More than 80 Christian pastors, including 62 from non-Adventist denominations, participated in the PREACH (Project for Reaching Every Active Clergy Home) Seminar on February 3, 2025. The event, hosted by the Adventist Church in East Kalimantan at Hotel Grand Tiga Mustika, aimed to provide spiritual enrichment and theological insights for pastors across various Christian faith communities.
The seminar was officially opened by a representative of the Ministry of Religion of Balikpapan City, who recognized the event’s role in promoting cooperation among Christian leaders. Local Christian community leaders also attended, underscoring the broad support for interdenominational engagement.
Leaders from the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD) region led the sessions, offering messages of encouragement and practical guidance for ministers.
Pastor Rudi Situmorang, SSD Ministerial Secretary, presented “Back to the Altar” and “Healthy Boundaries for Spiritual Leaders.” He emphasized the importance of personal devotion, warning that pastors must remain spiritually grounded. “Spiritual leaders are not immune; if they do not come to the altar (Jesus), spiritual leaders will become primary targets of Satan,” he stated.
Dr. Felixian Felicitas, SSD Field Secretary, explored key theological concepts in “What We Have Learned from Martin Luther?” and “Labyrinth of Theology.” His presentations encouraged reflection on historical theological movements and their relevance to contemporary Christian ministry.
The seminar received high praise from Balikpapan’s Religious Department, which expressed appreciation for the Adventist Church’s initiative in organizing the event. Officials acknowledged that the program aligned with the government’s goal of promoting unity and collaboration among religious leaders.
Non-Adventist pastors also expressed gratitude, noting the relevance of the topics and the spiritual encouragement they received. Many participants requested that similar events be conducted regularly, recognizing the PREACH Seminar as a valuable opportunity for learning and relationship-building.
Beyond the theological discussions, the event also inspired a renewed sense of involvement among church members. Pastors returned to their congregations equipped with fresh insights, encouraging greater participation in fellowship and service initiatives both within the church and the local community. Many attendees shared that the seminar reaffirmed the importance of nurturing not only their spiritual lives but also their commitment to actively serving and engaging with those around them.
The PREACH Seminar served as an avenue to break misconceptions about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration between Adventist and non-Adventist clergy. By providing a space for shared learning and theological engagement, the event strengthened interdenominational relationships and emphasized the importance of working together in fulfilling the gospel mission.
Attendees left with renewed commitment to their pastoral responsibilities and a stronger sense of camaraderie among Christian leaders. The success of the event paves the way for future engagements that will continue to nurture spiritual growth and unity while furthering the church’s mission to uplift communities through active service and engagement.
Edward Rodriguez
Email: erodriguez@ssd.org