In honor the 25th anniversary of the Bicol Center for Christian Leadership in the Philippines, the past weeks we have been sharing stories from people involved in the ministry, at its start (see below) and today (last week).
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By Lee Bertsch
Former NAB Missionary
How delighted we are to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bicol Center for Christian Leadership. However, the story actually begins 39 years ago in a conversation I had with another missionary. We talked about how our church-planting vision in the Philippines would struggle without a way to equip men and women for ministry, something that always happened with disruption and expense of them going to far away cities to study. With the partnership of three other church-planting ministries, a training center was launched in 1988, even before our first church plant was organized. God used that training program in wonderful ways, but five years later, after the other partners dropped out, that center ceased to operate. In 1996, another attempt was made to provide such training, but with two of our NAB co-workers leaving the field for health reasons, it was not sustainable. Still, God did not allow the vision to die.
God was preparing someone to lead a third attempt with fresh vision and skill. Mayette Ativo held a management position in a national bank, but for years prior she carried a great desire to help pastors and their families, who often served with great sacrifice; she often pouring personal resources into caring for them. When she expressed a desire to pursue seminary training, it soon became clear to us she might be just the person to lead a new attempt at local leadership training. When we opened that idea to her, the response was one of palpable enthusiasm. As ideas were shared, it quickly became apparent we were not only on the same page but also most often in the same paragraph! A few months after her graduation, the first course of the newly formed Bicol Center for Christian Leadership was offered. . . .
give in support of Claire & Tim Marker
The next Fit Assessment is right around the corner in Medina, Ohio, August 11–13.
This multi-step process delivers insights to any current or potential missionary, church planter, or revitalization pastor, reporting on their “fit” for the ministry they are endeavoring to engage in. To complete the NAB Fit Assessment, candidates meet together for a multi-day, in-person experience hosted by a diversity of trained leaders. These three days together help us communally discern your best next step in ministry.
If you arere interested in beginning the Fit Assessment process, your first step is completing the online application, found at the link below.
The 2026/2027 cohort of Blue Ocean is now accepting applications.
Blue Ocean is a transformative one-year learning experience. You’ll be part of a cohort that journeys together throughout the year, exploring what it means to join God on mission, be formed into the character of Christ, and dwell in your neighborhood – sharing and living out the Gospel. This program includes three in-person learning modules, each held in a different location:
- Vancouver, British Columbia, October 20–23, 2026.
- Sacramento, California, February 2–5, 2027.
- TBD, May 4–7, 2027.
Participants come from across North America, each of whom serve in leadership roles at NAB churches of varying sizes and ministry styles.
Our modules are thoughtfully designed to integrate teaching, conversation, hands-on activities, shared experiences, and meals, creating a holistic and immersive experience. Find out more about Blue Ocean.
The NorCal Association is seeking their next Regional Minister as Kent Carlson prepares to retire from this role at the end of the year. This role will be an important one for the next chapter of ministry in Northern California, providing pastoral support, strengthening churches, developing leaders, encouraging church health, and helping our region continue to participate in the broader mission and End Goals of the NAB.
The search team will begin reviewing potential candidates on July 17, with the final day for applications being July 31. Anyone interested, or anyone who knows a potential candidate, is encouraged to send a résumé and cover letter to rmsearch@sunrise.church. You can find the full job description and other details at the link below.