Hearing God’s Voice Together: Pastors Unite for Vision, Prayer, and a Healthy Culture

FRESNO, Calif. — Pastors from across the Central California Conference gathered Oct. 28 at the conference office for a one-day in-service meeting focused on prayer, unity, and shared leadership. The event blended spiritual reflection, open dialogue, and practical planning—all under the theme “Healthy Leaders, Healthy Culture.”

Leading from Wholeness

President Ricardo J. Viloria opened the morning with a message of hope and transparency, calling pastors to lead from wholeness rather than exhaustion.

“God has a plan to prosper us and not to harm us—to give us hope and a future,” Viloria said, quoting Jeremiah 29:11. “That future begins with healthy leaders who cultivate a culture of trust, collaboration, and spiritual vitality.”

In his presentation, Healthy Leadership for Thriving Organizations, Viloria outlined six dimensions of holistic leadership—spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, intellectual, and practical. He emphasized that true fruitfulness flows not from busyness but from abiding in Christ.

“Limited sleep and the absence of Sabbath rhythms are not conducive to a flourishing life or sustainable leadership,” he reminded. “You can lead people, or you can please people—but you can’t do both.”

Conference-Wide Transparency and Collaboration

The day’s agenda reflected a shared commitment to transparency and teamwork.

Viloria’s message was followed by presentations from conference leadership on stewardship, evangelism planning, and ministry coordination.

The treasurer’s report emphasized faithful management and long-term sustainability, while updates from the executive secretary, human resources, and risk management highlighted accountability and clear communication across departments.

Ministry reports from Digital Evangelism, Pathfinders, Youth Ministries, Children’s Ministries, Literature Evangelism, and Camp Ministries provided a comprehensive view of ongoing mission initiatives across the 150-church territory.

Vice President for Ministries Anil Kanda summarized the heart of the gathering:

“It’s important for pastors to come together to see what’s happening in the conference and understand what resources are available. But most of all, there’s special power when pastors pray together. We’re not just hearing about problems—we’re seeking God’s guidance to solve challenges as one body.”

Building a Culture of Hope

Throughout the day, the tone remained one of unity and renewal. Pastors prayed for one another, shared burdens, and discussed both opportunities and challenges in ministry. One presentation slide reminded attendees: “Healthy leadership starts with the heart. We are our own tools.”

The spirit of Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”—resonated throughout the gathering as a powerful expression of the conference’s vision.

That promise continues to guide the Central California Conference in cultivating ministry environments where pastors thrive personally while advancing the gospel collectively. By investing in pastoral health across all six dimensions—spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, intellectual, and practical—the conference strengthens the foundation for sustainable kingdom impact.

As the meeting ended in prayer, a sense of clarity and togetherness filled the room. Pastors left carrying more than resources—they carried renewed conviction that listening to God’s voice through Scripture, prayer, and community remains the cornerstone of effective ministry.

Written by Justin Kim