MALITA, Davao Occidental — Nearly 200 church officers within Cluster 6 gathered recently at the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) for the Davao Mission's (DM) ongoing series of officers' conventions under the theme: "Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission."

​

The day began with a morning devotional led by Pr. David Bornales, DM Executive Secretary, who centered his message on the powerful example of servant leadership found in Acts 6. Drawing from verses 1-2, he reflected on the apostles' declaration: "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables."

​

The devotional explored the historical and linguistic depth of the word "table"—derived from the Latin tabula, signifying not just furniture but a place of transaction, record-keeping, and distribution. In the early church, to "serve tables" meant to handle the practical, administrative needs of the growing community, a task so vital that it required dedicated officers so the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

​

Far from diminishing the role, the passage elevates it. The appointment of deacons in Acts 6 was not a demotion but a divine delegation—a reminder that every role in the church, whether spiritual or practical, carries sacred weight. Pr. Bornales pointed to Acts 6:7 as the proof: "Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly." When every member faithfully fulfills their calling, the mission advances.

​

After the morning devotion, participants proceeded to breakout sessions organized by department. Adventist Youth leaders, church clerks, deacons and deaconesses, Sabbath School superintendents, treasurers, and elders met separately to receive practical guidance and discuss their specific roles in local church ministry.

​

Adding a warm, communal touch to the gathering, the brethren of the Malita Central Church prepared and cooked lunch for all delegates and attendees which was served at the church compound. After which, everyone returned to the SPAMAST Gym for the open forum and the conclusion of the convention, fostering fellowship alongside spiritual nourishment.

The orientation reminded participants that no role in the church is merely administrative. Whether serving tables or leading a department, every act of service, when done for God's glory, becomes part of the Great Commission.

​

The Cluster 6 gathering is part of the Davao Mission's continuing effort to equip local church leaders for effective, biblically grounded ministry. The final leg of the series, the Cluster 7 Officers' Convention, is scheduled this March 1, 2026, and will bring together church officers from congregations in the Island Garden City of Samal. The venue for the concluding convention will also be in the Island Garden City of Samal.

​

​​DM Communications