More than 3,000 pastors and ministry leaders representing 11 countries will gather from July 28 to August 1 for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division Ministerial Convention and Stewardship Summit at the Basilea Convention Center in Serpong, Tangerang, Banten.
Held under the theme “Building Up His People,” the five-day convention will combine worship and biblical reflection with training in pastoral leadership, stewardship, congregational participation, health ministry, child protection, pastoral-family care, financial accountability and technology.
Leaders in the Southern Asia-Pacific said the gathering is intended to strengthen pastors in their calling as spiritual leaders and equip them to build healthy, mission-focused congregations throughout the culturally diverse territory of the Southern Asia-Pacific region.
The convention theme draws inspiration from 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, which describes Christian leaders as servants of Christ and stewards of the truths entrusted to them. That understanding of ministry will shape presentations on pastoral character, spiritual renewal, responsible leadership and the involvement of church members in mission.
The program will begin Tuesday evening, July 28, at the Basilea Convention Center and will include the fellowship of General Conference and Southern Asia-Pacific Division leaders and delegates around the region.
Pastor Sugih Sitorus, Ministerial Secretary of the Adventist church in the Southern Asia-Pacific expresses his excitement as the organizing team readies for the logistics, food and accommodation, program and security of the upcoming gathering.
“We are excited to welcome pastors and ministry leaders from across the Southern Asia-Pacific region for this important gathering,” said Sitorus. “Our organizing team is carefully preparing every aspect of the convention—from the program and accommodations to meals, transportation and security—so delegates can focus on worship, fellowship and learning. We pray that each participant will leave spiritually renewed and better equipped to strengthen God’s people and advance His mission.”
“This gathering brings pastoral ministry and stewardship together because both are rooted in the same calling to faithfulness,” said Francis Amer, Stewardship Ministries director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. “Biblical stewardship is not limited to financial resources; it includes dedicating our time, abilities, influence and entire lives to God’s mission. We hope pastors will return to their congregations spiritually renewed and prepared to help every member recognize their place in advancing the gospel.”
This is the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s largest gathering of the year. Held at the beginning of a new quinquennium, it will help set the direction for pastoral ministry across the division and equip pastors to support the mission priorities of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church.”
Through worship, training and shared reflection, organizers hope the convention will renew pastors’ spiritual lives, deepen their understanding of biblical stewardship and strengthen collaboration across the division. Delegates are expected to return to their respective countries and ministry fields prepared to nurture believers, strengthen communities of faith and mobilize church members for mission.