Embedded Files
Workshop topics are designed to complement the plenary topics and are ideal venues for delving deeper into them. These topics shall be held simultaneously in two (2) sets of break-out sessions. Each delegate may choose two (2) workshop topics to participate in.
WORKSHOP 1 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Coaching and Mentoring: Intergenerational Relationships
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Tan Soo Inn (GCF, Singapore)
Coaching and mentoring play a vital role in helping Christian graduates navigate their personal and professional lives. Intergenerational relationships, where older and younger generations connect, allow for valuable wisdom and experience to be passed down, while also fostering mutual growth. For graduates, having a mentor or coach can provide guidance, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of how to live out their faith in every aspect of life. These relationships create a supportive environment for graduates to grow in their spiritual journey, build resilience, and make informed decisions as they enter adulthood.
Objectives:
To understand the importance of intergenerational relationships so that we can learn how coaching and mentoring between different generations can provide wisdom, guidance, and spiritual growth for Christian graduates.
To develop skills for effective mentoring and coaching so that we can gain practical tools and insights on how to build meaningful mentoring relationships that support personal, spiritual, and professional development
Christianity and Politics
Speaker: Dr. Melba P. Maggay (IVCF, Philippines)
We have seen in our world today how a person’s view of politics can cause division even in the Christian community. If you are a Christian who is called to serve in the government agencies, how should you behave in line with the message of Christ? If you are in a leadership position in politics, what is expected of you as a Christian?
Objectives:
To understand and appreciate our calling to serve in government services, and politics
To learn how to express in propriety our faith in the public square
God’s Will Made Simple: Wisdom for Life’s Big Decisions
Speaker: Mr. Alex Tso (CEF, Taiwan)
For graduates in East Asia, navigating the transition into the next phase of life—whether pursuing further studies, starting a career, or making key life decisions—can feel overwhelming. Many seek God’s specific guidance, hoping for clear signs about the "right" path. However, Scripture calls us to trust in God’s sovereignty, grow in wisdom, and make decisions with confidence rather than fear. In this workshop, you will learn how to apply
wisdom, take action, and trust that God is leading them as you walk in faith.
Objectives:
Clarify Biblical Decision-Making – Learn a liberating, biblical approach to seeking God’s guidance without fear, confusion, or indecision.
Take Action with Confidence – Move beyond passivity and paralysis by understanding how to make wise, God-honoring choices in your career, relationships, and life - through Scripture, wisdom, and prayer.
Being a Christian in a Post-Christian Culture
Speaker: Dr. Lily Apura (IVCF, Philippines)
The Western world is undergoing a profound transformation, shifting away from its traditionally Christian roots towards a post-Christian society. This transition is marked by the adoption of New Age and secular perspectives, particularly in laws related to gender, marriage, and sexuality, which often contradict biblical teachings. As Christians face increasing hostility and legal suppression, it is crucial to understand the core tenets of post-Christianity and postmodern thought, and to explore how believers can faithfully live and proclaim the Gospel in this challenging environment that is rapidly spilling over to Asia through the influence of information technology and mass media.
Objectives:
To help believers recognize the core teachings of Christianity that are undermined by post-Christianity and postmodernism
To encourage believers to understand the challenges posed by post-Christianity and postmodernism, prompting them to deepen their knowledge of biblical teachings and stand firm in their faith, towards lovingly engaging the popular culture
Intergenerational Conversations
Speaker: Ms. Florina "Di" Fernandez (IVCF National Director, Philippines)
With four generations now co-existing in our graduate fellowships and even five generations in our churches, there is a need to develop the inter-generational character of our ministries. Each generation was shaped by different sets of experiences resulting in different hierarchy of values. Each generation also communicates differently.
Objectives:
To equip participants to facilitate inter-generational conversations to promote greater empathy among graduates
To learn how to bridge the generational gaps so that graduates can collaborate effectively and grow flourishing ministries
Creation Care in the Lens of Eschatology
Speaker: Mr. Michael Salas (IVCF, Philippines)
Man's original mandate in the creation is to rule over other living creatures as God's image-bearer. The fall brought disharmony between man and the creation. As redeemed people of God, we are to remember our original calling: to tend and watch over the creation, because our action to care for the creation shows our love for God and man.
Objectives:
To understand dominion over domination in the creation mandate
To establish the harmony between evangelism and creation care
To evaluate how our movement has responded to the call of creation care
WORKSHOP 2 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Anchored in Christ: Nurturing Spirituality Amid the Demands of Graduate Life
Speaker: Mr. Wee Chew (GCF, Singapore)
Being anchored in Christ is essential for us graduates as we navigate the pressures and challenges of post-graduation life. Amid the demands of building careers, furthering education, and adjusting to new responsibilities, staying rooted in one's faith provides strength, direction, and peace. By nurturing a deep spiritual life, we can maintain a strong sense of purpose and resilience, trusting that God’s guidance will help us handle the uncertainties ahead. Being anchored in Christ enables us to balance our ambitions with our calling, ensuring that our spiritual growth remains central in the midst of life's transitions.
Objectives:
To cultivate spiritual resilience through learning practical ways to stay rooted in Christ through prayer, Scripture, and community, even amidst the pressures of post-graduate life.
To integrate faith into daily life so that we can develop strategies for consistently nurturing spirituality while balancing career, education, and personal responsibilities.
Challenges of the Sandwich Generation
Speaker: Ms. Yoko Sugaya (KGK, Japan)
“Sandwich generation” or adult individuals taking care of their children and other family members (parents, siblings) is increasingly relevant in Asia and many parts of the world, with a growing number of women finding themselves in this difficult position. Caring for these family members is rewarding but also incredibly challenging. But when and where do caring for others stop?
Objectives:
To learn cultural expressions and differences of sandwich generation
To distinguish the limits of caring for others and caring for self & identify ways of support
Gender and Sexuality
Speaker: Rev. Steve Taylor (TCS, Thailand)
Gender and sexuality are complex and deeply personal aspects of human identity. In today’s world, the conversation surrounding these topics has evolved significantly, prompting Christians to engage thoughtfully and compassionately with issues of gender, sexual orientation, and biblical teachings. As graduates, it is essential to approach these conversations with a balanced understanding—rooted in biblical truth, yet sensitive to the experiences of others.
Objectives:
To learn about the biblical foundation on gender and sexuality
To explore how Scripture speaks about the creation of gender and sexuality, and understand the theological framework that informs a Christian perspective on these issues
To examine how modern cultural shifts around gender and sexuality relate to the Christian faith and how to respond with grace, truth, and compassion
To develop practical strategies for engaging in respectful, empathetic, and Christ-centered conversations on gender and sexuality, both within the church and in broader society
Digital Ministry: Connecting Faith and Technology
Speaker: Mr. Peter Ho (GCF, Malaysia)
We have seen how the world changes the way it works, from manual to digital. As we try to reach out to our graduates, we are to pay close attention to this new trend and make use of this digital tool in our ministries. Is digital ministry only for tech savvy? Or are we all called to be digital missionaries in this digital age we live in?
Objectives:
To understand what is a digital missionary
To provide practical ways to do digital ministry
To know/learn how the digital platform is used in the virtual small and big ministry gatherings? How effective? What are the challenges? How can we monitor spiritual growth and accountability?
Challenges of Mental Health
Speaker: Dr. Christi Anna Hipona (IVCF, Philippines)
Mental health issues are more prevalent in current times. Although we do believe that each of us is a tripartite being (body, soul and spirit), what does the Bible say about mental health? How do we form a worldview about mental health in light of God's word, without discounting the fact that the Lord uses science and medicine to heal? What does it really mean to love the Lord with all our minds when some of us or the people around us have mental health issues and challenges?
Objectives:
Know and evaluate mental health issues in light of God's word
Learn how to best keep mentally healthy
Learn the basics of ministering to others with mental health issues
A Biblical Perspective on Suffering and Persecution: Drawing One's Pain to the Promises of the Cross
Speaker: Mr. Effendy Aritonang (Perkantas, Indonesia)
For most Christians, the Cross is widely associated with salvation from sin. It is true. But there are more to the Cross of Jesus than that. The Cross is a symbol of injustice. The crucifixion of Jesus happened as the outcome of an unjust and cunning conspiracy. Interestingly, despite His unrivalled strength and power, Jesus chose the way of submission, not to the unjust power but to the will of His Father. A will which transcends the universe of time. It was in and through the cross that those who experience injustice and persecution experience the miracle of Immanuel.
In the cross we witness the power of endurance and resistance against injustice and persecution, not through retribution and retaliation but through a forgiveness which is only possible through submission to the will of the Father.
Objectives:
To understand the Biblical view of suffering and persecution
How can Biblical lament help and support people with deep-rooted pain and those with chronic illnesses?
Cross-current: Engaging and Inspiring the Next Generation at the Workplace
Speaker: Mr. Jimmy Lee (GCF Malaysia) with Ms. Christy Jutare (IVCF Philippines)
In today’s world, work isn’t just about earning a living or achieving career goals; it is an opportunity to reflect one’s values and beliefs. For Christians, integrating faith into the workplace can be a powerful way to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ’s love. Living out one’s faith at work involves more than just talking about religious beliefs; it’s about embodying Christlike behavior—showing integrity, kindness, patience, humility, and
respect in all actions. By doing so, Christians can create an atmosphere where others may be drawn to inquire about the hope they have in Jesus. By living out their faith authentically, Christians can impact their coworkers' lives in ways that transcend professional relationships, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and, ultimately, for sharing the hope of the gospel. Therefore, the two speakers will introduce the ongoing Cross-Current program in the Philippines and Malaysia.
Cross-Current, part of the IFES Graduate Impact ministry
(https://www.graduateimpact.org/cross-current) is a discipleship program for young Christian adults to learn to think, live, and speak distinctively for Jesus in their working lives. Cross-Current consists of six core modules, each of which examines a different aspect of Christlike character as a
dimension of our whole-life witness in the workplace.
Next, we'll engage in group discussions to explore the needs, values, and struggles of both the current and upcoming generations of Christians, focusing on how to address these challenges in a relevant and impactful way for spiritual formation. Our hope is for a fruitful conversation where participants of all ages feel safe to share their doubts and questions, sparking innovative ideas.
Objectives:
To equip individuals and organizations on how the Cross-Current program can be used in your workplace, church, graduate movements, or with a group of like-minded friends
To reflect and gain insights from various graduate movements on the needs of graduates for authentic connection and discipleship
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