Theme: Philippians 1:6
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
With hearts full of faith and expectation, a total of 50 participants gathered for the West Coast Leadership Summit 2026, hosted by the Lord’s Flock (TLF), Los Angeles Chapter. The summit was held at St. Mary Magdalen Parish Center, 1241 S. Corning St., Los Angeles, California, USA 90025, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Delegates came from the West Coast chapters: Sacramento, Dublin, Daly City, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, and Los Angeles. They were united by one purpose—to grow as leaders called and formed by God. Hence, these anointed leaders will continue the work He has entrusted to them by epitomizing the leadership qualities inspired by the Elders of the Community.
The day began with a vibrant praise and worship, setting an atmosphere of gratitude and surrender. In his opening remarks, our Elder Founder, Bro. Bobby “Tatay” Rodriguez shared a biblical perspective on leadership, reminding everyone that true leadership begins with humility, obedience, and a servant’s heart, following the example of Christ (Mk. 10:45). Obviously, his words were anchored on the summit’s mission and biblical Scripture. After Tatay Bob’s inspiring talk, an engaging ice breaker followed, allowing participants to connect, laugh, and build fellowship across chapters.
The workshop activity called “The Web” incisively illustrated the importance of teamwork and the strength found in community unity. Just as threads are connected, we are called to support, encourage, and uplift one another in love and service. Though trials and pressures are present, we overcome them because we stand together, strengthened by our shared faith and commitment.
Topic 1: Inspire
This session invited everyone to remember God’s calling and promise— what He has begun in us; He will surely complete. Sis Mik emphasized that leadership is not only about personal ambition but also responding to God’s invitation to serve. In the same way, she reminded participants that even when we feel inadequate, God sees the finished work ahead of us (Jer. 29:11). Thus, we give ourselves permission to be “obsessed” in serving the Lord—passionate, wholehearted, and fully committed in the ministry, and in the community, He has entrusted to us. As leaders, we should stay inspired by remembering that it is God who called us, not because we are perfect, but because He is faithful. Despite our limitations and feelings of unworthiness, we continue to serve with humility and gratitude, trusting that God’s grace is more than enough for us (2 Cor. 12:9).
Topic 2: Equipped
This session focused on sharpening skills, strengthening leadership capacity, and preparing for the work God entrusts to each steward and coordinator. Grounded in 2 Tim. 3:16–17, leaders were reminded that Scripture equips us for every good work. Sis Techie emphasized growth—not only spiritually, but personally and strategically. Leaders are called to be equipped so that they can equip the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11–12). They must not only understand their calling but also actively serve, modeling what it means to faithfully do the ministry entrusted to them. Through intentional training and encouragement, they help members of the Lord’s Flock discover their place in service and grow in confidence. As each person uses the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4–7), the whole community becomes stronger, united, and fruitful for God’s Kingdom.
Topic 3: Empowerment
God not only inspires and equips—He empowers. Drawing from Acts 1:8, participants were reminded that our strength comes from the Holy Spirit, enabling us to lead boldly and faithfully. Leadership can be demanding, but empowerment assures us that we do not serve alone. Through group activities, leaders reflected on moments when God’s power sustained them in challenging seasons. The session renewed our confidence that the Holy Spirit is the true source of courage, wisdom, and endurance. Moreover, Sis Mik shared that an empowering culture in the community begins with agility, where leaders are ready to move with God’s timing and respond quickly to the ministry’s needs without resistance. It requires adaptability, the humility to adjust plans and approaches while staying faithful to the mission and vision God has given. True empowerment also grows through accountability, as leaders take responsibility for their roles, decisions, and the people entrusted to their care. Above all, it is sustained by the right attitude—a servant heart marked by faith, positivity, and willingness to grow, even in times of challenges.
Topic 4: Discipleship
Leadership finds its true purpose in discipleship—forming lives, raising leaders, and building God’s Kingdom (Mt. 28:19–20). This session emphasized multiplication: a leader’s success is not only measured by position, but by transformed lives. Sis Techie explained further that discipleship means true leaders show love in action, following the example of Jesus Christ, who served with humility and sacrifice (Jn. 13:14–15). In serving God, we will encounter difficulties and tests, yet in these seasons He transforms and refines our character (Jm. 1:2–4). Hence, we must remain humble and willing to accept correction when needed, remembering that the cost of following Jesus is high but eternally worthwhile (Lk. 9:23). Above all, we continue to pray and read the Bible, for God’s Word and presence become the anchor of our faith and the strength of our leadership.
Additionally, Sis Mik Flores clearly explained the duties and responsibilities of Stewards and Ministry Coordinators, highlighting accountability, teamwork, and servant leadership. She also shared the upcoming changes, plans, and strategies for 2026, which will be implemented initially in TLF Philippines and eventually rolled out to the international chapters, to guide the whole community toward greater unity, clarity, and mission focus. The day concluded with heartfelt gratitude as tokens of appreciation were presented to Sis Techie, Bro. Bobby, and Sis Mik for their faithful leadership and dedication. It was not simply a leadership training—it was a sacred gathering of hearts committed to continue God’s work.
In a nutshell, the summit highlighted spiritual growth by encouraging everyone to deepen their intimacy with God by strengthening both character and leadership competence; by gaining a fresh perspective and refining strategies to better align plans with God’s direction; and by fostering discipleship and fellowship by way of building stronger unity and meaningful connections across all chapters.
Indeed, the West Coast Leadership Summit 2026 affirmed this powerful truth: the God who began the good work in the Lord’s Flock will continue to guide, strengthen, and complete it until the day Jesus Christ returns.
To God be the glory!
Written by: Bro. Jimmy Esplanada – Steward LA Chapter
Edited by: Dr. Vera Tuplano (Scribes Consultant)
