By Roselle Mitch G. Anas

Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on delivers his lecture, “Social Media and Mission” during the opening of the Centennial Lecture Series at the College of Theology’s Ancheta Chapel on October 14, 2026.

Central Philippine University (CPU) launched the Centennial Lecture Series at the College of Theology’s Ancheta Chapel on October 14, 2026, marking the college’s 100th year of shaping pastoral formation, theological education, and ministry.

The opening lecture featured Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, who discussed “Social Media and Mission,” focusing on the role of social media in mission and ministry.

“Pray over your digital presence, your church’s digital presence. Identify one person whom you can intentionally reach for Christ through social media this month. Not a program. One person, one seed,” Jalando-on said, challenging the listeners.

Sharing a verse from Matthew 28:19–20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations […] and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” Jalando-on ended the discussion, emphasizing that the Gospel spread because the early church used every medium available.

“Today’s roads are digital. Let us walk them together with Jesus for the glory of God and the salvation of all who will hear the good news,” he concluded.

Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on opens his lecture with the question: “Which do you open first upon waking up in the morning, Facebook or the Bible?”

After the presentation, the audience was given a chance to ask questions about the topic. When asked what a church or pastor with an online worship service could do to ensure that members would not be drawn to other online services or congregations, Jalando-on shared, “Social media is a tool, not the end itself. Your presence digitally is not the same as your presence physically. So, when you chat with your members and pray for them, it is not the same as visiting them. We should not substitute that for convenience. You chat, you call, but you still visit.”

He also emphasized that putting oneself in the public eye could serve as a form of accountability. He explained that it would be a good barometer to remember that someone is watching, reminding people to practice what they preach because they could be exposed if their actions did not align with their teachings.

The lecture concluded with a closing prayer and benediction led by the speaker.

The lecture gathered students, CPU Pastors’ Kids, alumni, and friends from the Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA)–Iloilo Chapter.

The Centennial Lecture Series will run from October 2026 to May 2027. All lectures are scheduled at 4:00 p.m. at the Ancheta Chapel, College of Theology, CPU.