Renewed to Tend His Sheep
By Ara De Vero
As Couples for Christ (CFC) celebrates 45 years of God’s faithfulness, chapter leaders from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, Metro Manila, and the International Missions gathered at Space One Ayala, Makati City, for the Chapter Leaders’ Summit 2026. More than a gathering of leaders, the summit became a sacred encounter with the Good Shepherd—through formation, fellowship, prayer, and renewal for those entrusted with leading God’s people. Throughout the day, participants were reminded that leadership is rooted not in position, but in a heart transformed by Christ and committed to faithfully tending His sheep.
The summit began with the praying of the Holy Rosary, followed by an uplifting worship led by Bro. Ramil Cabodil. He encouraged the community to remain united despite differences, challenges, and personal struggles, emphasizing that the strength of CFC has always been it’s unity in Christ. This spirit of communion prepared every participant to receive God’s message throughout the day.
In his opening remarks, Bro. Steve Maningat, a member of the International Council, warmly welcomed the delegates and challenged every leader to first allow the Holy Spirit to work within before assuming the responsibilities of leadership. He reminded everyone that God continually transforms hearts and that Christ nourishes those who serve Him. Holy leaders build holy communities, and renewed shepherds lead renewed flocks. Before leading others, every shepherd must first experience personal conversion and renewal.
The morning formation featured Rev. Fr. Willie Samson, Chaplain of the Philippine General Hospital, who delivered an inspiring talk entitled “The Shepherds Who Tend to Love.” He reflected on the vocation of every leader as a shepherd called to love with the heart of Christ.
One of the most striking messages from his talk was, “Love is more of a gift than an accomplishment.” True shepherding begins with receiving God’s unconditional love and freely sharing that same love with others. Leadership, therefore, is not measured by achievements, but by the willingness to accompany, serve, and care for God’s flock with humility and compassion.
Participants then entered into Conversation in the Spirit, facilitated by Bro. Robert Sanchez. Through prayerful silence, attentive listening, and meaningful dialogue, leaders discerned together the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The session reminded everyone that effective pastoral leadership begins by listening to God before speaking or acting, allowing His Spirit to shape every decision and direction.
Before lunch, participants were inspired by a session entitled “Good News,” delivered by Bro. Jeff Abergas. He shared encouraging updates on the continued growth and mission of the Couples for Christ community around the world. Among the highlights were the increase in resources dedicated to evangelization and media ministry, the growing number of missionaries responding to God’s call to the priesthood and religious life, and the opening of new mission countries, including Estonia, Lithuania, and Slovenia. He also celebrated the continued growth of the Catholic Church worldwide, now numbering approximately 1.4 billion faithfuls, with Generation Z emerging as one of the fastest-growing groups embracing the Catholic faith.
More than presenting reports and statistics, Bro. Jeff reminded the participants that every mission established, every conversion, and every life transformed is a concrete manifestation of God’s faithfulness. He thanked every chapter leader for their generous and unwavering “yes” despite life’s many challenges, affirming that they are God-carriers of the Good News, called to proclaim Christ through their lives, leadership, and service.
More than presenting reports and statistics, Bro. Jeff reminded the participants that every mission established, every conversion, and every life transformed is a concrete manifestation of God’s faithfulness. He thanked every chapter leader for their generous and unwavering “yes” despite life’s many challenges, affirming that they are God-carriers of the Good News, called to proclaim Christ through their lives, leadership, and service.
The afternoon resumed with joyful praise and worship led by Bro. Benedict Nicol, preparing everyone for the four-part formation series entitled “Tend My Sheep.” Throughout the series, leaders were reminded that every report is a person, every number is a soul, and every household is a family. Beyond organizational reports and statistics lies the sacred responsibility of caring for every individual whom God has entrusted to His shepherds.
The first session, “The Sheep and the Shepherd,” was delivered by Bro. Bong Arjonillo, who emphasized that shepherds are called to know, accompany, and genuinely love the flock entrusted to them. Leadership is never about authority alone but about reflecting the compassionate heart of Christ, the Good Shepherd.
This was followed by “The Voice of the Shepherd,” presented by Bro. Mike Bukuhan, who reminded participants that before they can become Christ’s voice to others, they must first become faithful listeners of His voice. A shepherd who remains close to Jesus naturally leads others through authentic witness, prayer, and faithful discipleship.
The third session, “The Shepherd’s Rod and Staff,” was delivered by Bro. Norman Robles, who highlighted the vital role of Family Ministries in fulfilling CFC’s mission of Building the Church of the Home. He emphasized that Family Ministries are an investment rather than a cost because they nurture future generations of faithful disciples. Leaders are called to know, guide, nurture, and empower the families entrusted to them. He also reminded participants that caring for the poor is an essential expression of evangelization, reflecting the compassionate heart of Christ. The Church of the Poor is not merely a ministry but a defining mark of a Church faithful to God’s mission.
The final session, “The Shepherd Who Knows the Sheep,” was presented by Bro. Leo Amat, anchored on John 10:14–15. He introduced One Global Data (OGD) as a valuable pastoral tool that enables leaders to know and understand the members entrusted to their care. Just as Sacred Scripture preserves both stories and numbers that reveal God’s saving work throughout history, OGD helps shepherds appreciate that every member is a gift from God. Guided by the Holy Spirit, leaders can use such tools to make informed pastoral decisions while ensuring that every individual remains personally known, valued, and accompanied.
Taken together, the four sessions presented a complete vision of Christian leadership. Every chapter leader was reminded of Christ’s call to Lead as a Shepherd, Feed the Sheep as Christ Intended, Protect the Flock, and Equip the Flock for Reproduction. Shepherding is not simply about managing households or programs but about forming missionary disciples who will continue Christ’s work of evangelization, multiplying faithful leaders from one family, one chapter, and one generation to the next.
The summit also featured an engaging Question-and-Answer Forum, allowing participants to clarify important concerns and deepen their understanding of the topics discussed throughout the day.
The event concluded with an Integration and Closing Activity facilitated by Bro. George Campos, who reminded everyone that true shepherding begins by building authentic relationships, spending time with the people entrusted to us, and eventually “smelling like the sheep.” Participants were invited into personal reflection by answering two questions: What grace have you received during this Chapter Leaders’ Summit? and What intention would you like the community to pray for? This meaningful exercise allowed every participant to recognize God’s work in their lives and renew their commitment to serve with greater love and humility.
The summit concluded with a closing prayer led by Bro. Ed Garcia. Filled with gratitude and renewed zeal, participants departed inspired to return to their respective chapters as shepherds after the heart of Christ—ready to love more deeply, listen more attentively, serve more faithfully, and lead more courageously.
The Chapter Leaders’ Summit 2026 successfully strengthened the formation of CFC leaders and reaffirmed their commitment to shepherding God’s people. As Couples for Christ celebrates 45 years of God’s enduring faithfulness, the summit became a powerful reminder that every leader is first a disciple, every shepherd is first a servant, and every mission begins with a personal encounter with the Good Shepherd. Renewed by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by the grace of the community, the chapter leaders were sent forth to joyfully proclaim the Good News and faithfully tend His sheep wherever God calls them.
