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The Bible teaches Christians to highly esteem and love the Church Administration, for they labor and care for their spiritual well-being.
AMONG THE VALUES firmly upheld by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) are obedience to the Church Administration and submission to their authority. Such deep respect and high regard for the ones whom God placed to oversee the whole flock have been eminent in this Church from the time of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, to that of Brother Eraño G. Manalo, and of the present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. In their pastoral visitations, then and now, the faithful welcome them with tender elation, listen intently to their delivery of God’s words, feel the presence of the Holy Spirit during prayers, and cherish the moment of being able to meet them face-to-face.
More profoundly, the religious instructions of the Executive Minister—whether delivered by him in person, echoed by word, or transmitted in letter—are received wholeheartedly by the brethren as proven by their faithful adherence to the Church’s doctrines and regulations and by their complete unity with the aims and promulgations of the Church Administration.
Observers take notice of the high esteem Iglesia Ni Cristo members have for their spiritual leaders. Understandably, those who are critical of this Church challenge the way members show respect for the Church Administration, while others may simply find it an interesting subject of scientific study. However, for us, members of the true Church Of Christ, there is no question that it is only
right to hold in high esteem and love the Church Administration—most especially the Executive Minister who oversees the entire organization—for, this is in consonance with what the Bible teaches.
In I Thessalonians 5:12–13, it is written:
“Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
This inspired writing of Apostle Paul provides basis for the respectful treatment we, Iglesia Ni Cristo members, accord our Executive Minister. Christian duty states that we should not only recognize those who labor for us and lead us in our service to the Lord but also to esteem them highly in love. This we ought to do in deference to their work.
So great, indeed, is the work of overseeing the whole Church, especially now that it has already spread worldwide and counts millions of members from various nationalities. There are so many and varied concerns that need to be addressed without delay. Such is the great responsibility that rests on the shoulders of our present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo. Isn’t it only proper, then, that we accord him due honor, love, and respect?
But more than simply saying it, we prove our respect for the Church Administration by obeying them and submitting ourselves to their authority. When we follow the teachings of God that they preach to us and the rules and regulations they promulgate in the Church, not only do we make them glad in fulfilling their work; more importantly, we fulfill God’s will as so written in the Epistle to the Hebrews 13:17:
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (New International Version)
In looking after the spiritual needs of the members, the ones whom God appointed to administer the Church in the past labored and strived in order to bring everyone toward perfection and spiritual maturity. As great as the task God gave them were their efforts and sacrifices in delivering God’s teachings to all brethren:
“We preach about him [Christ]. With all the wisdom we have, we warn and teach everyone. When we bring them to God, we want them to be perfect as people who belong to Christ. That’s what I’m working for. I work hard with all of Christ’s strength. His strength works powerfully in me.” (Col. 1:28–29 New International Reader’s Version)
The same hard work and determination is also being carried on by the present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo. In ensuring that the brethren in all parts of the world constantly receive God’s teachings, not only does he see to it that the biblical lessons for worship services are being prepared and taught clearly to the brethren, and that more ministers and workers of the gospel are being sent to oversee the growing number of local congregations; he himself tirelessly embarks on pastoral visitations across continents to personally reach out to the brethren and proclaim to them God’s message of hope during these times of uncertainty. Through all these, the purpose that guides him is the same aim that the previous administrators of the Church had, that is, for the whole Church to be presented to Christ and to God in a state of radiance and perfection, “without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Eph. 5:27 niv).
Seeing how much the Executive Minister strives for our spiritual well-being, we, members, see it fit to recognize his authority, esteem him with great love and respect, and stand united in following his lead. We share in his happiness in all the victories the Church continues to reap. We join him in his labors for the Church by praying to God for him—the same as what Apostle Paul exhorted the brethren during his time:
“Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:30 New Living Translation)
Even the members of the first-century Church prayed for those who administered them. One instance was when Apostle Peter was arrested and imprisoned as part of King Herod’s persecution against the Church. The brethren then prayed earnestly for the apostle. God did answer their prayers and Apostle Peter was miraculously freed (Acts 12:1, 4–12 Good News Bible).
Comparatively, the members of the Church Of Christ in these last days pray for the Executive Minister, along with those who are helping him in his administration of the Church. We always include them in our prayers to God, such as during our congregational worship services and other gatherings of the Church.
This September 2025 is the 16th year of Brother Eduardo Manalo as the Executive Minister of the Church. We thank God for adding another year to his dynamic leadership. We pray to God that the Executive Minister be kept safe always, especially in his visitations to brethren in different places so that he may come to them filled with joy according to God’s will (Rom. 15:31–32). We pray that he may continue to have long life, more strength, and great wisdom so that through his administration of the Church, “the Lord’s message may continue to spread rapidly and be received with honor” (II Thess. 3:1 gnb) for the benefit of our souls toward salvation. ❑
