​​

 

 

​I’m standing here today with mixed emotions — happy because this will be my last time addressing you as Moderator at the EP Co-Workers' Retreat, and excited for Rev Srimal, who will take over this role next year. I want to express my deep gratitude to our guest speaker, Jonathan Dykes, for delivering God’s word in such a powerful and timely way during this retreat.

​​

Challenges in Ministry

​As I reflect on this year, and as I mentioned last year, we are serving God in a time of unprecedented shifts—technologically, ecologically, socially, morally, and even within the church. Things that once worked for us are no longer effective, and the context we serve is constantly evolving. We're seeing new challenges, from members alternating between online and onsite services to young leaders seeking ministry outside the institutional church. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but there is hope.

​​​

Encouragement in Uncertainty

​Queen Esther’s story has spoken to me. Like her, we are placed in leadership during such a time as this, and God has positioned us here for a purpose. We aren’t random leaders in a random situation — God is in control, and we are called to make a difference.

​

Last month, the EP EXCO had our annual planning retreat. We engaged in an important conversation led by Dr Calvin Chong on "Church Stagnation and Evangelism." As I reflected on that discussion and the messages we've heard here, I realized how intertwined these issues are. Stagnation in the Singapore church is not just a feeling—it’s a statistical reality. The rise of non-religious young people and declining church engagement, particularly in worship attendance, shows us the real state of our church. COVID didn’t cause this decline; it simply revealed the rot that had been developing over the last decade.

​

The message is clear: we are fumbling to fulfill the Great Commission. Many of us, spiritually and strategically, are lacking. The ways we’ve been spreading the Gospel and discipling have not adapted to the shifting context. But as we learned from Esther, this is not a time to "play it safe." Like her, we need courage to step into risky situations, trusting that God is in control.

​

There are three key ways I would like to apply this retreat’s lessons to our situation:

​

1. See Clearly What Christ Has Called Us to Do – The Great Commission is about making disciples everywhere who live according to Christ’s teachings, transforming them from carnality to holiness. The goal is clear, but how we achieve it is an adaptive process.

2. Do Courageously That Which is Risky – Like Esther, we’re in a precarious position. Whether it’s opposition, failure, or offending others due to rapid changes, the risks are real. But avoiding action isn’t an option.

3. Overcome Our Fears by Trusting in His Promise – Christ promises to be with us always. As Jonathan reminded us, God’s plan for history ultimately favors His people, so we can step into our calling with confidence.

 

Dr Calvin Chong’s story of the Choluteca River Bridge resonates deeply. When the river shifted during a hurricane, the bridge no longer served its purpose. The challenge for us is similar—are we conserving the form of the church or its function? If we cling to the old ways, we may find ourselves irrelevant. But if we are willing to innovate, we may continue to serve our purpose in a changing world.

​

This is why the EP EXCO has been working on new initiatives to ensure the church stays relevant. We've created the Senior Minister Fellowship, the Pastoral Support Fund, the Family Project, and the EP Administrators’ Fellowship. Today, we’re also launching the EP website as a resource hub. These are just a few examples of how we’re trying to respond to the changing needs of our church.

​​​

The Call to Risk for the Gospel

​As leaders of the local churches, I encourage you to support the innovations your Senior Minister and Session are working on. When we innovate, we’re not mending something broken; we’re building new bridges where they’re needed. It’s visionary work, and though success isn’t guaranteed, we must try.​​

​

In conclusion, the challenge to church leaders and members is clear: we are called for such a time as this. Just as Queen Esther risked everything for her people, trusting in the Lord, we too are called to take risks for the Gospel. We may not always know the outcome, but we can trust in God’s promise that He will exceed our greatest hopes.

​

"He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination!" - Ephesians 3:20 (TPT)

​

Let us step into our calling with courage and faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

​

Amen.

​