by Greg Deligero
Davao City was among the three venues in the country chosen for the formal launching of a book on Christian leadership authored by Melchor S. Morales, a lay leader and preacher of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP)—one of the largest Protestant denominations in the Philippines.
Entitled “The Dynamics of Christian Leadership (Fishing for Men, A Layman’s Ministry),” the formal launching of the book last January 28 at the Brokenshire Resort and Convention Center was graced by Rev. Dr. Ruben L. Dela Cruz, chief executive officer of the Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries (BHMI), Chester Navales, division manager of College Assurance Plan (CAP), Eladio Aviola, regional coordinator of Advance Jesus Agenda Movement (AJAM) and UCCP pastors and lay leaders from various parts of Mindanao.
The book was earlier launched in Manila and at the Silliman University, Dumaguete City.
“The book is a documentary of the involvement of the author in the life and work of the church of God. It is a testimony on how a layman can serve in his chosen ministry as long as he makes himself available to witness for the good Lord, to the glory of God,” said former Senate president Jovito R. Salonga, who wrote the book’s foreword.
Among those who contributed blurbs praising the book and author were former President Fidel V. Ramos, Dr. Angel C. Alcala, former environment secretary and chair of higher education commission, Atty. Perfecto Yasay, former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Ben S. Malayang, president of Silliman University, Bishop Efraim M. Tendero, president of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches and BHMI’s Dela Cruz.
“This admirable work of Mel Morales merits high praise and close attention for its exemplary guidelines for worthy living and service. His lifelong commitment to help fish for men and women, regardless of creed or socio-economic status, partakes of empowering our people in the noblest sense,” said Ramos.
Dela Cruz, who was the guest speaker in the Davao City launching, describes the book as “an eloquent reminder of the necessity and beauty of an age-long wisdom of laity-clergy partnership in the ministry.”
“Indeed, laypersons in the church exist not to compete, but to help complete God’s ministry. Certainly, partnership presupposes unity—unity in vision, mission and ministry,” he said.
Aviola, who also spoke during the launching, said the book “affirms the importance of laymen in the life and work of the church, particularly in evangelism and mission and underscores the imperative of Christians taking the lead in transforming society towards faithfulness in Christ to bring about a spiritually mature and just constituency.”
“The book will enlighten us, encourage and challenge us to live and lead a life in faithful obedience to Christ,” he added.
