By Fort Nicolas
As if he didn’t already have enough on his plate, Bro. Dave Santos of Bagong Buhay UMC ran for the presidency of the United Methodist Men in the Philippines (UMMP)—and won. His victory is a real pride for the Quezon City Philippines Annual Conference – East (QCPACE), where he presently belongs.
A seasoned leader within the United Methodist Church, Bro. Dave is well-acquainted with responsibility; he serves as the president of the Quezon City Philippines Annual Conference – East (QCPACE) UMM.
Bro. Dave’s duties extend to the broader church community as Bagong Buhay UMC’s representative at the QCPACE annual conference. There, he plays a vital role on several committees, including the Church and Location Committee of the Northwest District (NWD) and the Board of Trustees. He also serves as vice president of the Manila Episcopal Area (MEA) UMM and holds the position of secretary of the UMMP.
At 70, the UMMP president-elect carries the legacy of a third-generation Methodist from San Simon, Pampanga. His deep roots in the faith have guided him through various leadership roles. To gain insight into his thoughts, we sat down with Bro. Dave Santos of Bagong Buhay UMC for an interview.
UMMP’s Vision for the New Quadrennium
When the Wesleyan Connection asked Bro. Dave Santos about his vision for the men of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the coming quadrennium, his response was clear: “This is not my vision alone, but the collective vision of the UMM members in the Philippines. We are driven by a shared desire to be devoted disciples of Christ, acknowledging His lordship and passionately introducing Him to others, inspiring them to follow in His footsteps.”
He said the UMMP is committed to deepening its spiritual journey and expanding its impact through the UMMP Road Map—a strategic guide emphasizing spiritual growth, stewardship, financial empowerment, and organizational revitalization.
Bro. Dave disclosed that the refined goals of the UMMP Road Map 2 are poised to elevate this mission: nurturing discipleship through spiritual discipline, stewardship of God’s properties and creation, financial strengthening, and organizational revival.
Steps Towards Spiritual Discipline
To turn these visions into reality, Bro. Dave outlines several key steps. For spiritual discipline, the UMMP aims to develop a robust discipleship program, organizing Bible study and prayer groups within local chapters.
Structured initiatives focusing on spiritual disciplines such as fasting, meditation, and prayer are also planned, helping members deepen their faith. Mentorship programs will be essential, with seasoned members guiding younger men on their spiritual journeys, emphasizing accountability and growth.
Stewards of God’s Properties
On stewardship, the UMMP plans to spearhead environmental initiatives, such as community-based programs like tree planting and clean-up drives, while also promoting sustainable practices within church properties.
Teams will be established to maintain and improve these properties, ensuring responsible and sustainable use. Additionally, the UMMP will conduct awareness campaigns to educate members on the biblical basis for environmental stewardship, reinforcing the responsibility to care for God’s creation.
Financial strengthening is another crucial pillar, with plans to encourage UMM members to engage in entrepreneurial activities and small businesses, supported by training and resources.
Fundraising initiatives, financial literacy training, and seeking partnerships with businesses and NGOs for grants and sponsorships are key strategies aimed at bolstering the financial foundation of the organization.
Developing Leaders
Organizational revival will focus on leadership development, with ongoing training to equip current and future leaders with essential skills in servant leadership and team building. Recruitment and retention efforts will target new members, especially younger men while enhancing digital presence through social media and online forums to improve communication and engagement.
Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms will ensure that the UMMP’s activities are effective, with data-driven decisions guiding continuous improvement.
Bro. Dave emphasized that these strategies will be a focal point for discussion among the incoming UMMP Executive Committee members and the Council of Elders, aiming to fine-tune and implement them effectively.
A Life of Dedicated Church Service
Bro. Dave’s story is one of dedication, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to his faith and community—a testament to the strength and perseverance that he will bring to his new role as the National President of the United Methodist Men in the Philippines.
As he leads the UMMP into the future, his vision promises not only to inspire but also to transform the organization into a powerful force for spiritual growth, stewardship, financial stability, and organizational strength within the UMC.
