After God’s divine calling to serve His people, and following the constituency meetings that chose leaders to guide the church and its communities, the elected administrators and departmental directors of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), together with representatives from its five missions and two institutions, gathered for the historic Consecration and Dedication Ceremony on March 26 at Life Hope Center, Adventist Hospital Davao, Davao City.
Clad in Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana attire, the frontliners and leaders in God’s vineyard marched down the aisle, came administrators and departmental directors from Northern Davao Mission (NDM) in Tagum City, South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM) in Matalam, Cotabato, Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM) in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, Southern Mindanao Mission SMM) in General Santos City, South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) in Matanao, Davao del Sur; and, Adventist Hospital Davao (AHD), and Davao Mission (DM) in Davao City.
Before the end of the historic processional, they welcomed the honored guest speaker, Pr. Roger Omallao Caderma, President of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division—the headquarters of Adventists across 11 countries, located in Silang, Cavite. In his message, Elder Caderma reminded the leaders that true greatness is not found in titles or achievements but in living out EXCELLENCE, which he explained through an acronym of the word.
The call began with the foundation of being EXCELLENT IN CHARACTER, echoing Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” Drawing from Scripture, the message emphasized that excellence begins with character and extends into every aspect of a leader’s mission. Leaders were urged to embody integrity and humility, reflecting Christ in their daily lives.
From this foundation flows eXTRA ORDINARY LEADERSHIP, modeled after Jesus who declared, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Such leadership inspires others and points them toward Christ.
Excellence also means giving CHRIST-CENTERED SERVICE doing every task all for the glory of the One calling every one to be in various ministries with ENGAGEMENT IN MISSION, fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). Leaders were reminded that their calling is not temporary but enduring, rooted in advancing the gospel.
The mission will be a LIFELONG SERVICE, following Paul’s testimony in Acts 20:24: “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” This lifelong dedication should be highlighting the importance of being LOYAL IN STEWARDSHIP, faithfully managing resources entrusted by God, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Wherever leaders go, they must carry EXCELLENT SERVICE, shining as lights in the world (Matthew 5:14–16). Their vision must remain NOBLE IN PURPOSE, guided by Philippians 4:8, which exhorts believers to dwell on what is true, noble, and right.
Excellence is not occasional but CONSISTENT IN ACTION, living out God’s Word daily (James 1:22). And through trials, leaders must remain ENDURING IN FAITH, running with perseverance the race marked out for them, fixing their eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2).
In conclusion, the message affirmed that excellence is more than an acronym or word, it is a lifestyle. Leaders are called to embody character, inspire through extraordinary leadership, commit to lifelong service, engage in mission, remain loyal in stewardship, and live with noble, consistent, and enduring faith. Such excellence reflects the very heart of Christ and brings glory to God in every aspect of life and ministry.
During the Signature Signing Ceremony wherein every leader affixed signature on a leaf of a miniature tree, symbolizing unity and collective commitment when ach leaf represents an individual leader, but together they form one tree, one whole church body. It meant growth and fruitfulness ensuring that the ministry flourishes and bears spiritual fruit. Most of all, it reminded leaders of being rooted in God but branching to serve. The momentous event reminded personal accountability since it means each leader, while affixing signature on a leaf, personally accepts the call, as an individual covenant before God and His people.
Amplifying the unified spirit from beginning until the conclusion of the event, this Spirit of Prophecy reminder is worth remembering. Ellen G. White wrote in Testimonies vol. 5, 238.1 written from 1881 and compiled through 1889, said, “All who have been benefited by the labors of God’s servant should, according to their ability, unite with him in working for the salvation of souls. This is the work of all true believers, ministers and people. They should keep the grand object ever in view, each seeking to fill his proper position in the church, and all working together in order, harmony, and love.”
