Master Guides, club directors, and youth leaders from across the Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) recently gathered at the General Santos City Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dadiangas West for the Club Ministry Training (CMT) Level 4โ5 and Donning Ceremony. Held on September 18โ19, 2026, the two-day event was designed as more than just a standard training seminar; it served as a vital space for leaders to learn, grow, reconnect, and renew their dedication to mentoring young people. Through a series of engaging sessions, participants were equipped with practical knowledge, sharp leadership skills, and valuable resources to take back to their local churches and communities.
The CMT Level 4โ5 curriculum gave attendees a deeper understanding of club ministry and underscored the critical role leaders play in guiding the younger generation. The sessions also fostered a collaborative environment where leaders could share experiences, learn from one another’s successes, and discover innovative ways to make their ministry more impactful. As a tangible acknowledgment of their hard work, participants were awarded their CMT Level 4 and 5 pins, certificates of completion, and comprehensive training materialsโlasting reminders of the knowledge acquired and the sacred responsibilities embraced.
One of the most emotional and inspiring highlights of the gathering was the Donning Ceremony. Far exceeding the simple completion of a training tier, the ceremony symbolized a deep personal commitment to servant leadership, modeling Christ-like behavior, and faithfully steering youth along their spiritual paths. For many attendees, the event reinforced the reality that club ministry is never truly about uniforms, badges, or busy programs. At its core, it is about people: mentoring young lives, offering spiritual anchor points, building genuine friendships, and creating a nurturing environment where youth can uncover Godโs unique purpose for their lives.
Rooted in the timeless guidance of 1 Timothy 4:12 โLet no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purityโthe program challenged both leaders and youth alike. It powerfully proved that age is no barrier to making an eternal difference. As the gathering drew to a close, the SMM Joint Youth Ministries reaffirmed its pledge to develop equipped, dedicated leaders ready to champion the mission of the Church and guide youth closer to Christ.
Serene Shekinah D. Boncavil | Photos by Hope Channel Southern Mindanao
