FRIEND Compound, Lapinigan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur — The Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM), a newly established territory under Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), recently conducted a Pastors’ Adventist Church Management System (ACMS) Training at the Mission compound, underscoring the conviction that true stewardship begins with intentional care for every soul. The training aimed to equip pastors in maintaining accurate membership records, enhancing pastoral oversight, and ensuring that church archives reflect both order and spiritual accountability.
ACMS: More Than Data, A Tool for Ministry
The seminar emphasized that ACMS is not merely a database but a ministry tool—supporting discipleship, visitation, nurturing, and reclaiming. The SePUM Executive Secretary, under Pastor Edwin Magdadaro, together with the Union’s ACMS team, collaborated with Pastor Jerry Taguno, SCM Executive Secretary, and the Secretariat Department to provide district pastors with deeper training and system access. This partnership enables pastors to work closely with church clerks in keeping membership information accurate and up to date.
This collaborative approach highlights shared responsibility: while clerks manage records, pastors remain ultimately accountable for the spiritual care of members. By granting pastors access to ACMS, the Mission strengthens accountability and ensures leaders are informed, proactive, and responsive to the flock’s needs.
Records as Sacred Trust
Pastors were reminded repeatedly of the importance of structured and methodical record-keeping. Accurate records safeguard spiritual health, track participation, and help identify members drifting from fellowship. ACMS thus becomes a bridge between data and discipleship, administration and compassion. As the Southeastern Caraga Mission works to improve its processes and ministries, officials expressed hope that the accuracy of membership records will be maintained. More importantly, they see congregations where well-kept records lead to closer relationships, deeper spiritual growth, and a more united group of believers.
Mrs. Ellen White's counsel framed the sessions: “The work of God is a solemn, sacred work, and those who engage in it should feel that they are handling eternal interests.” (Gospel Workers, p. 20)
Every name on the membership list was affirmed as a soul for whom Christ died—making church records more than statistics, but testimonies of lives entrusted to the church’s care.
Order, Honesty, and Mission Effectiveness
Another key emphasis was honesty and accuracy in record-keeping. Leaders were reminded that precise records enable wise planning, resource stewardship, and timely pastoral response. The oft-repeated biblical principle, “Let everything be done decently and in order” (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 97), reinforced the value of organized processes in fostering unity, transparency, and effectiveness in mission. This principle reinforced the value of organized processes in fostering unity, transparency, and effectiveness in mission.
Awakening Pastoral Responsibility
Beyond technical skills, the training stirred spiritual awareness among pastors. ACMS was presented as a shepherding tool—helping leaders discern patterns, respond to concerns, and ensure no member is overlooked. In a time of mobility and shifting challenges, pastors were urged to remain vigilant and engaged.
The Spirit of Prophecy reminder was clear: “Those who have the oversight of the flock should feel the responsibility of their position” (Acts of the Apostles, ch. 51).
Toward Stronger Congregations
SCM leaders expressed hope that accurate membership records will not only improve administrative processes but also nurture closer relationships, deeper spiritual growth, and stronger unity among believers.
Ultimately, the Pastors’ ACMS Training affirmed that caring for records is caring for people. As the church advances in mission, may every name be honored, every record safeguarded with integrity, and every soul cherished with love—until the Great Shepherd returns.
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