From September 9–11, 2025, national bishops, pastors, and leaders from 19 Asian nations gathered in Singapore for the Asia Leadership Conference, three Spirit-filled days of prayer, worship, teaching, and fellowship. Special guests from Vietnam, participants from the International Offices, and international leaders including Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter, Africa General Presbyter James Kolawole and wife Ellen, and Wider Europe and Middle East General Presbyter Clayton Endecott joined the event.
From the opening session to the final moments of communion, the Holy Spirit moved among the participants as personal testimonies and ministry reports told the story of the wonderful works God is doing across the region. Times of teaching were accompanied with spontaneous prayer, heartfelt praise, and a deep sense of unity that crossed languages, cultures, and borders.
Leadership with Listening
Duke Stone, state bishop of North Carolina, taught three dynamic leadership sessions each morning of the conference. He began by stressing that “leadership begins with listening,” sharing ministry stories that showed how servant leaders discern both the dreams and hurts of those they serve. His second session addressed the need to raise up young leaders, urging intentional investment in the next generation and reminding pastors that God equips even the least likely for ministry. In his closing seminar, Bishop Stone used Seth Godin’s “Dip” principle and the book of Habakkuk to illustrate how leaders must endure hardship with faith, trusting God’s timing and presence in every season.
Stewardship and Generosity
Bishop Daniel Felipe, executive director of Finance and Administration, presented two sessions on the topic of stewardship. In the first, he laid a biblical foundation for “steward leadership,” defined as managing relationships and resources toward God’s purposes. Drawing from Genesis, he outlined seven key characteristics such as love, servanthood, trustworthiness, and sustainability, reminding leaders that “everything rises and falls on leadership.”
On the second day, he turned to practical church finance, highlighting the global COGOP. He shared best practices in personal financial habits and church accountability, and urged Asian churches to grow in self-sufficiency and generosity to strengthen ministry worldwide.
Hospitality that Opens Doors
Sheena McCaleb, spouse of the presiding bishop of Asia, led a workshop on the ministry of hospitality and how it creates space for the gospel to be shared and the Spirit to work in the lives of those around us. She was the perfect instructor for this seminar, as her own hospitality shone throughout the conference—offering words of encouragement, thoughtful gifts, and prayer reminders in each session for all participants. Her example reminded delegates that simple acts of kindness can open hearts to the transforming presence of Christ.
Communicating the Mission
Dr. Shaun McKinley, executive director of Global Communications, taught on Foundations of Ministry Communication. He reminded leaders that every pastor, administrative bishop, and church leader is a communicator. Drawing from Scripture, he showed how communication is central to God’s mission. He highlighted the power of storytelling as a tool that crosses cultures and touches hearts, urging participants to craft and share their testimonies authentically. Finally, he provided practical guidance on communicating across languages and cultures, stressing that effective ministry communication requires clarity, respect, humility, and Spirit-led listening.
The Blessing of Scarcity
Hunter Roberts, executive assistant to the Presiding Bishop, presented a workshop on “The Blessing of Scarcity.”Drawing from Paul’s ministry, Roberts noted that while Paul began teaching in synagogues, God rerouted him to a surprising encounter with Lydia that sparked a new approach—marketplace evangelism. What looked like a limitation became a divine strategy. Roberts emphasized that scarcity often becomes the soil for innovation, reminding leaders that God can use moments of lack to open unexpected doors and expand the reach of the gospel.
Final Words of Legacy
Dr. Cathy Payne, Global Missions coordinator, offered heartfelt reflections as she nears retirement after more than 33 years of service at the International Offices. Drawing from Paul’s farewell in Acts 20, she emphasized that “who we are will always have greater influence than what we say or do.” She encouraged leaders to depend fully on the Spirit, care for themselves in ministry, and remain surrendered to God’s mission.
Called to Serve
Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter centered his sermon on the core value of service, reminding leaders that while prayer, harvest, leadership development, and stewardship are vital, service is the value that most directly touches people. Drawing from Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, he emphasized that the highest title in Scripture is “servant.” Using the example of Rebecca drawing water in Genesis 24, he highlighted four principles of service. Bishop Coalter challenged leaders to adopt a servant identity, noting that in the end, God’s commendation will be, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Christ in the Least of These
Bishop Tim McCaleb concluded the conference by focusing on the transforming power of Christ seen in Paul’s conversion, moving from persecutor to apostle. He taught that Christianity uniquely requires true conversion and union with Christ, reminding participants that when believers suffer, Jesus Himself is identified with them. Drawing from global examples of persecution, he connected this reality to Matthew 25, showing that serving “the least of these” is serving Christ. Bishop McCaleb also shared personal mission stories from Haiti and Asia, urging those gathered to trust God’s presence in hardship and to see Jesus in those they serve
A Renewed Vision
Throughout the conference, spontaneous times of prayer broke out, with leaders interceding for their nations and one another. Worship, led by several national bishops, filled the hall and testimonies encouraged all present that God is moving powerfully across Asia. National leaders left renewed in vision, strengthened in unity, and determined to carry forward the mission of reconciling the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
