SEPTEMBER 6, 2025— a historic day when Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), officiated a worship service at the Central Temple. During this sacred occasion, the brethren witnessed three significant events: the 41st Commencement Exercises of the Iglesia Ni Cristo School for Ministers (INC-SFM), the ordination of new ministers, and the awarding of the Gawad Bituin to select ministers. The gathering was livestreamed to multiple sites across the globe.

On the said date, the INC-SFM also held the closing ceremony of its 50th anniversary and marked the opening of its 51st year. All of these events took place just a day before the 16th anniversary of Brother Eduardo Manalo’s dynamic leadership as Executive Minister. The attendance was reserved primarily for ministers, ministerial workers, and their households.

A total of 12 senior ministers were awarded with the Gawad Bituin, while 36 regular ministerial workers received the laying on of hands by the Executive Minister to become ministers of the gospel. Additionally, 981 ministerial students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies and Evangelism and took oath as regular ministerial workers—539 of whom were present at the Central Temple, being graduates from the INC-SFM Main Campus and nearby practicum centers, while 442 joined the gathering via livestreaming from Baguio City (Benguet), Cauayan City (Isabela), Bacolod City (Negros Occidental), Davao City (Davao), and Butuan City (Agusan del Norte).

Brother Diosdado F. Dades, Central District supervising minister, led the opening prayer.  Then, Brother Arnel R. Canicosa, INC-SFM President, presented the graduates to Brother Eduardo Manalo for conferment. Through his biblical sermon, the Executive Minister reminded those called into the holy ministry of the importance of their duty. He taught that they must carefully manage themselves and their households in order to effectively serve and lead the brethren and address their spiritual needs. 

Before the holy gathering concluded, the Executive Minister recognized and awarded 12 ministers of the gospel for their many years of service in the ministry.

During his sermon, the Executive Minister also expounded on what the Bible teaches about ministers as stewards of the Church. They ought to be honorable, dedicated, responsible, and spiritually mature.

After the Executive Minister’s sermon, the prayer was led by Brother Romer D. Galang. Then, Brother Bienvenido C. Santiago led the oath-taking of the would-be ministers and regular ministerial workers. After the ordination, Brother Arnel Canicosa led the congregation in prayer, followed by Brother Glicerio P. Santos IV leading the prayer for the voluntary offerings. Brother Eduardo Manalo said the benediction.