Vol 119 No 2 • FEB 2017
inside
this issue...
ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 117/11/2016
message.methodist.org.sg
New Methodist school Principals GMS(P) and SFMS have new school leaders
Judicial Council clarifies GC’s services to Annual Conferences
Building the Next Gen: A ‘whole-church’ issue
page 8
page 17
pages 20-21
GC WSCS 11TH SESSION QGM
Uniquely adding value to local church ministry Grace Toh is the Editor of Methodist Message and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. She is secretly obsessed with patterns, and her favourite plant has leaves parallel to each other.
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he Trinity Annual Conference President greeted them as a “mighty throng” (referencing Psalm 68:11, NIV). They minister to persons with visual impairment, at-risk youths, and home-makers re-entering the workforce. Their goal is to add value to the ministry of local churches. Who are they? I caught an inspiring glimpse of their heart for the Church when I joined the vivacious women of the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) at their Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM) from 26-28 Nov 2016, held at the Renaissance Hotel in Johor Bahru. Through observing their decisions and having heartfelt exchanges with individuals, I began to understand and better appreciate the unique role played by the WSCS in the ministry of the Church. Firstly, women are already an integral part of church ministry – the Rev James Nagulan, President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference, noted in his greetings that “women play multiple roles as wives, mothers, church leaders etc.” in addition to their careers. It is challenging to manage these multiple roles well, and therefore women need to come alongside and support each other. Then-Bishop (now Bishop Emeritus) Dr Wee Boon Hup shared with the delegates his prayer for them to “share the fellowship of sisters across the conference”, that they would find
Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup leading in a prayer for Dr (Mrs) Teo Li Bee after her election as GC WSCS President for the new quadrennium.
encouragement through exchanging stories of successes and lessons learnt – what men call “war stories”. Two such “war stories” brought tears to my eyes during the beautifully vulnerable Ministry Night on the second day of the QGM. Mrs Eunice Yeo from Holland Village Methodist Church shared about God’s miraculous provision in the setting up of a WSCS chapter there, and how the process led her to build and treasure friendships not only at the local church level, but also at Continued on page 15...
COMING UP
‘Walk Together’ to raise funds for our schools By the MethodistWalk 2017 Committee
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
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oin us for this important milestone in the calendar of our Methodist schools, as they unite with our churches in MethodistWalk 2017. This year, the biennial fundraising walk falls on 25 March 2017, and is brought to you by the Methodist Schools’ Foundation Ecclesiastes 4:12, NIV (MSF), together with the 15 Methodist schools in Singapore. Coming together to ‘Walk Together’ is the unifying message which celebrates the special bond between the Methodist schools and churches in Singapore. In our community, we are thankful that our children spend valuable years living and experiencing the unique spirit and bond offered in the Methodist schools. This ministry through our schools is especially meaningful and important when it touches the lives and hearts of many other young minds. The fund-raising walk aims to help address some of the financial needs of our schools. This event will go a long way to help fund and continue the work and programmes of the schools. How to give In these uncertain times, your generous giving will allow our Methodist Schools to continue providing children with enriching programmes. In addition, 100 per cent of the funds raised by each student for the MethodistWalk 2017 goes back to his or her school. As an Institution of a Public Character (IPC), all donations of $100 or more to MSF will get a tax exemption of 2.5 times of the donation.
If you would like to know more about how to donate, please contact Ms Annie Chng at 6478-4808 or annie.chng@methodist.org.sg. For this year’s Walk, we are thankful to God for the committed support of four sponsoring churches: Foochow Methodist Church, Holy Covenant Methodist Church, Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church and Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church. How to participate If you would like to join the Walk personally, do contact your church office for more details or sign up online at tinyurl.com/ MethodistWalk2017 (for easy access, scan the QR code). Alternatively, if you would like to volunteer as a doctor, photographer or traffic marshal (to help guide our students in the uniformed groups), please also contact Annie. As always, your prayers are appreciated for the event. We thank God for this great opportunity to connect yet again within the Methodist family, and to lift the needs of our schools and students to His Will. To God be the Glory! n
Participants at the 2015 edition of the MethodistWalk.
The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version, unless otherwise stated. Our address
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BISHOP’S MESSAGE
Being channels of God’s blessing Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2016. He served as President of the Chinese Annual Conference for two quadrennia from 2008 to 2016.
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n the hymn ‘Channels Only’ by Mary E. Maxwell, the lyrics of its last verse are as follows:
Jesus, fill now with Thy Spirit Hearts that full surrender know; That the streams of living water From our inner man may flow. Refrain:
Channels only, blessed Master But with all Thy wondrous pow’r, Flowing through us, Thou canst use us Every day and every hour.
Scripture also tells us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (Luke 6:38, NLT). It is a call for every Christian to be a channel of God’s blessing, in the same way that the Lord saved His people to have them become a blessing for all nations. Many may think that before we can help and bless others, we need to ensure that we have enough. This is understandable, but we can also learn to bless others in faith, especially when exceptional circumstances require immediate help. The Bible tells of a poor widow of Zarephath. She and her son were left with very little to live on, but she used all that she had – a handful of flour and a little cooking oil – to prepare bread for Elijah who had asked her for food (1 Kings 17:8-16). There is also the story of the young boy with his five loaves and two fish. He offered it all to Jesus at the end of His teaching, to bless the five thousand who had gathered to listen to Him (John 6:1-14). Life presents us with many unexpected challenges, which may sometimes include unfortunate happenings one after another. The afflicted will need much help and some time before they can get back on their feet again. Some counsellors suggest, however, that the best therapy is to encourage the persons affected to engage in helping those who are less fortunate, so that the former can be healed through these interactions. (Editor’s note: See P6 of this issue for further discussion on this topic.) To be a blessing for others, we can begin with a small step of faith. Ambient streams flowing through a pond will keep its water clean and fresh, and will maintain its bountiful aquatic resources. Do you believe that you will not be left wanting when you bless others? Many testimonies, including my own, have shown: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” (Luke 12:31, NLT) n
Background photo by powerbeephoto/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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CHURCH PROFILE
Tamil MC at Short Street:
A legacy of looking to the future The Rev James Nagulan was elected President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) in 2016 for the quadrennium. He is also Pastor-in-Charge of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street) and Seletar Tamil Methodist Church.
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amil Methodist Church (Short Street) will celebrate its 130th anniversary on 28 Sep 2017. This church holds several distinctions: Not only is it the second Methodist church and the original home of Methodist Girls’ School, which began with nine young Indian girls, it is also Singapore’s oldest Tamil Methodist Church, and subsequently the mother church of the other seven churches that comprise Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC). This is indeed a legacy that we have today, a history that we can take pride in, but that is not our intent. The God-given vision and opportunities to be His workers are all by God’s grace. Significant changes have taken place at TMC since its birth in 1887, chief of which is the original premises giving way to larger buildings. This was not only to accommodate an anticipated growing membership, but also to house other congregations, namely the Batak congregation and Telugu Methodist Church in Singapore.
Tamil Methodist Church (Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference) 8 Short Street, Singapore 188214 Sunday services: 8.45 a.m. (English) 10.30 a.m. (Tamil) 6.30 p.m. (Indian Fellowship) Contact us: www.tamilmethodist.sg, tmc1887@singnet.com.sg or 6336-6148
Previously, TMC’s membership comprised mainly Tamils from Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka). Today, 50 per cent of our membership comprises Indian nationals. Similarly, the proportions of our various agegroups have changed over the years. However, I can confidently say that we have eased through these periodic changes and met our challenges with grace. I am fortunate to have had the privilege and joy of being Pastorin-Charge of TMC from 2008-2012, and currently, President of ETAC. This has enabled me to work closely with the church’s leadership, and especially with our youths, who have a special place in my heart. I see much potential for developing effective church leaders amongst this very important cohort of believers. We believe in and work on the premise that if we do not teach our young to think and act as dictated by God’s Word, someone else will come along to teach them to think otherwise. Often, I am told by some youth: “Pastor, the world is changing; we have to get with it.” So challenged, my reply is: “But God’s Word has not changed.” Our youths are not only our church’s future; they also help us align our daily moral compass with God. I believe God has led me to teach our TMC members that our pews can only be filled when each believer does his or her part. Mr Richard Jeremiah, in his New Year greetings as Chairperson of TMC’s Local Church Executive Committee, exhorted the congregation to adhere to the Lord’s call to discipleship. Richard urged: “As we contemplate 2017, each one of us has to ask ourselves, ‘Is my faith real? ... Are we just church members or am I a disciple myself?’ To be a Christian
The various churches planted by Tamil Methodist Church.
We continue our series of profiling local churches from our three Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in Singapore. As we come to have a better understanding of each other’s history and ministry, there may be opportunity to forge crosschurch partnerships and collaborations. is to be a disciple, and so, it means doing everything that the Lord has asked us to do.” TMC works effectively with foreign Indian nationals, including the families of the employed. The Evening Indian Fellowship not only provides a current platform for this community’s worship, but also prepares these believers to continue to practise and share their faith with others on their return to their native homeland. Tamil Methodist Church faces many challenges, as do our sister churches. However, we will create opportunities for our youths to realise their potential and be who God wants them to be. We will overcome difficulties not only because we are resilient, but because we have God at the helm! n Photos courtesy of Tamil Methodist Church
SAYS THE ETAC PRESIDENT
Blessed to be a blessing? The Rev James Nagulan was elected President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) in 2016 for the quadrennium. He is also Pastor-in-Charge of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street) and Seletar Tamil Methodist Church.
When we have understood that our greatest blessing is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation, this is the beginning of our being a blessing to others. Wealth and good health no longer dictate our blessedness – only the joy of the Lord does!
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ecently, I heard a preacher exhort his congregation to “seek God’s blessings upon your life so that you can become a blessing to many others around you”. However, the preacher was obviously encouraging his audience to acquire material possessions which they could share with or give to others, so that they would “become a blessing to others”. The thought that immediately flashed through my mind was: “Can I be a blessing, even when I am not ‘blessed’?” It is a principle that I have always believed. Popular Christian culture seems to thrive on this word “blessings”. But its meaning is often associated with material gain: it is common to hear the statement that because of one’s spiritual standing, one is so “blessed”. This misconception prevails, as many Christians think that an increase in wealth and social status are indicators of God’s blessings. If one has a successful career, good health, and a family, we are truly blessed. Though I do not deny that we should be grateful for these and other measures of “success”, they do not define one as a blessed person. Nor do they guarantee that one will be a blessing to others. Scripture shows us the struggles one has when dealing with wealth. The rich young ruler would not give up his wealth to follow Christ. Was wealth a blessing in his life, then? Zacchaeus acquired much wealth and social status amongst the rich through dubious means, yet he could not have been a blessing to the community if he continued that way. Success, wealth and respect at high places did not make them a blessing to themselves or to others because of a major obstacle – the lack of humility. A call to be a blessing is a call to humble ourselves before God, and acknowledge that we are not worthy of anything but for the grace of God. I am convinced that is the reason we are taught the hymn ‘Count Your Blessings’, so that we begin to understand the source of all our provision – Jehovah Jireh! It is the humbled heart which acknowledges that all one’s possessions belong to God and so handles them as responsible stewards; this qualifies us to be a blessing to others. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “possessions are not God’s blessings and goodness, but the opportunities of service which he entrusts to us”. The illustration of humility through the “widow’s two mites” in Luke 21 shows how one can be a blessing even in poverty. The widow remained blessed and joyous even in her poverty, as she had given away all that she had for the
glory of God. Unnoticed and not seeking praise, she displayed the joy of the Lord by quietly making her sacrifice of thanksgiving. When we have understood that our greatest blessing is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation, this is the beginning of our being a blessing to others. Wealth and good health no longer dictate our blessedness – only the joy of the Lord does! Even today, some of you may be praying for a financial breakthrough to be a more effective person and to be a blessing to others, but it does not work that way. You are already blessed with Christ and His salvation and are called to be a blessing with these gifts. Therefore, let your year begin by being a blessing to someone with what is already in you. Be generous with your time and other resources which are at your disposal: Encourage the discouraged; give a word of affirmation to one who feels insecure; lend a listening ear to the lonely; inspire the defeated. There is a never-ending list of ways that we can be a blessing to another, but it always begins with you, and it begins now. n
Picture by AnnekaS/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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YOU & YOUR FAMILY
Small deeds with great love Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award in 2011 and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
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s we were about to end our tea conversation, my friend made an unexpected proposal. She had clearly thought about it for some time and felt the need to broach it carefully. She paused, cleared her throat and asked me not to take what she was about to say in the “wrong way”. She then offered to leave a sum of money with me to help those who needed professional counselling but could not afford to pay for it. I was surprised – although similar offers had been made before, they were to cover the cost for specific individuals, e.g. for a relative. But here was an offer to cover the cost for strangers. My friend is no stranger to counselling and, more specifically, to its costs and benefits. I had met her and her husband years earlier when they came to me for marital counselling. The sessions continued on an on-and-off basis for about seven years, during which their relationship waxed and waned. After her husband’s repeated infidelity, she decided that she had had enough and sued for divorce. Now, years later, she had moved on. Her career had grown, her children had married and she had found faith in God. An unexpected but not surprising development was that she found herself continuing an association with counselling. Women going through a difficult marriage or even divorce were seeking her out. This brought her to wonder about a greater purpose for her own marital experience. Hearing about others’ pain and reflecting on her difficult journey prompted her to think of a way she could help.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
As counsellors, we see this from time to time. For example, we hear of those who had lost a family member through suicide reaching out to other bereaved family members. What prompts this helpgiving behaviour? Perhaps it is prompted by a desire to make sense of their grief or to give their pain a purpose. Helping professionals are admittedly cautious about such help-giving behaviour. We have two primary concerns. First, some may be driven to reaching out to others as a means of bringing closure to their experiences. If so, their focus is not on the needs of those they are helping but on themselves. It is their agenda that dominates and if overly focused on their own needs, they may be insensitive to the other’s pain. The second concern is that in helping others, the helpers’ own emotions may be triggered by the other’s experiences. This could then lead to another round of distress for themselves. With my friend, I do not have such concerns. I believe that she has worked through the issues and enough time has passed since her marriage ended for her to re-engage her experiences with others safely. I also believe that being able to speak with others about her divorce continues to re-affirm her decision and aids in her healing journey. In helping, she is indirectly helped. There is yet another benefit of such peer support. This is when those hurting can find hope invigorated by witnessing how others have survived personal tragedy. Hearing and seeing how others have made it through their dark period can be a priceless encouragement. None of us is immune to facing difficulties in this life. When by God’s grace and strength we have found the means to resolve or cope with challenges, might we in turn help others? In so doing, each of us in our small way can live by the words of the late Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” n
Picture by weerapat/Bigstock.com
WELFARE SERVICES
When a child loses a parent By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team
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hildren and youths experiencing grief and trauma from a broken family background or the death of a parent are often unable to articulate their feelings effectively or find closure in their lives. Fortunately, with an early intervention programme launched by FamilyWorks Community Services, help is at hand. An outreach arm set up jointly by Methodist Welfare Services and Changi Methodist Church, FamilyWorks has been running this programme for primary and secondary school children living in and around Punggol since 2011. Named Rainbows for all Children, it began as a grassroots mission in the USA in the mid1970s that was championed by Ms Suzy Yehl Marta. Suzy realised there was a lack of support for her three sons following a devastating divorce. Founded on the belief that youths and children require support and guidance to heal, the programme has grown into an established movement of trained facilitators supported by a repository of specially-designed resources. In Singapore, FamilyWorks has adapted the programme to the needs of local children, youths and families. Serving those aged between eight and 14 who are experiencing the loss of a parent through estrangement, divorce or death, Rainbows aims to provide them a safe and warm environment to express themselves effectively, sort out their confusion, build self-esteem, and ultimately learn to trust again. Along the way, participants are encouraged to pick up social-emotional skills or “tools” to deal with potentially destructive emotions such as anger, and to find the strength to move forward. Ms Catherine Goh, manager of community services at FamilyWorks, explains: “We follow the same structure, themes and basic content as the original programme, making use of the same student manuals. However, we complement them with local stories and customised activities that are more suited to our local context and participants. We invite parents of our younger participants to join us for the Celebrate Me Days, and also organise annual bonding activities and outings for our alumni and their family members.”
Volunteers interested to sign up as trained facilitators in the Rainbows programme can forward their applications to catherinegoh@mws.sg or meloding@mws.sg. Applicants will undergo an interview to assess their suitability, after which they will attend training sessions lasting half a day over two days. To find out more about other volunteering opportunities or supporting FamilyWorks financially, please visit the MWS website at www.mws.sg/volunteer to sign up, speak to your MWS Ambassador at your church or email us at volunteer@mws.sg. To donate, please log on to give.mws.sg.
The programme takes the form of a peer-supported, closed group facilitated by a trained, voluntary adult facilitator, who conducts a weekly session over 13 to 14 weeks. Each session takes an hour and 15 minutes to complete, except for the middle and final sessions, which last for three hours each. Just like how Suzy created Rainbows out of a pressing need four decades ago, FamilyWorks’ programme in Punggol was introduced to address an existing service gap. Catherine also notes that while schools in the district offer many programmes for children and youths, they are made for the general school population and student leaders. “There was a noticeable lack of support given to niche groups of students who might need specialised care and support. That’s why FamilyWorks brought in the Rainbows programme to try to plug the gap and meet this need,” she adds. The Rainbows programme does not receive much government subvention and relies primarily on public donations. So far, a total of 101 children have completed the programme, and FamilyWorks hopes to reach out to 40 more children in 2017. “Volunteers play a crucial part in the success of this programme, and because the sessions are held on weekdays, the challenge is in recruiting help,” says Catherine. “Most of our volunteers joined us through word-of-mouth. FamilyWorks plans to hold a volunteer recruitment drive through roadshows, and will also scout for interested parties through our MWS Ambassadors.” n Photo courtesy of the Methodist Welfare Services METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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HOME
New BB President is Methodist Ang Hui Leng is the Deputy Director of The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore.
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t the 83rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The Boys’ Brigade (BB) in Singapore on 25 Nov 2016, the Brigade Council elected its new Brigade President for 2017 to 2018 – Mr Poh Leong Berg. He took over the post from Dr Ho Yew Kee, who stepped down after four years as Brigade President. Mr Poh, who is 45 years old, worships at Pentecost Methodist Church where he serves as the Chairperson of the Local Church Executive Committee. He also serves as a member of the Singapore Youth Award (Community and Youth Services) selection board, and has done so since 2012. In his address at the AGM, he shared about the concept of the BB as a family of F.A.I.T.H. elaborating that it stands for: Faithful to advance the BB Object; Attitude to serve; Intimacy
with God and others; Trustworthy character; and Humility as a mark of a leader and House of Prayer. The BB will focus its growth on various membership, and on providing quality programmes so that we can grow this family of F.A.I.T.H. Mr Poh joined the 23rd Singapore Company as a BB Officer in 1988, and assumed the position of a Captain from 1992 to 1995 and 1999 to 2007. He was concurrently the Seniors Programme Chairman from 2000 to 2006. He also served as the Vice-President (Innovation and Learning) in 2016 and Vice-President (Operations) of BB Singapore from 2007 to 2015. Mr Poh has sat on various committees in the Brigade and contributes extensively to its operations. He currently works for Singapore’s Ministry of Education, providing
Dr Ho Yew Kee (left), the previous Brigade President, handing over the Brigade Colours to Mr Poh Leong Berg (right), the new Brigade President, as a symbol of passing on the leadership. Witnessing the handover is the Honorary President, LG (Ret) Winston Choo Wee Leong.
corporate services and organisational development. Prior to that, he was with the Ministry of Defence, championing innovation and Pride/PS21 for MINDEF/SAF. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree and Master of Science from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. Mr Poh is married with two children, Beatrice and Jayden. His wife, Joyce, is a music teacher. n
Photo courtesy of The Boys’ Brigade Singapore
Two new Principals for Methodist schools
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ew Principals have been welcomed at two of our Methodist schools this new school year. They are: Mrs Jennifer Choy (left), Geylang Methodist School (Primary). Mrs Choy began her teaching career in 1988 as a Literature and Language teacher in Si Ling Secondary School. After 10 years there, she moved on to become VicePrincipal in Marymount Convent and subsequently South View Primary School. She was appointed Principal of Eunos Primary School in 2009. Mrs Choy, who has four sons, attends and serves at Mustard Seed Community Church with her family.
Mr Charles Tong (left), St Francis Methodist School. He started teaching as a Mathematics teacher in Xinmin Secondary School. During his second year, he was blessed with the opportunity to lead the IT Department in championing education technology as a pilot MOE school. Subsequently, he progressed to leadership roles in various schools, including Dunman High School, Pasir Ris Secondary, Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) and Hwa Chong International School. He is married with three children and serves in The Peoples Presbyterian Church as an Elder. n
Photos courtesy of the respective Methodist schools
MISSIONS
Up close and personal with new MMS Chairman Alvin Tan is the new Chairman of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) with effect from 1 Jan 2017. We reprint with permission an interview conducted with him by Harvest Force, the MMS publication.
Harvest Force (HF): Welcome, Alvin! Tell us a little about yourself. Alvin: We are a very blessed family of five, with three amazing God-loving daughters. The older two are married and, together with their husbands, are also actively involved in their respective churches. The youngest is still at university, and she is into missions. We worship at Grace Methodist Church, where I am involved in missions, evangelism, and cell groups. My wife, Lay Choo, serves with the Sunday School. Outside of church, we serve together at Bamboo Foundation. I have been retired from full-time work for some eight years now, though I take up the occasional consultancy assignment. The privilege of early retirement affords the opportunity to re-balance my life in favour of more spiritual pursuits. I started serving at the General Conference level of The Methodist Church in Singapore, with the Finance and Administration Council, eight years ago. This led to my serving on the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Executive Committee (Exco) for the last four years. HF: What is a typical day like for you? Alvin: The joy of retired life is that there are no in-your-face daily demands, and there is freedom to pursue the meaningful and simple joys of life. My typical day, or rather week, revolves around church or ministry work, exercise, and family. Alternating gym days and rest days, I also attend to my pets and meet up with friends. The daily constant is reading to keep up with current affairs and market developments, working on the computer, Bible reading and reflection. HF: What kinds of challenges do you foresee you will face as MMS’ Chairman? Alvin: At the moment, I do not know enough about the operational issues to be able to see the challenges clearly. I have some thoughts about certain areas to focus on. But I believe more
heads are better than one, so a key approach would be to rally the MMS Exco behind a set of key priorities and engage individual Exco members to lead in addressing the issues. This should lead to a more participative and effective decision-making process at the Exco meetings. HF: How do you recharge? Alvin: I recharge by taking a break from the routine, travelling to awaken the sense of adventure and experience something new. If time does not permit that, I recharge by going to the gym or golf course. Even washing the car and waxing it to bring out the shine can be therapeutic. HF: What is one thing readers should know about the MMS? Alvin: That it has brought together many God-loving people from all walks of life giving sacrificially of their time, expertise and resources to further His kingdom in our seven fields. As a denomination-based missions agency, we will be able to see the Singapore Methodist “footprint” in years to come when the churches in the field countries are established and with diverse ministries. HF: What can readers do to be involved? Alvin: If you are new to missions, join us in our many mission trips and get to know our work in the field. If you are involved in missions at the local church or Annual Conference level, partner us by adopting a field project or spearheading a mission trip. Generally, you can follow us on social media, volunteer to serve with us or just write to us about your interest at mms@ methodist.org.sg. HF: What is your wish for the MMS as we celebrate its 25 years – and more? Alvin: My wish is that we build on the foundations of the more established fields, and quicken the pace of local leadership development and church growth by leveraging on technology, social media, community and marketplace ministries. Hopefully, a successful church development model may emerge, which may then be replicated in the less established fields or applied to new fields. n The MMS thanks Mr Chou Fang Soong for serving two terms as MMS Chairman. He will continue to serve in the MMS Executive Committee.
Mr Alvin Tan with his family.
Photo courtesy of the Methodist Missions Society METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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HYMNS & SONGS
Let us keep the ‘lower lights’ burning Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy
(Hymns of United Worship, #216) Brightly beams our Father’s mercy from His lighthouse evermore; but to us, He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore. Chorus: Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave! Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save. Dark the night of sin has settled, loud the angry billows roar; eager eyes are watching, longing, for the lights along the shore. (Chorus) Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed, trying now to make the harbour, in the darkness may be lost. (Chorus) Words: Philip P. Bliss, 1871 (Matt. 5:16) Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1871
Dr Yeo Teck Beng is Principal of the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church.
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ow many of us, after listening to a sermon during church service, are inspired to pen our thoughts through a poem or a song? The 19th century hymn, ‘Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy’, was written by gospel songwriter Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876), who was impressed by an illustration the American evangelist Dwight L. Moody used during an evangelistic campaign.1 As Moody brought his sermon to a close, he told a moving story of a captain who attempted to bring his boat to the Cleveland harbour on one very dark and stormy night on Lake Erie. The waves rolled like mountains, and not a star was to be seen as the boat rocked on the violent waves. “Are you sure this is Cleveland?” asked the captain, on seeing only a single light from the lighthouse. “Quite sure, sir,” replied the pilot. “Then where are the lower lights?” the captain continued. “Gone out, sir!” the other man answered. The captain asked, “Can you make the harbour?” “We must, or perish, sir,” the pilot replied. But despite the pilot’s strong heart and brave hands, in the darkness he missed the channel. With a resounding crash, the boat piled up on the rocks and many lives were lost in a watery grave. With the congregation totally immersed, Moody concluded with this admonition: “Brethren, the Master will take care of the great lighthouse. Let us keep the lower lights burning.”2 Jesus calls us to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), and to let the world see our light and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As “a city set on a hill cannot be hidden,” our Christian faith is to be visible to our family, friends, colleagues, and even our enemies. Like the lower lights of the lighthouses that guide the ancient mariners to steer their wooden ships safely into the harbour, the Lord commands us to give light, to “[keep] the lights along the shore” (stanza 1) for the “poor fainting, struggling seaman”, to guide him without peril into the safe haven of God. There are still many who are lost in the darkness of the raging storms in their lives and are “trying… to make the harbour” (stanza 3). Let us trim our “feeble lamps”, and keep our “lower lights” ever burning through our words and deeds, so that all may see and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). n enneth W. Osbeck, 101 More Hymn Stories (Grand Rapids, Mich: Kregel K Publications, 1985), 175. 2 Ibid., 175. 1
Picture by Vadim Petrov/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE
‘Together as one’, we pray
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hen your church’s prayer leader says “Let us pray for the Methodist Church” and you dutifully bow your head over clasped hands, what images come to your mind? Do you see: • Your local church and its ministries? • The language-based grouping that your church is part of, known as an Annual Conference, comprising between 8 and 21 churches and headed by a President?
•
Ministries or agencies such as the Methodist Welfare Services, the Methodist Missions Society or Methodist schools, which are supported at the General Conference level and by churches across all three Annual Conferences? • A sea of 42,000 members which make up The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), headed by Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung? Many of us have stories to tell of how we have been touched by the ministry and nurture of our local churches. Imagine the impact we could have on our community – even on the world – if such stories were multiplied by our 46 Methodist churches, and magnified by cross-church collaboration among our
Together as one in
Th
e
Me
dist tho
Worship & Music
Chinese Confe
17 Chines chur
Methodist School of Music
Discipleship & Equipping Disciple Agency
Missions
Ch
Gen Confe Trinity Annual Conference
21 English-speaking churches
Methodist Missions Society
*This diagram is a simplified visualisation of The Methodist Church in Singapore, and does not necessarily reflect lines of reporting.
42,000-strong disciples. How many lives might Christ reach and touch through our united hands? All this begins with a quite literal uniting of hands in one of the most basic Christian actions: Prayer. Undergirding our ministries and efforts at various levels is the vital lifeblood of seeking the Lord, aligning our desires and will to His, discerning His leading, making heartfelt requests in line with His will, and thanking Him for His active and living work in the world. Will you join us in this simple, yet critical act of committing the work of the MCS to our Lord? n
Below is a simplified visualisation of The Methodist Church in Singapore, to guide you in praying for our Church and its ministries. Stay tuned for more centrespread articles focusing on key ministries in upcoming issues of Methodist Message, and sign up at tinyurl.com/pray4mcs (scan above QR code) for monthly prayer updates right in your inbox. P.S. Have a story to tell of how you have been touched by the ministry and nurture of your local Methodist church? Send it to us at newmm@methodist.org.sg and we may publish it in MM to encourage other believers!
spirit and purpose
h u rc h i n Sin ga po re e Annual erence
se-speaking rches
Social Action
Methodist Welfare Services Garden of Remembrance
Education
neral erence Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference
8 Tamil-speaking churches
Christian Ministry in Schools 15 Methodist schools Methodist Pre-school Connection
Women’s Society of Christian Service
Related Organisations
Methodist Co-operative Society Limited Methodist Schools’ Foundation Trinity Theological College METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides: * Excep9onal examina9on results; very strong value added achievement; and an all-round holis9c educa9on * 50:50 mix of local and interna9onal teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos and ACS heritage * Small class sizes with overall student : teacher ra9o of 8.7 : 1 * 40 different CCAs – 16 Spor9ng; 12 Visual and Performing Arts; 12 Special Interest Groups
ACS (International)
* 25+ overseas trips per year * Over 200 formal student leadership posi9ons
A M e t h o d i s t I n s t i t u t i o n * Scholarships for 4 Singaporeans to undertake the IB Diploma programme
Saturday 8 April 2017
9.00am
Principal’s Address
9.30 - 11.30am
School tours & presenta5ons by staff & students
Oldham Chapel, ACS (Interna9onal) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475
For more informa5on, please contact Joseph Ng or Stephanie Hanrahan at +65 6472 1477 or admission@acsinterna5onal.com.sg
Mr Gavin Kinch Vice Principal Middle Division
ACS (Interna9onal) Mr Rob Burrough Singapore Principal is a dis9nc9ve interna9onal secondary school open to all na9onali9es Mrs Tan Siew Hoon (including Singaporeans), Vice Principal offering an all-round Senior Division English-based educa9on for students aged 12 - 18 years leading to the Interna9onal General Cer9ficate of Secondary Educa9on (IGCSE) and the Interna9onal Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).
What the Parents say …
“We value the school’s Mr Richard deep heritage and strong MacLean Vice Principal values … their holistic Junior Division approach provides an encouraging learning environment.” – Winnie Cruz-Ding
“Our daughter has become a person that we feel is ready for the world.” – Keith and Nancy Tan
Achievements include: • 17 Top of the World awards in IGCSE examina9ons over each of the past seven years • Pathway to strong universi9es: PSLE and Singapore GCE ‘O’ level students achieve outstanding valueadded examina9on results for the IB Diploma • Four students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universi9es for 2015 / 2016
“The different teaching methods, the high quality of teaching, • Admissions to top universi9es in the UK, US, the promotion of individual character and personality, Australia and Singapore and the obvious enjoyment of school … made our daughter’s transfer most worthwhile.” – Vincent and Germaine Leong • Successes at na9onal level this past year in Archery; Touch Rugby; Cycling; Swimming; Chinese “We love the smaller class sizes … Drama; Deba9ng; Fencing; Football; Golf; String Orchestra; Taekwondo; Volleyball; Wushu. and the many approachable, friendly, passionate,
and dedicated teachers.” – Cecilia Chau
GC WSCS 11TH SESSION QGM
Uniquely adding value to local church ministry
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the Annual Conference and General Conference levels of the WSCS. “I realised,” she said, “that we’re part of the sisterhood, and we’re encouraged by each other… It’s about friendship, how we connect to another woman, how we treat our own sisters.” “And women need women!” she added. “We had so much fun letting down our hair last night” – referring to the previous day’s Fellowship Night, which saw delegates dressing up in brightlycoloured Indian costumes, having fun with dance moves, and learning to flip pratas (see picture below). “We can’t do that in mixed company; sometimes we just need this. Because we serve together, we become good friends. This is what WSCS can do! I can add value to a WSCS sister, I can show her that she’s loved, so she can love another sister. Don’t think about what it will cost me to reconcile with another sister, to make time for another sister.” Eunice continued: “We must have the joy of serving so that it will flow out of us; so it will be automatically obvious that we are here to add value to the church, to the sisterhood, to so many thousands out there. We can’t just say ‘WSCS is important’, our ministry needs to be felt.” It was certainly felt in the life of Mrs Lily Chan, who shared how participating in her church’s WSCS chapter helped mould her, and provided experiences that she could list in her resume when she sought to re-enter the workplace after 18 years as a home-maker. She obtained a part-time position at a Voluntary Welfare Organisation caring for mentally-challenged patients, and through it had the opportunity to minister to the family of a patient who passed away unexpectedly. “WSCS equips us to minister not only locally,” she said, “but also to go out and reach out to others in the church and in the marketplace.” Ministry to others continues to be a key focus for the GC WSCS. One of the major decisions made at the QGM was to continue partnering the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) in running Residence @ St. George’s (RSG), a hostel for female youth-at-risk, for a further term of three years after the existing Memorandum of Understanding expires on 19 Jan 2017. A fund-raising dinner is being planned for RSG in 2017 when it celebrates its 5th anniversary, and the hostel is sourcing work attachments for residents, as well as suitable alternative premises before its extended lease expires in 2020.
Urged Ms Dorothy Lim, outgoing President of GC WSCS: “Don’t just show your hands [to approve these decisions], show up at RSG also to support them! At the very least, pray for them. The staff will be blessed, the girls will be blessed, and we will be blessed as well.” The GC WSCS Outreach & Social Concerns Coordinators also put out an appeal for volunteer drivers, to assist with transporting beneficiaries to and from the Gospel Mission to The Blind in Geylang for their weekly fellowship meetings on Saturday morning. WSCS chapters were also encouraged to contact MWS to run its Poverty Simulation Exercise for their members. In her President’s Report at the close of her maximum of two terms, Dorothy stressed that the WSCS is a good ministry where women can be trained, be equipped, and serve. “Continue to engage not only young ones but also older women,” she said. “Let’s pray that by God’s grace, WSCS will be able to raise women in all Methodist churches that have passion in doing God’s service.” “Aside from praying, what can we do? Our programmes should be able to build up women to be an asset to the local church, so that WSCS means value-added ministry. WSCS Presidents need to be in dialogue with Annual Conference Presidents and local church pastors. I believe God knows our purpose is to build His church together with His people. GC WSCS will continue to review our programmes, provide training and stay relevant. By the grace of God, we will strive to be faithful to our call, to challenge women to grow.” Much material for reflection and growth was provided during the QGM by outgoing Bishop Dr Wee, who preached on passages from Ephesians 5 and James 1, in addition to a highly practical teaching session on ‘The Marks of A Spiritual Leader’, and a message on ‘The Essential Ingredient for Christian Leadership’ during the Closing Service. The newly-elected Executive Committee was installed at the Closing Service, led by the new President Dr (Mrs) Teo Li Bee and Vice-Presidents Ms Deviki James and Ms Katherine Foo. Other major decisions made at the QGM included the adoption of a new GC WSCS Finance Manual, the raising of Conference dues with effect from 1 Aug 2016, and raising the maximum limit of GC WSCS’ investment funds. The GC WSCS also celebrated the 40th year since its 1976 re-constitution with a festive cake. For me, there was no better symbol of the QGM than the clay vessel resembling a candle-holder which each participant received during the Ministry Night, to decorate with a Bible verse that would direct and bring focus to our lives with regard to the QGM theme, ‘Walk in Righteousness and Truth’ (Eph 5:8-10). It remains a stirring visual reminder for each of us to be vessels of God’s light and truth, in solidarity with our fellow brothers- and sisters-in-Christ, and in united ministry to our community and the world. n
Photos courtesy of the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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Judicial Council clarifies GC services mandated for Annual Conferences
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he Judicial Council (10th Quadrennium) of The Methodist Church in Singapore has made a declaratory decision on a petition submitted to it by the Finance and Administration Council (FAC) of the 10th Quadrennium, seeking clarification on mandatory services to be performed by the General Conference Office (GCO) on behalf of an Annual Conference (AC). The FAC’s petition referred to ¶323.5 of The Book of Discipline of The Methodist Church in Singapore, which pertains to its “Fiscal Responsibilities”. The FAC was of the view that ¶323.5 was insufficiently clear about what services are mandated to be performed by the GCO, and sought the Judicial Council’s interpretation of ¶323.5 to: 1) Clarify if “centralised control [of] financial records and funds” refers to either: a. The centralisation of accounting, banking and payroll matters by the GC; or b. The centralised archival of financial records and funds by the GC. 2) Determine which services that GCO currently performs are mandated by ¶323.5. On question 1, the Judicial Council noted that ¶323.5 is not clearly drafted, and has to be read in the context of the main responsibility of the FAC as spelt out in ¶323 and how it applies to ¶323.4 and ¶323.5. Thus read, ¶323.4 and ¶323.5 spell out a scope of responsibility towards the GC that is broader than that spelt out under ¶323.5 for ACs. This differentiation of duties led the Judicial Council to declare that the FAC’s authority and responsibility towards AC accounts under ¶323.5 is a general one, save for the specific matters of banking, cheque preparation and payroll that have to be performed by the GCO for maximisation of operational efficiency. In practice, this would necessitate the provision of accounting functions as banking and finance are part of the larger indivisible function of accounting and funds, and the financial records that are needed to support these functions. On question 2, the Judicial Council noted the difficulty of performing banking and payroll services without the corresponding functions of bank reconciliations, receivables and payables, which would hamper adequate control of the financial records and funds, and the rest of the accounting functions.
Accordingly, the following services as provided by the GCO to ACs were deemed mandatory: (1) Book-keeping services a. Processing of cash receipts including banking in b. Processing of payments including cheques and TT payments c. Performance of monthly bank reconciliation d. Preparation of monthly financial statements e. Maintenance of general ledger f. GST filing, if applicable g. Year-end Financial Audit (2) Administration of investments a. Fixed deposits b. MCS investment fund (3) Payroll administration and processing (4) Ad hoc responsibilities relating to banks, accounts, payroll etc. The Judicial Council notes that the policy behind the mandated services is for ACs to derive maximum efficiency of operations. The responsibility is therefore on the FAC to ensure that ACs derive maximum cost-efficiencies under a system of centralised services, and that the services are rendered at a cost that Annual Conferences can afford to pay. The following would not fall under the list of mandatory services and may be left to the agreement of the FAC and the ACs: (1) Budget preparation (2) Internal audit (3) Insurance management (4) Government-paid claims (5) Personnel management (6) Administration: franking system, telephone system, all-in insurance coverage (7) IT Services In accordance with ¶705 of The Book of Discipline, this declaratory decision rendered by the Judicial Council on 1 Dec 2016 is final. n
METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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The unequal yoke The Rev Dr David W. F. Wong is the senior pastor of Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church. He has been in the pastoral ministry for over 40 years. Lyricist to six musicals and author of 12 books, he is married to Jenny, and they are blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
Q
uestion: I am dating a non-Christian and I see in him all the qualities of a Christian though he does not believe in Jesus, at least not yet. I would like for him to share my faith. But even though he does not believe, will he not make a good husband, considering that many who claim to be Christians may not have the qualities I see in my friend? Answer: It is sad but true that many who call themselves Christians may not be Christ-like – and many who are not believers can put us to shame by their commendable qualities. Obviously, you have decided on the qualities you want to see in your future husband, and you seem to have found them in your friend. But you may want to bear in mind two things. First, remember: falling in love has a way of blinding us to the realities of life. As the song ‘Love Changes Everything’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber warns us:
“Love bursts in and suddenly All our wisdom disappears Love makes fools of everyone All the rules we make are broken…” Second, do not forget: if your friend does not profess faith in Christ, you may have issues with him later in your marriage – such as when you start a family, manage finances, raise children, and face unexpected crises. Such experiences may put the both of you, your beliefs and values to the test.
Lee and Leslie Strobel have written a book about their mismatched marriage, and how Leslie eventually won Lee to the Lord. Despite the happy outcome of their unequal yoke, they caution: “Resist the temptation to do missionary dating. The problem with stories about Christians dating unbelievers and then leading them to Christ is that they are the exception to the rule. The chances are high that you will be pulled away from your faith than he or she will embrace what you believe. Remember that it is wrong to knowingly violate God’s injunction against unequally yoked relationships.” 1 Is there hope for a relationship with a non-Christian partner? Yes, and no. Yes, if the non-Christian partner professes no faith and expresses an openness to explore your faith. No, if he or she is already a staunch believer or serious practitioner of another faith, or if the person cannot decide where he or she stands on matters of faith. Either way, it is best to refer your friend to someone of the same sex to find out more about your faith. No matter how much we find commendable and compatible about each other before marriage, life after it may launch us out of our comfort zone. Our eyes will be opened to things we have not seen before. We will face challenges we have not expected: an autistic child, a life-threatening illness, an act of unfaithfulness or a business collapse. If your faiths are different, you may find it harder to deal with these issues from a common platform. When the Bible warns us not to be “unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14) and marry “only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39), it is for our good as well as for God’s glory. Not only will common faith and shared spiritual values strengthen our marriage, it will also provide a place where our faith can be passed on to the next generation. n
Reprinted with permission from IMPACT Magazine, Feb/Mar 2014, Vol. 38, No. 1. The Rev Dr Wong’s book, The Unequal Yoke: When Two May Not Walk Together, published by Armour Publishing, is available in Christian bookstores.
1
Lee Strobel and Leslie Strobel, Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage (Zondervan, 2002), page 205.
Picture by www.BillionPhotos.com/Bigstock.com
SOUNDINGS
Art and obscenity Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor for the ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg/).
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wo planned performances in the recently-concluded M1 Singapore Fringe Festival ran into difficulties with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) due to “excessive nudity”. In ‘Naked Ladies’, burlesque dancer Thea Fitz-James strips and performs an indecent act, and in ‘Undressing Room’, dancer Ming Poon challenges a participant to undress him even as he undresses her. Both performances were cut from the festival. In London, Japanese photographer and artist Nobuyoshi Araki achieved both fame and notoriety for his work called kinbaku (or erotic bondage), which features photos of naked or partially-naked Japanese women bound in different poses. That these works are described as “art” forces one to question if any work can be so “christened”, so long as it has the blessings of the high priests of the art world. Take for example, Fountain, a 1917 work by Marcel Duchamp that is widely seen as the icon of the 20th century. Art specialists have described the dislodged urinal as the quintessential example of what Duchamp called “ready-made”, a manufactured object into which the artist imbues some mysterious meaning simply by calling it art. This state of affairs suggests that modern art has lost its way. Art is simply surrendered to the currents of moral and cultural relativism, even as the objective standards by which it was once judged become irrelevant or are simply abandoned. When this happens, trash can become art, when the official channels of patronage support it. And pornography (like kinbaku) is
considered art if it hangs in the museum or gallery, as if sanctified by its hallowed halls. As Jonathan Jones has put it so pointedly: “Sell a nude photograph in a gallery shop and you are disseminating art. Move the place of exchange to a grubby north-eastern drinking den… on a dead Sunday afternoon… it all becomes much muckier – ‘pornography’, even.” This has led Roger Scruton, one of the most astute philosophers of our day, who still cares about those immutable qualities that would distinguish a piece of work as art, to write: “The world of art… is full of fakes. Fake originality, fake emotion and the fake expertise of the critics – these are all around us and in such abundance that we hardly know where to look for the real thing.” That art is now obsessed with sex and the sexual act – given our post-Kinsey culture – is clearly seen when works of banal obscenity are revered as art. An example of such philistinism in art is the series of prints and statuettes by American artist Jeff Koons that depict couples copulating. Their creator hopes to turn pornography into art and give it spiritual significance and depth. One of the many reasons why art has degenerated in this way is that our culture, having tried so strenuously to abolish shame, can no longer recognise it or understand its importance. The revulsion that society once had for the obscene has all but disappeared. The fig leaves – in language, behaviour and thought – have been removed by a culture that is now shame-less. Another reason is that we have now come to look at sex very differently from the past, having acquired, according to Scruton, “a habit of describing sex in demeaning and depersonalising terms”.
“Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding.
Most importantly, our culture seems increasingly incapable of appreciating beauty – no thanks to the modern iconoclasts for whom beauty is denigrated as a bourgeois concept, too superficial and old-fashioned to be taken seriously by artists. But in despising Beauty, we will also fail to recognise Truth and Goodness. We will fail to see that good art – true art – can be an epiphany of these transcendentals, without which human life would be meaningless. True beauty is transformative in that it draws us away from ourselves. As Scruton has once again put so well: “Beauty tells you to stop thinking about yourself, and to wake up to the world of others.” We see such beauty in a Michelangelo or a Rembrandt. We see it also in Bach’s Mass and in Mozart’s Requiem. When art puts us in touch with the true, the good and the beautiful, it becomes in some important ways redemptive. It shows us that despite the ubiquity of sorrow and suffering in our world, life is still meaningful. Such art can be the conduit of God’s grace. n Picture by Photo_FH/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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Building the Next Gen: A ‘whole-ch Grace Toh is the Editor of Methodist Message and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. She is secretly obsessed with patterns, and her favourite plant has leaves parallel to each other.
“N
o matter how good a prawn’s internal systems are, it will not survive in an unhealthy environment,” warned Mr Jose Philip, keynote speaker at the Next Generation seminar held on 3 Nov 2016 at St James’ Church. “We are the environments in which our youth are being shaped!” Mr Philip cut right to the heart of the issue at this third and final follow-up seminar to the survey of 125 youth and children’s ministries in Singapore in which several Methodist churches had participated (see MM Oct 2015, P15). The stage was first set by Dr Calvin Chong, Associate Professor of Educational Studies at Singapore Bible College and Chairperson of Worship and Music at Covenant Community Methodist Church, who presented a summary of findings from a follow-up qualitative study by the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore on “Youth Ministry Realities in Singapore”. He gave the audience a quick whirl through the self-reported missions and goals expressed, strengths and weaknesses observed, and opportunities and challenges faced by these youth ministries and organisations. Mr Philip, an Evangelist and Apologist with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries as well as lecturer at theological seminaries in Singapore and Malaysia, then stepped up to challenge the audience: “What will it take for us to take this information, and work with it to bear fruit?” He quoted these thought-provoking statements:
To our forefathers, faith was an experience. To our fathers, it was an inheritance. To us, it was a convenience. To our children, it is a nuisance.
Having sounded this sombre note, Mr Philip went on to unpack some of the reasons behind such shifts, so that the Church can take stock and reconfigure with a better understanding of how choices by the current generation of adults carry a far-reaching impact on the next generation of children and youth. He noted that in many areas, “we have levelled the ground where we shouldn’t have – that of the distinction between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world”. At the same time, we have “created divides where we shouldn’t have”, for example between “faith” and “knowledge”. He pointed out: “We tend to think faith is in the absence of knowledge. However, this is not true of Christianity, because of our commitment to revealed truth. Have you ever been able to have faith in what you don’t know? Faith is a commitment to what you know is true!” Mr Philip also urged parents to examine the values that are reflected in their actions and choices, as these are clear signals to their children of what should be valued. “The less we desire to know Jesus today,” he warned, “the less relevant He’s going to be for our children tomorrow.” Calling for more adults to walk alongside young persons, he noted: “The most valuable gift we can give to our young people is not a picture of our perfection, but a ring-side view into our transformation. Jesus never gave an instruction before He invited people to ‘come and see’.”
Dr Calvin Chong (left) moderating the panel discussion with Mr Jose Philip (centre) and Mr Ng Zhi-wen.
hurch’ issue
An audience member asking a question during the panel discussion.
A panel discussion followed, moderated by Dr Chong and featuring Mr Philip and Mr Ng Zhiwen, a staff member of Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church and co-founder of TeamZero, a group of young adult Christians. Mr Ng opined, “Culture has changed a lot, but two things will never change: The Word of God, and the Word of God embodied in the people of God. It takes a whole church bringing the whole Word to grow the whole person.” “Not just inspirational verses to get me through the day,” he said, “but the whole Word of God. If young people are not biblically literate, they are going to be without purpose. There’s nothing so practical and relevant as good theology… it helps them to make sense of their purpose in the light of God’s missional purposes.” “Whole person” refers to relational needs – “Programmes don’t disciple people; people disciple people.” The important thing is to meet people where they are. “The context of ministry today is very much one of brokenness… We need to be open and vulnerable about our own brokenness, sharing how Jesus
can take our wounds and turn them into marks of grace.” Questions from the floor focused on practical matters. “Where do we start?” asked an audience member. “How possible is it to reach such an ideal?” Dr Chong noted that we need to watch out for two things: What is not happening in our churches? What is happening badly in our churches? “It’s a whole-church problem,” he pointed out, “not just the youth group. Some of the polity and things that we have inherited may feel stifling… Have we been functioning as compelling signs to point people to Christ?” Mr Ng stressed that prayer is needed to bring about change, as well as working together as the Body of Christ. “I spent a year in an Assemblies of God church,” he shared, “and gained so much insight.”
This point about unity was further reinforced when another audience member asked how the rest of the church could be brought on board in seeing this as a whole-church issue, and not restricted to youth ministry. Mr Ng responded: “One of the things that stifles ministry is when we operate in silos. We need to start talking to each other, relating issues to each other… it starts with lots of conversations, with the lead pastor and leaders in church.” Mr Philip agreed, noting: “Change always happens one step at a time; we have to go the distance patiently. How do we get the church involved? One member at a time!” Ms Margaret Lim, Youth and Children Worker at Living Hope Methodist Church, commented about the seminar: “It was amazing how the speakers put into words the cries of our hearts. Mr Philip warned that what one generation ignores, the next generation will take for granted. May this warning no longer fall on deaf ears.” n Play your part in “whole-church” discipleship – sign up for the D6 Family Conference 2017, organised by the Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship and supported by the Trinity Annual Conference Board of Children’s Ministry, among other churches. More info at www.bible.org. sg/d6familyconference
Photos courtesy of The Bible Society® of Singapore METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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POEMS
The Journey Of Life Leong Kwok Thye is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church and has been involved in the ministries of Scripture Union, the Bible Study Fellowship and the pastoral care programme of Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) and Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road). Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
We journey through the unknown, To a home we have yet to own; A wonderful home in eternity, Promised by the Lord Almighty.
When storms arise and rage, He gives strength and courage. When forces of evil assail, His faithfulness does not fail.
It is a challenging journey, Often through hostile territory; But God will be with us all the way; If we obey Him night and day.
We should not be terrified, For the Lord is ever by our side; To guide, to protect and to bless Us with prosperity and success.
When the path ahead looks dim, We need to walk close to Him; For the Guardian of our soul, Is sovereign and in control.
(Joshua 1:7-9, NIV)
Background picture by Rawpixel.com/Bigstock.com
February
IS THE MONTH FOR
ATTENDING GRADUATES TALK 2017 – “WHAT’S NEXT: THE DOOR TO SUCCESS?”
25 Feb (Saturday), 1.30 – 4.30 p.m.
StudyHub @ The Wesley Centre, Bible House, 7 Armenian Street, Basement 2 "WHAT'S NEXT: THE DOOR TO SUCCESS?"
Scan here to see events online!
Come for a time of sharing and discussion on the topics of ‘Managing Finances’, ‘Work-Life Balance’ and ‘Workplace Culture’. The speakers are: Mr David Mok, Head of Fund Management, Investment and Research at IPP Financial Advisers, and the Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor at Faith Methodist Church. Organised by Wesley Methodist Church Campus Ministry. Register by 15 Feb at wesleycampusministry.typeform.com/to/WCuqLN
feb
25
For more info, email campus.wmc@gmail.com
PLANNING TO ATTEND ‘LOVE UNKNOWN’ LENT OBSERVANCE
17 Mar (Friday), 8 p.m.
Wesley Methodist Church, 5 Fort Canning Road This Festival of Passion Readings and Hymns features the Methodist Festival Choir with guest conductor Dr Michael Burkhardt. Hymns from a variety of traditions (including chants, 20th century American, and African-American, among others) are brought together as a means for God’s people to journey with Jesus, from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His death on Calvary’s cross. The readings preceding the hymn settings are taken from The Final Week of Jesus by Max Lucado; together, they allow us to experience ‘Love Unknown’ anew. Organised by the Methodist School of Music. Free admission.
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For more info, email msm@msmusic.edu.sg
SIGNING UP FOR REASONABLE FAITH CONFERENCE 2017
17 Mar (Friday), 6 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. 18 Mar (Saturday), 8.30 a.m. – 12.15 p.m., 2 – 5 p.m., 7 – 9.30 p.m. Church of Singapore (Marine Parade), 145 Marine Parade Road
The Reasonable Faith Conference aims to help believers be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15). This year’s theme is ‘With All Our Minds’, as we are called to love God with our minds as much as with our hearts and souls. Speakers include Dr Craig Hazen and Dr Clay Jones (both from Biola University), as well as Mr Jose Philip from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (Asia-Pacific). Organised by Reasonable Faith Singapore. Conference fee (except for 18 Mar evening’s free evangelistic event): $30 for working adults, $15 for NSFs and students. Sign up at reasonablefaithconference2017.peatix.com
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For more info, visit www.reasonablefaithsingapore.org/conference
REGISTERING FOR ‘PERSPECTIVES’ COURSE
March to July 2017 Two classes to choose from:
Fridays beginning 10 Mar, 7.30 – 10 p.m. at Adam Road Presbyterian Church, 25 Adam Road
Sundays beginning 12 Mar, 2.30 – 5 p.m. at Paya Lebar Methodist Church, 5 Boundary Road
‘Perspectives on the World Christian Movement™’ is a dynamic 15-lesson discipleship course, designed to help local churches and individuals have a bigger view of God and His global purpose, and to equip them to fulfil their individual role within that purpose. Join 15 instructors over 15 weeks as we catch a vision of what God is doing in the world. Organised by Perspectives Course Singapore, a partner of the Methodist Missions Society. Fees: $200 for working adults registering before 28 Feb, covering 15 classes and two course textbooks. Discounts available.
mar to
jul
For more info, visit www.perspectivessingapore.org or email info@PerspectivesSingapore.org METHODIST MESSAGE • FEB 2017
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THINK
Beware the barriers we put up The Rev Dr Daniel Koh Kah Soon who did his doctoral studies in Social Ethics is a Pastor at Christalite Methodist Chapel, a part-time lecturer at Trinity Theological College and the Chairperson of the Methodist Welfare Services.
I
have a friend whom I have not seen for more than 40 years. I am not sure whether I could recognise him if I met him today. Mr Viggo Sogaard spent many years as a missionary in Thailand before pursuing his Masters at Wheaton College and doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary. We were part of a cross-Asia pioneering group of Christians interested in communications and media studies. At a conference in Hong Kong, in mid-1970, Viggo painted a picture of how evangelism has gone wrong in many middle-class churches. We have a priceless Gospel. God loves the world, and this message and its eternal benefit is meant to be shared with others, including people who may come from poorer backgrounds. While Christians have come up with innovative methods to share the Good News – consider the ‘Gospel Bridge Illustration’, ‘The Four Spiritual
Laws’, ‘I’ve found it’, evangelistic crusades, and now the Alpha course – we might have been less than successful in helping poorer people understand and accept the Good News, and we might have missed out on introducing such people to the fellowship of the church where we gather for worship. Viggo told us that the way we offer the message of salvation to poorer people is like offering food to fish, but keeping the food in a bottle. We entice the fish without giving them direct access to the food. The fish can see the food but cannot benefit from it. The bottle, no matter how well-designed and how expensive it is, has become a barrier. What Viggo warned us about some 40 years ago may still be valid. The Good News of Jesus may be trapped by the bottle that is making it extremely difficult for more people to reach it. The “bottle” could be the expensive church building, and the way it has been designed for membership comfort, or to keep others out. It could also be a long list of policies governing the use of the “church”, making it almost impossible for the church building to be used for other outreach ministries, or as a place of refuge for migrant workers who may need somewhere to sleep when the haze is at a dangerous level. More worrisome is the fact that the bottle is often more subtle than the way we “do church”. It could be the value systems, informed more by earthly concerns than Christian teachings, that dominate our conversations: We talk about and compare notes regarding tuition for our children, the make of the cars we own or wish to purchase, the holiday we took when we went to Dubrovnik or Durban, the premier schools we attended, social events at our club, the branded clothes we wear and buy for our children, or the restaurants we favour. The subjects of our conversations with friends reflect the middle-class values we hold. Though there is no ill-intention to exclude others, these topics become the invisible “barriers” we put up that put off visitors, especially those people who attended neighbourhood schools, live in an older HDB estate, who watch Channel 8 dramas, whose dream of owning a car is just a dream, who may receive pink invoices from Singapore Power for a few months of unpaid bills with a threat to cut off power supply, whose children may not have regular meals, let alone meals with enough meat and vegetables. Watch your bottle. The Good News is meant for all. The local church must be a barrier-free community that welcomes anyone who names Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and no one should be made to feel like an unwanted foreigner – intentionally or unintentionally – in a place meant for forgiven sinners to congregate for worship and to call home. n
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