More than 3,000 pastors and ministry leaders representing 11 countries gathered from July 28 to August 1 for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Ministerial Convention and Stewardship Summit at the Basilea Convention Center in Serpong, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia.

Held under the theme “Building Up His People,” the five-day convention combined worship and biblical reflection with training in pastoral leadership, stewardship, congregational participation, health ministry, child protection, pastoral-family care, financial accountability, and technology.

Church leaders 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 SSD 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.

Sugih Sitorus, ministerial secretary for the SSD, expressed his excitement in the lead-up to the event, as the organizing team worked through the logistics of food and accommodation, the program, and security needs for the 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 SSD. “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," he said. "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.”

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.