MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Educators and leaders from across the Asia-Pacific Region gathered at the Monaco Hotel in Manila, Philippines, from 18-20 August 2026 for the Association of Nazarene Education Systems Asia-Pacific (ANESAP) Conference, a three-day gathering focused on strengthening theological education, embracing emerging opportunities, and preparing the Church for the future.
Led by Dr. Bruce Allder, Regional Education Coordinator, and Dr. Kafoa Muaror, Regional Director, the conference brought together representatives from across the Asia-Pacific Region, including the Philippine-Micronesia, Australia-New Zealand, East Asia Field, Papua New Guinea, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Sealands.
The gathering included representatives from the 13 Nazarene educational institutions across the region, Field Education Coordinators, Field Strategy Coordinators, District Superintendents, and members of the Regional Course of Study Advisory Committee (RCOSAC).
The participating institutions included:
- Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
- Central Philippine Nazarene College
- Chapman International College
- Indonesia Nazarene Theological College
- Japan Nazarene Theological Seminary
- Korea Nazarene University
- Melanesia Nazarene Bible College
- Melanesia Nazarene Teachers College
- Nazarene College of Nursing
- Nazarene Theological College–Australia/New Zealand
- Philippine Nazarene College
- South Pacific Nazarene Theological College
- Taiwan Nazarene Theological College
Each day began with worship, grounding the conference not only in education and leadership but also in the Church’s shared calling.
The first day opened with a devotion led by Rev. Stephen Gualberto, followed by sessions on the vision and foundations of theological education.
Dr. Kafoa Muaror opened the conference sessions with the Regional Vision, offering a broader perspective on where the Asia-Pacific Region is headed and the role education plays in fulfilling the Church’s mission.
The conference then explored The Nature of Learning, presented by Dr. Perry Shaw, followed by Outcomes-Based Education, presented by Dr. Allan Harkness. Dr. Joseph Wood continued the discussion with a session on Nazarene Identity and Theological Education, connecting the task of education with the identity, theology, and mission of the Church of the Nazarene.
The second day began with devotion led by Rev. Leilani Roqara and turned attention toward emerging challenges and creative approaches in theological education.
Dr. Perry Shaw returned to lead a session on Engaging AI Creatively in Theological Education, encouraging participants to consider how to approach new technologies thoughtfully and creatively within educational and ministry contexts.
Dr. Ray Neu introduced the Use of Orality in Discipleship and Its Implications for Theological Education, highlighting the importance of communication and learning approaches that connect with diverse cultural and educational contexts.
The conversation continued with Integrating Outcomes-Based Education into the Syllabi and Teaching Experience, giving participants an opportunity to consider how outcomes-based principles can move beyond theory and become part of everyday teaching and learning.
The day concluded with Dr. Bill Kwon’s session on The Mission Challenge and Theological Education, challenging participants to consider how theological institutions can continue equipping the Church to engage its mission in an increasingly changing world.
The final day began with a devotion led by Dr. Oh Won Keun, focusing on global collaboration, sustainability, assessment, and leadership.
Dr. Karen Garber-Miller presented on Global Nazarene Education and the Role of RCOSAC and ICOSAC, including a report on “Sustainability in Theological Education.” The discussion continued with Dr. Bonnie Perry, who presented A Global Church Resource, followed by further implications from Dr. Karen Garber-Miller’s sustainability report.
Dr. Allan Harkness returned for a practical session on Assessments in an Outcomes-Based Syllabus, helping participants connect outcomes-based education with the ways students are assessed and supported in their learning.
The conference concluded its formal sessions with Dr. Bruce Allder’s presentation, Leadership in Theological Education: Collaboration and Investment in the Future and the Changing Nazarene Environment. The session emphasized the importance of working together, investing in future leaders, and responding faithfully to the changing needs of the Nazarene Church and its educational institutions.
A significant part of the ANESAP Conference extended beyond the presentations themselves. Throughout the three days, participants had opportunities to engage in small-group discussions after and between sessions.
These conversations allowed delegates from different countries, fields, institutions, and ministry contexts to reflect on the topics presented, share experiences, ask questions, and consider how to apply the ideas in their own settings.
In the evenings, participants gathered for panel discussions, where the conference speakers came together to respond to questions raised by delegates. These sessions created space for open conversation and allowed participants to explore the conference themes from different perspectives.
The evenings also became opportunities for fellowship, strengthening relationships among educators and ministry leaders from across the region.
The three-day gathering concluded on August 20 with the recognition of the conference speakers, honoring those who shared their knowledge, experience, and insights throughout the event.
Rather than ending simply with a final session, ANESAP concluded with Holy Communion, bringing the gathering back to its central purpose: the shared calling to participate in God’s mission and to equip the Church through faithful theological education.
The ANESAP Conference reminded us that theological education is not merely about classrooms, syllabi, assessments, or institutions. It is about forming people for ministry, strengthening the Church, and preparing leaders to serve faithfully in a changing world.
As representatives returned to their respective fields and institutions, they carried with them not only new ideas and resources, but also renewed relationships, shared experiences, and a common vision for the future of Nazarene education across the Asia-Pacific Region.
Through continued collaboration, conversation, and investment, ANESAP seeks to strengthen the educational systems that equip the Church to make Christlike disciples in the nations.
Written by: Keilah Dela Cruz
