Sometimes ministry begins with something as simple as changing a light bulb or welcoming someone through the church doors. A well-lit room may help someone read their Bible more comfortably, while a warm greeting may make a visitor feel welcome and encourage them to return. These seemingly small acts can have a lasting impact, reminding us that every act of service has a place in sharing the Gospel.
This message was at the heart of the third Equipping Texico leadership training weekend, held Oct. 24-25 in Midland and Odessa, Tex. The gathering brought together local church leaders, members, and Texico Conference administrators for a weekend of worship, fellowship, encouragement, and practical ministry training.
The weekend began with a spiritually uplifting Sabbath as Texico Conference administrators visited and preached at the English and Spanish congregations in both communities. At the Midland Seventh-day Adventist Church, children played an active role in the worship service, offering a meaningful reminder that ministry belongs to every generation and that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Later, leadership training sessions at the Midland church and the Odessa Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church provided opportunities for ministry leaders to gain practical tools, exchange ideas, and strengthen their service in their local congregations.
Training focused on areas including church clerk responsibilities; treasury; communication; women’s ministries and the work of elders, deacons, and deaconesses.
Beyond the practical instruction, the weekend reinforced an important truth: No ministry is too small, and no act of service is insignificant when done for Christ. Whether preparing a church building, managing finances, welcoming visitors, supporting children and families, or serving behind the scenes, each responsibility contributes to the greater mission of reaching people with the love of Jesus.
Sospeter Opasi, who attended the elders’ training, sees opportunities to apply what he learned in his congregation. “One thing I learned is to be others-focused instead of self-focused,” Opasi says. “We need to be more mission-oriented. I believe if we do that, our church will grow, and our personal relationships will grow, not only with others but also with Christ.”
His reflection captures a central purpose of Equipping Texico: helping churches look beyond their own walls, strengthen their ministries and become more intentional about reaching their communities.
For the Texico Conference, these gatherings are about more than providing training. They are opportunities to build relationships, listen to the needs of local congregations and remind ministry leaders that they are not serving alone. Across a territory as geographically widespread as Texico, moments of connection and mutual encouragement are especially meaningful.
The Midland-Odessa gathering marked the third Equipping Texico training of 2026, following earlier events in Corrales, N.M. and El Paso, Tex. The year’s final training is scheduled for December in Amarillo, Tex., extending the initiative’s reach into the Texas Panhandle.
As the conference continues its commitment to equipping and supporting local churches, the purpose remains clear: to strengthen ministries, encourage one another in service and work together to reach more people for Christ.
The weekend served as a reminder that the church’s mission is carried forward not only through sermons and major outreach events but also through the faithful service of individuals who give their time, talents and hearts to God.
And when every member recognizes the value of their calling, the church becomes stronger, communities are reached, and the mission moves forward as we look with hope toward Jesus’ soon return.
