GCFA Holds Stewardship Quadrennial Training for the Philippines Central Conferences

More than 50 United Methodist leaders gather for stewardship and administrative training in Manila 

Manila, Philippines – The Stewardship Quadrennial Training Event for the Philippines, held in Manila on October 13–14, 2025, marked a successful milestone for The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church, as it was the final quadrennial training event for 2025.

The two-day event brought together more than 50 participants representing the three Episcopal Areas of the Philippines. Attendees included Bishops, treasurers, Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) chairs, communicators, annual conference secretaries, and a chancellor. 

The training, part of GCFA’s ongoing Connection-wide stewardship initiative, focused on strengthening financial and administrative practices within the Connection. Sessions offered in-depth instruction on updates to The Book of Discipline and emphasized faithful stewardship of finance, giving best practices, and data. 

“We are deeply grateful to GCFA for coming to the Philippines at such a critical time in the life of the church. Their presence is a powerful affirmation that the Philippines Central Conference is part of the worldwide connection of the church,” said Bishop Ruby-Nell Estrella, Resident Bishop of the Manila Episcopal Area. “This training is more than administrative work – it’s a renewal of a sacred calling. When we seek God’s Kingdom first, budgets become testimonies of God’s provision; journals and reports become stories of faith and fruitfulness, and leadership becomes a reflection of the faithful stewardship of Christ himself.”  

Rooted in Jesus Christ, the gathering was marked by a spirit of worship, fellowship, and collaboration. Participants engaged in interactive workshops, shared local best practices, and explored strategies to strengthen the financial, administrative, and missional vitality of their respective conferences. 

“The dedication and energy of the leaders gathered here in the Philippines was both humbling and inspiring,” said Rev. Shelia Ahler, Chairperson of the General Agency and Episcopal Matters Committee of the GCFA Board of Directors, who also volunteered her time leading sessions on accounting, budgeting, and auditing.  “Their commitment to stewardship and transparency reflects the heart of our shared mission to support the Church’s ministries in every context.” 

GCFA General Secretary Rev. Moses Kumar expressed appreciation for the participants’ active engagement and for the partnership of the Philippines College of Bishops in making the event possible. “GCFA is committed to helping strengthen stewardship across the Connection,” Kumar said. “We are deeply grateful for the leadership and witness of the Church in the Philippines. Personally, I also want to express gratitude to those who gave their time to travel to Manila, including Rev. Shelia, Ahler; Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Secretary of the General Conference; GCFA Chief Communications Officer Brandy M. Bivens; GCFA Connectional Relations Central Conferences Manger Ndzulo Tueche; GCFA Video Producer J.P. Penrod, and GCFA Travel and Meeting Planner Brittany Combs.  

The event included plenary sessions and workshops on general agency resources, financial reporting, data stewardship, and administrative best practices, as well as opportunities for participants to engage directly with GCFA leaders. 

For more information about the General Council on Finance and Administration and its ongoing work, please visit www.gcfa.org. 

Media Contact: 

Brandy Bivens 

Chief Communications Officer General Council on Finance and Administration 

Phone: 615-369-2338 

Email: bbivens@gcfa.org