of Romans 12:1-2.

The celebration opened with words of welcome from CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. In his message, he recognized the dedication and hard work of the committee in organizing the event, commending them for taking on the gargantuan task of looking for speakers, coordinating schedules and venues for convocations, and organizing praise bands for the weeklong celebration.

“I pray that we will be attentive to the messages from God’s Word that will be proclaimed throughout this week. May we open our hearts to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. If there are those among us here who have not yet responded to the invitation to surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, may this be the week of our salvation. May Jesus Christ be at the center of our hearts. May He be the anchor that brings stability and surety to our lives. More importantly, may we allow Him to transform our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may become the people He wants us to be,” Rev. Dr. Dagohoy remarked.

Afterward, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, delivered his welcome message, offering reflections on this semester’s CEW theme. He explained that the term “Metanoia” is derived from a Greek word meaning repentance, but it originates from two compound Greek words: “Meta,” which means after or beyond, and “Nous,” which means mind. He shared, “In essence, Metanoia means a transformative change of heart. In Christian Theology, it describes repenting from sin and turning towards God.”

Pastor Justine Palmes Mije, Associate Minister for Campus Ministries, introduced the guest speaker, Pastor Norman S. Lao. In his message, Pastor Lao emphasized the relevance of this semester’s CEW theme in today’s world, stating, “We are not called to conform but to be transformed.”

He also emphasized that the term Metanoia is beyond merely feeling for our sins. He said, “Metanoia is a fundamental shift in thinking that leads to a transformed life. How we live is a direct reflection of how we think. Change the mind and life will follow. Our thoughts shape our beliefs, our beliefs influence our decisions, our decisions determine the course or our lives.” Moreover, he shared three powerful insights from Romans 12:1-2 on achieving metanoia: first, recognizing the world’s influence; second, resisting the world’s pressure; and third, reclaiming your God-given purpose.

Pastor Lao concluded his message with a thought-provoking question: “Are you being conformed, or are you being transformed?” He further emphasized that, “The world will try to press you into its mode gradually shifting values, redefining truth, and normalizing what God has clearly called sin.” He stated that metanoia is not merely a change in thought but a radical realignment of life—a surrender and a commitment to live according to God’s truth, even when the world stands against it.

“So, as you stand in your classrooms and offices, in every conversation you have, be the example. Let your life declare that the truth is not negotiable, that biblical values are not outdated, and that righteousness is not weakness but power. Do not be conformed, but be transformed. Through you, may transformation ripple through the lives of the students you influence,” he emphasized.

The closing prayer and benediction was then led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church.