Reflections on A3 in the Philippines
by H.A. Moldez, A3 / Philippines
When I think about the journey of A3 in the Philippines, one word rises above all others: spirituality. At its heart, leadership in God’s Kingdom is not about building big organizations, crafting strategic plans, or measuring success by numbers. True leadership is about learning to walk with God—listening, discerning, and joining Him in what He is already doing.
Too often, we are tempted to define our ministry by results, reports, and return on investment. Yet, when we read the Scriptures, we see a different invitation:
to abide in Christ, to be led by the Spirit, to walk humbly in step with God.
Spiritual leadership is not doing something for God but joining Him in His agenda. That posture changes everything.
Spiritual leadership is not doing something for God but joining Him in His agenda. That posture changes everything.
The Danger of Success
I have come to believe that the greatest danger for spiritual leaders is their own success. Success easily blinds us. It convinces us that God must be blessing everything we do, and soon we begin imposing our methods on others. But God’s work is not always measured in outward results. Sometimes His deepest work is hidden, unseen, and only affirmed years later in ways we never expected.
That is why we need practices of discernment, silence, and community. We need to slow down enough to notice the Spirit’s movement. And we need one another—to listen together, pray together, and confirm together what God is saying.
Coming Alongside, Not Controlling
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned has come from walking with Muslim background believers here in Asia. For years, they told us that too many well-meaning partners came with pre-packaged programs, KPIs, and strategies. These were often more of a burden than a blessing.
But when we simply came alongside—listening with them to the Spirit, affirming what God was already stirring in their hearts—they said,
“We’ve been waiting for this kind of partnership.”
This is the A3 way: not imposing, but coming alongside. Not controlling, but empowering.
Changing the Few Who Change the Many
Why am I committed to A3? Because A3 dares to invest in the few. The model of Jesus was not to gather crowds, but to walk deeply with twelve, and even within that, three.
In A3 Philippines, we journey with a handful of pastors and leaders in each cohort. We pray together, confront one another in love, and create space for God to take deeper root in our lives. Over time, those leaders are transformed—in their own walk with God, in their marriages and families, and in their ministries. And those few, in turn, influence many.
I have seen couples rediscover love and grace in their marriages, pastors regain joy and laughter after years of pressure, and leaders find authentic friendships that keep them grounded in Christ. This is impact that no metric can fully capture.
Mentoring for the Long Haul
Mentoring has been on my heart since 1998, when the Lord impressed it upon me during a retreat in Switzerland. Leaders need spaces where they can be vulnerable, laugh freely, and be reminded of their humanity. Without mentoring relationships, even the most successful leaders can lose their way.
That is why we have woven mentoring groups into the fabric of A3 Philippines. These circles provide ongoing support, long after the sessions are over. They are lifelines for leaders to remain authentic, accountable, and Spirit-led.
Finishing Well
At my age, I think often about finishing well. To me, finishing well does not mean a list of accomplishments or a ministry résumé. It means remaining faithful to Jesus until the end. It means keeping love for Christ alive in our hearts, even when we can no longer travel, preach, or lead.
As Eugene Peterson reminded us, the fruit of the Spirit; joy, love, peace is the real measure of a life well lived. To finish well is to be known, not for what we did, but for who we loved.
A Final Word
A3 in the Philippines is not perfect, but it is a community that allows us to walk together in authenticity, humility, and hope. We are learning that we don’t have to change the whole world. Jesus called us simply to make disciples, to walk with a few, and to trust that the Spirit will multiply His work in ways we cannot control.
And so, my encouragement to every leader is this: Slow down. Listen. Walk deeply with God and with a few others. For in changing the few, God will change the many.
Herman A. Moldez
Dr. Herman A. Moldez
Leadership Team, A3/Philippines
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