The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, themed ARISE 2025: Jesus Is Building His Church, was held 23-25 July 2025, in Manila, Philippines. More than 540 Nazarenes from 27 countries across Asia-Pacific and beyond gathered at the event. This event was more than a conference, as every plenary and evening worship invited spiritual revival.
The conference opened with a powerful message from the Asia-Pacific Region Director Kafoa Muaror. He spoke about Jesus as the “master builder” of his church.
“The Master Builder didn’t just leave us an instruction,” Muaror said. “He sent us a Helper.”
Muaror’s message reminded the delegates that when Jesus builds his church, it cannot be defeated.
The conference focused on three daily themes – prayer, discipleship, and missions.
On the second day, Corey Jones, pastor of Crossroads Tabernacle Church of the Nazarene in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, began with a 30-minute corporate guided prayer, followed by the first plenary session: “Prayer, Fire, and Glory: How Jesus Builds His Church.”
“Jesus promises he will build his church,” Jones said. “What’s our job? We must repair the altar!”
The evening service started with powerful worship and a parade of nations representing all the countries where the Church of the Nazarene is present. General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker shared a message, “Connected to the Vine.”
Crocker challenged all participants on what Jesus meant by being the Vine and bearing fruit:
“Some of us, when we talk about fruit, we talk about numbers… but numbers without character don’t matter,” Crocker said.
On the third day, guided by the theme of discipleship, again Corey started with a corporate prayer. Crocker led the first plenary. He shared on the topic: “The Way, The Truth, The Life, Discipleship as the Journey of Grace.”
Afterwards, Sam Barber, global Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) director, shared about “walking with people like Jesus did.” Barber emphasized that discipleship takes time.
“Jesus was not mass-producing disciples,” Barber said, “He was making disciples that make disciples… and that takes time.”
During evening worship, Lynne Bollinger shared incredible, uplifting stories of what she referred to as “remarkable ordinary people of God.”
“As the Body of Christ, we cannot say to one another, ‘I don’t need you!'” Bollinger shared, “We need you! It’s time for the saints to gather!”
In the final part of the day’s program, the region awarded the first Lydia Award to Luz Tamayo for her lifelong service to God and the church.
The fourth day began with another 30-minute corporate guided prayer led by Jones. He dedicated a special time of prayer for all the missionaries serving across the region.
Afterward, Global NYI Director David Gonzales reminded the church to stay focused on Christ’s mission.
“David did not become a giant-killer overnight,” Gonzalez said. “He had a daily walk with God. He lived out faithfulness every day.”
Global Missions Director Jim Ritchie delivered the message during the last evening worship, where he spoke about the nature of missions: “The statement ‘Jesus is Lord’ is exclusive, but salvation is completely inclusive.”
In his message, Ritchie shared that “This is not a conference, it is an encounter,” capturing the presence of the Holy Spirit that was felt throughout this five-day event.
It ushered in a space for breakthroughs, revival, and recommitment. Each service was followed by a crowd of leaders, on their knees, moved by the Word and the presence of God.
On Sunday, a commissioning service was led by Mija Wi, lecturer in Biblical Studies and Mission at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester.
“When you are feeling unsure of yourself,” Wi explained, “Jesus is right there to remind you who you are.”
Muaror and the regional leadership team served Communion.
Other important highlights of this conference included thirteen workshops that focused on prayer, discipleship, and missions. Each day, all seven of the region’s missional fields gathered to discuss the day’s lessons and how to apply them in their contexts. Additionally, the various ministries offered opportunities for delegates to learn more about them and to strengthen the Body of Christ further.
All seven fields were invited to participate in the worship services by sharing a special cultural presentation through song and dance.