Being a shepherd is not an easy job. Day or night, rain or shine, the responsibility does not end like any other jobs. Whatever the situation is, the shepherd’s job is to protect their flock and lead it to green pastures to make sure that they have good feed. With all of that in mind, isn’t it interesting that this is the job that has become most closely associated with us as believers?
Shepherding for us is about taking care of God’s flock while being a part of it. It is our duty to feed each other with the Good News of Chrst, the testimonies of His work in our lives so that we may grow healthy together. The more we look at it, the more we can see how the work of a shepherd parallels one of a mentor, investing in the lives of others, growing together as we do life together. We are called to be shepherds, and above us all is our one Chief Shepherd, Jesus!
Gathering the shepherds
More than 300 participants across Hope Philippines gathered for the Hope Philippines Conference (HPC) held last April 2-4, 2026. It was an empowering moment that brought leaders and shepherds-in-training to many realizations, encouragement, and practical learnings as Hope Philippines took the call to be more effective and Spirit-filled shepherds of God’s flock, advancing His kingdom by shepherding others and making disciples for Jesus.
In this 3-day conference, Hope Albay, Hope QC, Hope Bacoor, Hope San Pedro, Hope Bacnotan, Hope Muntinlupa, Hope Indang, Hope Diezmo Cabuyao, Hope Pulo Cabuyao, and Hope San Juan came together to be trained and equipped for God’s call. Ps James Loke started the conference by sharing the vision of shepherding, where he emphasized on the core principle of sanctification which is that following Jesus leads us to be more and more like Him. In the same way, shepherds must also be involved in their sheep’s process of sanctification as they walk in the Lord, and eventually, God’s transformational work happens in and through them.
The heart behind a shepherd
Why are we really making disciples? What are the key elements of shepherding others? These are the questions that Ps Soradej Meesaengtham answered with his sharing on the heart of shepherding and making disciples. He likened it to the essence of parenting a child, to reproduce godly offspring and fulfill God’s original will for mankind. In the same way, Dr Eunice Meesaengtham also shared the importance of consistency and what it means to have and live out the “Great Commission-mindset”, reminding us that our lives is a gospel to others, shifting from self-focus to fulfilling God’s purpose and desires.
QnA (question-and-answer) sessions and workshops held at the latter part of the program are among the key highlights of the conference. The QnA sessions brought Pastor James Loke, Pastor Soradej and Dr. Eunice Meesaengtham to answer the questions on specific shepherding situations, different personalities of the sheep, and establishing trust and integrity. The workshops also consist of different focus areas such as evangelism, follow-up, and leading lifegroups and churches. These interactive sessions allowed the attendees to meet different people from other centers and taught practical steps to consider in meeting people and in discipling them intentionally.
A sheep turned shepherd
One of the participants of the conference shared their testimony that the conference gave them a fresh perspective to participate in God’s work. It made them realise that now is the time to say yes to the purposes of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. This is an opportunity for others to know Jesus as well, so we must always be ready to share Him and our lives through discipleship. In this vision and mission of our Hope family, this participant was strengthened and encouraged to continuously seek the Lord not out of obligation, but out of a heart that loves Him.
A duty to the flock
The fruitful time spent at Hope Philippines Conference stirred the desire of the attendees to walk with the Lord closely as they fulfill the Great Commission with unity in God’s vision and passion to raise the next generation for the Lord. Loving the Lord is not just declaring it with our mouth, just as Peter did, but obeying His command to feed His lamb. Furthermore, in this obedience to shepherd and care for His people, let us reflect on who He is. As we grow deeper in Christ and are transformed into His likeness, let us carry His heart in loving and leading others to Him.
The heart of our Chief Shepherd is to always take care of His children, and that is the responsibility He has bestowed upon us. But instead of making it feel like a burden that we must bear in solidarity, our heavenly Father has also given us His Word to guide us, as well as a family amongst believers to support each other. Let us continue to shepherd for His Kingdom, for this is our glorious purpose!
