Elder Training Equips Leaders for Pentecost 2025
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – On Sunday, April 6, the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference office hosted its second elder certification training, a full-day event designed to equip and inspire elders across the conference for the essential work of evangelism. The training was strategically organized to strengthen leadership skills and prepare elders to serve more effectively, particularly during this significant season of evangelism, Pentecost 2025.
The training was offered in both English and Spanish to meet the diverse needs of the conference territory. Featured presenters included Jeff Villegas, conference president, who spoke on the cycle of evangelism; Ross Harris, executive secretary, who presented practical methods for giving Bible studies and engaging in personal evangelism; Rodolfo Alvir, ministerial director, who focused on discipleship through small groups; and Leonardo Melendez, church ministries and evangelism director, who presented on compassion ministry.
Throughout the day, elders were not only trained but also inspired and equipped to view evangelism not as a program or event, but as a Spirit-led lifestyle of outreach and disciple-making.
More than 60 elders traveled from across the conference, some enduring long drives, to attend the training, which ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their enthusiasm was evident, with many expressing gratitude for the practical Spirit-filled instruction. “This is what we needed,” one participant said. “As leaders, we must be continually equipped to serve and to lead.”
As part of the Pentecost 2025 initiative, the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference is committed to establishing a consistent rhythm of evangelism in every local church through the implementation of evangelism cycles. These cycles involve a sequence of pre-work, reaping events and post-evangelistic follow-up, ensuring that evangelism is continuous and intentional throughout the year. Every congregation is being encouraged and equipped to adopt this model, which emphasizes community engagement, soul-winning and strong discipleship.
In addition, regional evangelism events, lay pastor training sessions, leadership retreats and compassion ministry initiatives are creating a growing movement of mission-minded leaders. The goal is not only to surpass last year’s baptismal totals but also to foster a culture of spiritual retention through intentional discipleship, where every new member is mentored and empowered to become a disciple-maker.
The long-term goal is to see churches across the conference become vibrant centers of growth, where members are equipped to mentor others and help plant new churches. Leaders envision congregations that not only nurture spiritual development but also serve as hands-on training grounds for evangelism and church planting. As more members are empowered to lead and serve, churches are expected to play a key role in expanding the kingdom and reaching new communities.
In the words of Ellen G. White, author of Gospel Workers, “The work of education and training is to be carried forward in the church, and the elders and leaders are to be taught how to labor for the conversion of souls.”
Inspired by this counsel, the conference remains committed to investing in its elders and leaders, recognizing them as vital to advancing the mission and vision of the Church during this pivotal time. As we look to the future, the goal remains clear: to develop faithful, Spirit-filled leaders who will guide the Church into dynamic growth, deeper discipleship, ongoing evangelism and the joyful expansion of God’s Kingdom—until Jesus comes.
By Leonardo J. Melendez
Church Ministries and
Evangelism Director
