Manila, Philippines: ARISE 2025: Jesus is Building His Church, Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, gathered more than 540 delegates from 27 countries across Asia-Pacific and beyond. This event was more than a conference, as every plenary and evening worship invited Spiritual revival.
The conference opened with a powerful message from the Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Rev. Kafoa Muaror. He spoke about Jesus as the Master Builder and the one building His church. “The Master Builder didn’t just leave us an instruction,” he declared, “He sent us a Helper.” His message reminded the Church that when Jesus builds His Church, it cannot be defeated.
The conference focused on three daily themes – Prayer, Discipleship, and Mission.
On the second day, Rev. Corey Jones began with a 30-minute corporate guided prayer, followed by the first plenary session, “Prayer, Fire, and Glory: How Jesus Builds His Church.” “Jesus promises He will build His church,” he declared, “What’s our job? We must repair the altar!” The evening service started with powerful worship and a parade of nations representing all the countries where the Church of the Nazarene has presence. Dr. Gustavo Crocker shared a message, “Connected to the Vine.” Dr. Crocker challenged everyone on what Jesus meant by being the Vine and bearing fruit: “Some of us, when we talk about fruit, we talk about numbers… but numbers without character don’t matter,” he shared.
The third day, with a theme of discipleship, again started with a corporate prayer led by Rev. Corey Jones. Dr. Crocker led the first plenary. He shared on the topic of “The Way, The Truth, The Life, Discipleship as the Journey of Grace.” Afterwards, Rev. Sam Barber, Global NDI Director, shared about “Walking with People Like Jesus Did.” He emphasized that discipleship takes time. “Jesus was not mass-producing disciples,” Barber said, “He was making disciples that make disciples… and that takes time.”
During evening worship, Dr. Lynne Bollinger shared incredible, uplifting stories of what she referred to as “remarkable ordinary people of God.” “As the Body of Christ, we cannot say to one another, ‘I don’t need you!’” Dr. Bollinger shared, “We need you! It’s time for the saints to gather!” In the final part of the program, the region awarded the first Lydia Award to Rev. Luz Tamayo for her lifelong service to God and the Church.
The fourth day began with another 30-minute corporate guided prayer led by Rev. Jones. He dedicated a special time of prayer for all the missionaries serving across the region. Afterward, Rev. David Gonzales, Global NYI Director, reminded the church to stay focused on Christ’s mission. “David did not become a giant-killer overnight. He had a daily walk with God. He lived out faithfulness every day.” Pastor Corey Jones concluded the plenary with an encouragement never to give up: “We need to have the same mind of those in the upper room: We are not leaving this room until the Holy Spirit comes and empowers us!”
Global Missions Director Dr. Jim Ritchie delivered the message during the last evening worship, where he spoke about the nature of the mission: “The statement ‘Jesus is Lord’ is exclusive, but salvation is completely inclusive.”
On Sunday, a commissioning service was led by Dr. Mija Wi, Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Mission at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester. “When you are feeling unsure of yourself,” Wi explained, “Jesus is right there to remind you who you are.” Rev. Kafoa and the Regional Leadership Team served the communion. Rev. Stephen Gualberto and Rev. Muaror also shared the ARISE 2025 Declaration Statement, which is the action step for everyone in the Asia-Pacific Region moving forward.
Other important highlights of this conference include thirteen workshops that focused on prayer, discipleship, and missions. Each day, all seven fields gather to discuss the day’s learnings and how to apply them in their contexts. Additionally, the various ministries offered opportunities for delegates to learn more about these ministries and to strengthen the body of Christ further. All seven fields were invited to participate in the worship services by sharing a special cultural presentation through song and dance.
Dr. Jim Ritchie shared during his final night message, “This is not a conference, it is an encounter,” capturing the presence of the Holy Spirit that was felt throughout this five-day event. It ushered in a space for breakthroughs, revival, and recommitment. Each service was followed by a crowd of leaders, on their knees, moved by the Word and the holy presence of God.
The call to “Arise” was more than a theme; it was an anthem to step up and declare, “Jesus is Building His Church.”
Written by Terence and Ingrid Lustaña