Servant leadership discussed and demonstrated at Asia-Pacific D.S. Conference

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Seventy-nine leaders representing 18 nations gathered in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, November 3-5 for the second Asia-Pacific Regional District Superintendents Conference. The theme for this transformational event was "Servant Leadership:  Developing Christlike Leaders in the Asian and Pacific Contexts."

General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter and his wife, Toni, served as keynote speakers for the conference. General Secretary David Wilson was also in attendance, choosing this event to kick off his tour of the Nazarene regions. Six of the district superintendents from around the region (Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, and the Philippines) also shared inspirational messages throughout the conference. Simultaneous translation was provided in five languages and a trio of youth from Indonesia led the times of worship and praise.

The Regional Advisory Council, along with field strategy coordinators, regional educators, and ministry coordinators were also there to serve and interact with the district superintendents.

"This is the best conference I ever attended!" expressed one district superintendent. This sentiment was echoed by many others, due not only to the wonderful spirit of prayer, praise, and transparency, but also in large part to the structure of the event.

A unique aspect of this conference was the participatory nature of the sessions. Each day, there were eight facilitator-led modules following the pattern of inspiration, discovery, implementation, and reporting. Participants were distributed across five multi-cultural discovery groups to discuss a key question:

• What if for one day Jesus were to become me? 
• Am I a servant or a leader first?
• What is intentional servant leadership?
• How does a servant leader deal with conflict?
• How does a servant lead? 
• What will be produced on my district?

Following these discovery modules, the district superintendents then gathered into field-based implementation groups to develop action points for their districts. These groups then reported back to the larger body, allowing for tremendous dialogue and learning.

"The group interaction was very helpful and gave new insights into my life as a D.S.," commented one leader. Another district superintendent added, "The group discussions really opened my eyes to see what the Lord is doing in other parts of our region, and around the world."

Many of the district superintendents agreed that this method really allowed their voices to be heard, shaping the outcome of discussions. Peter Isaac, Papua New Guinea missionary to Vanuatu, said, "This D.S. conference really helped us all to come together through sharing our views, problems, and requests. We have seen our weaknesses and strengths and received fresh insights and vision to go and implement these things in our ministries." 

In addition, each evening participants were challenged by Porter's messages to "Embrace the attitude, the prayer life, the mission, and the Lordship of Christ." Each service included special times of prayer and intercession. The event began with a concert of prayer, was sustained throughout by frequent visits to a prayer room, and was concluded with a powerful healing and communion service.

As a result of this emphasis on prayer, many participants renewed their commitments to be servant leaders whose first priority is a relationship with Christ. Kamda Kanzpena of the Papua New Guinea South Coast District remarked, "God spoke to me to pray and fast. I must get down on my knees!" His fellow district superintendent from the Middle Ramu District, Elizah Gukamb, admitted, "I was busy, busy ... like Martha. Now I need to pray." 

Prayer is requested for the 47 district leaders of the Asia-Pacific Region, as they return to their places of ministry renewed and rededicated to serve their people and make Christlike disciples. District Superintendent Michael Mul from the Papua New Guinea Bromley District summed it up well in his parting testimony: "Jesus was people oriented and never isolated himself from the people. He healed, preached, and taught about God's kingdom. I must be like Jesus." 
--NCN News Asia-Pacific (Slideshow available)

 

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