The 25th Online Fellowship Gathering of the Pacific Christian Leadership Conference (PCLC) convened Christian leaders across the Asia-Pacific region under the theme “The Role of Families in God’s Plan.” The event served as a platform for theological reflection, pastoral encouragement, and a renewed commitment to strengthening families as central to God’s providential work.
The fellowship gathered 324 overall participants coming from 14 nations across the Asia Pacific region including the USA. This assembly included a core delegation of 12 clergy members attending throughout the session. Out of this number, 135 joined via Zoom while 142 and 47 attended through Facebook and YouTube, respectively. Forty-one individuals also joined different group watch parties in different nations.
Archbishop Elias T. Soria presided over the opening of the program, which commenced with a stirring rendition of “The Blessing” by the Sydney Youth Choir of Australia followed by a solemn prayer led by Rev. Dr. Kengkij M. Samir. Following the invocation, Rev. Yutaka Yamada delivered the welcoming remarks. Rev. Yamada expressed profound gratitude for the gathering’s vision of interdenominational unity and identified the family as the essential cornerstone of both a stable society and the Kingdom of God. Rooting his address in biblical foundations, he underscored the enduring significance of the divine promise to extend blessings to all families of the earth.
Two principal messages shaped the theological core of the gathering. Rev. Geoffrey Fyers spoke on God’s design for families, highlighting the importance of spiritual maturity as a prerequisite to forming strong and enduring households. He reflected on the biblical mandate to be fruitful, multiply, and exercise dominion, stressing that the preparation of young people is essential for establishing stable, heavenly families.
This was followed by a presentation from Rev. Dr. Andrew Compton, titled “The Role of the Family in God’s Work of Salvation.” He articulated a theological perspective that situates the family at the center of salvation history, explaining that restoration must occur not only at the individual level but within the family unit. He further introduced the concept of marriage blessing ceremonies as a means of restoring the family as God’s intended foundation for peace and unity.
A reflective response was offered by Bishop Dr. Raul Barcela, who reinforced the biblical vision of the family as a fundamental building block for God’s mission while cautioning against the misuse of power that leads to division and conflict. The gathering also included recognition of PCLC chapters worldwide, affirming its global reach.
In her closing message, Rev. Ursula McLackland called upon pastors and leaders to actively cultivate godly families within their ministries, emphasizing the transmission of faith and values to future generations. The fellowship concluded with a moving performance of “Love in Any Language” by the UCCS Urban Ministry of Samoa and a closing prayer by Rev. Dr. Tuisuguga.
As a continuation of its mission, participants were invited to upcoming initiatives, including the Keys to the Kingdom Seminar Session 2 led by Dr. Robert Kittel on April 21, 2026, and the PCLC Youth Orphanage Visitation 2026 on April 25, 2026 at the House of Refuge Foundation Incorporated, encouraging ongoing engagement and community service.