Pastor Andrew- Pastor & Missionary To The Philippines

Kingdom Corner Podcast — Show NotesEpisode: Pastor Andrew — The Missionary Date: Feb 16, 2026 Length: 51:41 Host: The Great Matt Geib Guest: Pastor Andrew Scribner (missionary pastor, Philippines)Episode SnapshotWhat happens when God quietly redirects a man who didn’t even want ministry—and then keeps expanding his assignment for 20+ years?In this interview, Matt talks with Pastor Andrew Scribner, a U.S.-born missionary pastor who moved to the Philippines in 2000 and never “came back” because the call got deeper. Andrew shares his testimony, gives a helpful on-the-ground picture of life in the Philippines (especially Dumaguete), and walks through the ministries God has built through Christ the Rock Ministries—including feeding outreaches, prison ministry, weekly Bible studies, and a growing vision for a Missional Training Center to equip leaders and plant healthy churches.Guest BioPastor Andrew Scribner was born in Maine (USA). His faith journey was shaped in part through Christian music, and he came to Christ during his college years through Chi Alpha. After meeting his wife Gilda, they moved to the Philippines in 2000, began with a children’s feeding program, and gradually grew into wider ministry leadership. Andrew served as an associate pastor (2013) and later became senior/lead pastor (2015). He earned a ministry degree (M.Div. mentioned) during the 2017–2020 season. Today he leads an independent missional church, oversees prison ministry, and facilitates an expat Bible study, with a long-term focus on discipleship and training leaders.Key Topics Covered (with timestamps)0:00–3:45 — Introduction + Andrew’s backgroundFrom Maine to the Philippines (year 2000)Meeting Gilda, marriage in the PhilippinesEarly growth through “small beginnings”3:45–8:45 — Testimony: reluctant leader → faithful shepherdAndrew didn’t want leadership at firstHis wife’s encouragement + God’s directionMatt’s encouragement: “Despise not the day of small beginnings…little is much when God is in it.”8:45–13:30 — Philippines 101 + Dumaguete contextThe Philippines as an archipelago (7,000+ islands)Regions: Luzon / Visayas / MindanaoAndrew’s area: Visayas → Negros Oriental → Dumaguete (~150,000)Dumaguete as a known retirement destination with growing expat population13:30–18:45 — Filipino culture + church life: relationships over rushStrong emphasis on family/community/hospitalityRelationships often prioritized over rigid schedulesDifferences in teaching styles: relational warmth + growing hunger for the WordMatt reflects on Western church pace and the “in-and-out” service rhythm18:45–26:30 — Church life + ministry rhythmsChurch name: Christ the Rock MinistriesTypical attendance: ~60 (Filipino + expat families)Weekly flow: Sunday celebration + kids’ Sunday schoolMidweek: Bible studies, school feeding program, outreach Saturdays, prison ministry26:30–30:45 — City-wide unity + revival nightA large one-night city event with ~20 churches participatingFollow-up system using decision cards by local pastorsGuest speaker: Korean-American pastor + translatorEmphasis: unity among churches and shared evangelistic responsibility30:45–35:30 — Building project + expansion for trainingProperty owned since early 2000s; new project developingBuilding project: ~3 years overall; active construction ~1 yearFirst level expected usable around MaySize mentioned: ~200 sq meters (~2,000 sq ft)35:30–40:30 — Honor, authority, and “the spirit behind the office”Filipino culture: often honors leadership/anointing/positionWestern culture: often more skeptical (sometimes for understandable reasons)Balance: avoid blind followership; cultivate Berean maturity (searching Scripture)40:30–45:30 — “Missional Getaway” concept + short-module trainingVision: Missional Training Center (short modules, practical equipping)Not only “sending” but training and raising local leadersIdea: Dumaguete as a great first missions exposure—comfortable base, real ministry accessInvitation for future collaboration, visits, and possible teaching modules45:30–51:41 — How to connect/support + closing prayerAndrew shares how listeners can connect and donatePrayer over listeners’ needs (physical/spiritual) and blessing over Kingdom CornerMatt prays for Andrew, Gilda, the building project, and the training center visionBig TakeawaysGod often calls people who weren’t chasing the microphone. The “I just want to serve” posture tends to produce steady, trustworthy leadership.Missions isn’t just a trip—it’s a lens. It changes how you see the world and reminds you God can use ordinary people in extraordinary settings.Healthy authority is not control; it’s stewardship. Honor the office/anointing without turning leaders into idols—stay Berean, stay humble, stay teachable.Unity multiplies impact. A city-wide event with shared follow-up is a picture of the Church acting like one Body.Memorable Lines“It’s a fun ride…to go along with God, not just what you want.”“People really prioritize family, friends, and relationships…sometimes over schedules.”“I look for leaders who don’t aspire to lead—they just want to serve.”Ministries Mentioned (Christ the Rock Ministries)Sunday celebration + kids’ Sunday school<span class="ql-ui"...