Leaders Urged to Strengthen Communion with God in Advancing Mission
Pastor Pierre Caporal, executive secretary of the Inter-American Division, leads a devotional message emphasizing living the mission during advisory meetings on April 1, 2026, in Miami, Florida, United States. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
April 2, 2026 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News
“The best way to live the mission is to live for the God of the mission,” said Pastor Pierre Caporal, executive secretary of the Inter-American Division (IAD), as he called church leaders to a deeper spiritual focus during morning worship on April 1, 2026, as quinquennial advisory meetings continued in Miami, Florida.
Hundreds of departmental leaders convened for the third day of meetings designed to strengthen collaboration and align mission strategies for the next five years. Caporal’s message shifted attention from planning and implementation to how they live out the mission in their daily lives.
Hundreds of church department leaders from across the Inter-American Division follow the devotional message during the third day of advisory meetings. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
“We are living in wartime,” he said. “A world of massive destructive power… a world where people are crying, begging for change.”
He described a world marked by conflict, instability, and uncertainty, noting that more than 50 active conflicts are currently taking place worldwide.
“The world is living in desperation,” Caporal said. Yet amid that reality, he pointed leaders back to Christ’s promise and mission.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world… and then the end will come,” he quoted from Matthew 24:14.
He emphasized that, even in times of crisis, God’s mission continues to move forward.
From the stage, Pastor Pierre Caporal urges leaders to live the mission through a daily walk with God. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
Caporal then turned to Matthew 28, highlighting what he described as the church’s “marching orders.”
“Go and make disciples,” he said, underscoring that this is the core purpose of the church.
He outlined five key processes embedded in the Great Commission: foundation, goal, action, entry, and growth—each representing a vital aspect of disciple-making.
“The authority of Jesus is the foundation,” he explained. “The goal is to make disciples. The action is going. The entry is baptizing. And the growth is teaching.”
Caporal emphasized that teaching is not limited to words. “The best way to teach someone is by example,” he said. This, he noted, is where the concept of living the mission becomes essential.
“We cannot live God’s mission without living for the God of the mission,” said Pierre Caporal during a devotional at IAD advisory meetings in Miami, Florida. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
Caporal challenged leaders to move beyond viewing mission as an event or program.
“Mission must move from event to identity to lifestyle,” he said.
He explained that living the mission involves integrating faith into every aspect of life.
“We live the mission when our decisions are governed by kingdom priorities,” he said. “When our profession becomes a platform for witness… when our character validates our proclamation.”
In today’s world, he added, this approach is more important than ever.
“People are looking for Christians who are living the mission—not just talking about it,” Caporal said.
He stressed that authenticity builds trust and creates meaningful connections, particularly among younger generations.
Leaders from the North Colombia Union listen in during the morning worship service on Apr. 1, 2026. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
Living for the God of the Mission
At the heart of Caporal’s message was a deeper distinction—between living the mission and living for the God of the mission.
“The best way to live the mission is to live for the God of the mission,” he said.
He emphasized that mission cannot be sustained without a personal relationship with God.
“We cannot live God’s mission without living for the God of the mission,” he said.
Caporal described this relationship as one rooted in communion, surrender, and identity as children of God.
Roberto Brown Jr., assistant treasurer of the Inter-American Division, performs on the saxophone during a special music segment at the morning devotional on April 1, 2026, in Miami, Florida. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD
Drawing from biblical examples, he contrasted the apostle Paul—who remained connected to God through trials—with the prophet Elijah, who lost focus after moments of success.
“God’s mission is a marathon,” Caporal said. “And no one can run a marathon on an empty stomach.”
He explained that communion with God is the “spiritual food” that sustains leaders in their mission.
“Our priority should be communion with God before commission,” he said.
A Present Promise
Caporal concluded by reflecting on Christ’s promise in Matthew 28:20.
Pablo Lake, representing the Dutch Caribbean Union, participates in advisory meetings in Miami, Florida. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
“This means that as we go, as we make disciples, as we teach—the God of the mission is our invisible partner,” he added.
In a world marked by uncertainty and conflict, this assurance provides both strength and direction.
“The one standing with us is the same one who spoke the universe into existence,” Caporal said.
As he closed, Caporal invited leaders to take what he described as “one more step”—a renewed commitment to deepen their relationship with God.
“Let us live for the God of the mission before living the mission,” he urged.
Caporal encouraged attendees to make communion with God a daily priority, allowing that relationship to shape their service and leadership. In doing so, he reminded them, mission moves beyond activity and becomes a way of life—one that speaks powerfully to a world in need of hope and restoration.