2025 International Leadership Summit
San Salvador, El Salvador
More than 800 leaders were blessed at the 2025 International Leadership Summit in San Salvador, an event inspired to address the missional challenges of the 21st Century. The summit invited us to reflect on the challenges of God’s mission, understanding the crucial role the church plays in the world.
The missional challenges discussed at this event represent a call to faith and action, inspiring us in the example of Caleb, who affirmed with conviction, “This land we will conquer; this land we will possess” (Numbers 13:30, paraphrased).
The event was held to strengthen the Church of God of Prophecy and, at the same time, generate a positive effect that transcends the walls of the church and directly influences the transformation of the nations. Several legislators, authorities, and community leaders were present at the event.
The opening was marked by high-level conferences, with the participation of delegates from the International Offices, International Children’s Ministries, International Youth Ministries, and Global Communication Ministries.
Bishop Benjamin Feliz spoke on topics such as immigration, political challenges, violence, and urban and generational challenges, along with defending our faith in difficult times. Quoting Martin Luther King, Jr., he recalled, “The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.” He also shared some alarming realities—today, there are more displaced people than ever before in the history of humanity, and in 2023, there was the highest number of migrant deaths ever documented.
Amid this information, the message of Philippians reminds us that suffering and the cross are not obstacles, but the background from which the joy of ministry is revealed. In contrast to much of the 21st-century church, seduced by pleasure at any cost, Paul teaches us to embrace suffering as part of mission.
During the summit, we launched the great challenge of reaching 4,000 churches by the next International Assembly. In a historic moment of celebration, 11 national bishops from Mexico, Central America, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean marched together, testifying to the harvest and growth of the region. In addition, alliances were announced with prestigious seminaries in the United States to strengthen leadership development efforts.
The regional Communications Ministry presented the progress and achievements of recent years, highlighting the first 100 graduates of our Central American Academy. This institution trains young leaders in digital media skills, equipping them with the tools to develop professionally and generate income in the digital economy.
Dr. Gabriel Salguero, recognized by the New York Times as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the Latino community, challenged the church to stand firm in the face of persecution, racial conflicts, and social tensions. He authoritatively reminded us that, just as David defeated Goliath with five stones wielded by God, we too can defeat any giant. He also emphasized that not everything new is good, and not everything old is bad; the key is to strike a balance that blesses present generations.
Dr. Harold Segura emphasized that the church should not only be a group of believers within four walls, but also responsible citizens. He affirmed that this summit not only touches the host country but also the hearts of the nations gathered with the same purpose: God’s mission.
We were blessed with excellent presentations by Bishops Elias Rodriguez and Gabriel E. Vidal. Pastor Cesarina Flores spoke on the generational challenges we face today, and Bishops Clayton Endecott and Clayton Martin shared the missional challenges in their respective areas.
In the final session, Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter closed the summit with a hope-filled message. He began by acknowledging the participation of the other speakers, who agreed on the great challenges facing the church. With words of faith, he invited us to see things through God’s lens, remembering that God is always changing the odds.
Moved by the presence of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Coalter powerfully proclaimed that Moses was called to lead God’s people through the desert, famine, and opposing forces, but God was with him and the people. Peter was sinking in the troubled waters, but Jesus reached out to him. The early church faced great persecution and missional challenges, but Jesus had already said, “I will build my church,” and it multiplied and expanded.
Bishop Coalter raised our hope in redemption and transformation through the gospel of Jesus Christ, reminding us that even in the midst of trials, we can declare in faith, “God changes possibilities.”
