It was a lazy Saturday morning in the office when I received
a phone call from an acquaintance. “Are you still in that small church? Why
aren’t you requesting to be transferred to a ‘bigger’ church, given your years
of service?” I was surprised with that question. But knowing who it came from,
I can understand his perspective. People tend to equate ministry success to
pastoring “big” churches. After all, that is how secular mentality had groomed
us to think – you worked your years and ought to be rewarded with significant
positions. So, I tried to explain to this friend that it is not important to be
based in a “big” church but more importantly is that I am found faithful in
serving God. Besides, I am happy working with my OA friends in the training
ministry, which in some sense, running “under radar” of active ministry.
That short conversation reminds me the state of our church
today. Instead of being the salt that influences the world, it has become
influenced by the world. Significance appears to come from visible increase of
quantity, regardless of quality. In some churches, it has turned to be so
corporate that leaders function more as managers, not leaders; they hurt sheep
instead of healing wounds. I cringe when I read that “judgment will begin from
the house of God,” fearful of the impending judgment upon so-called “fellow
pastors” some of whom I know entered ministry for all the wrong reasons.
March was a month of preparations. As the first quarter
concluded, the SAM Penang classes in Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani concluded.
Next week will begin the second quarter where I switch location to teach a
class in Theology in Taman Pelangi while the other teacher will repeat his
class in Sungai Petani. 3rd/4th week of April is the one
n half week of intensive class for certificate/diploma students in Ipoh .
Will greatly appreciate your partnership in prayer as I
“juggle” between three teaching centers in three different locations in three
different states: Sungai Petani, Kedah; Taman Pelangi in Juru Auto City Prai,
Penang; Ipoh ,
Perak. We will be initiating partnership with yet another Seminary in Malaysia while
forging close ties with STM in Seremban n MEC in Miri
SB
2Apr2016
PHP 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers
for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership
in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of
this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until
the day of Christ Jesus.
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