Methodist Message: Aug 2024

One of a thousand tongues in Papua New Guinea: Translating the Bible into Mauwake The Bible doesn't talk about 21st century politics, so what should we do?

Can patriotism be Christian?

Vol 126 No 8 AUGUST 2024

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ONWARD

Christian Soldiers

POLITICS, PATRIOTISM AND CHRISTIAN MISSIONS

Contents

Editorial Board

/ Bishop’s Message /

Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications

/ News /

Communications Manager

3 Methodist schools and educators honoured as FamChamps celebrates 10 years of raising young family champions

Lynn Tan

Managing Editor Alvin Tay

Editor Lianne Ong

Communications Executive Kathrynn Koh

Sub-editors Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai Elliot Soh

Proofreaders Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/ Feature / 5 We are not a company 9 One of a thousand tongues in Papua New Guinea:

Translating the Bible into Mauwake 14 Methodist Social Principles: The Bible doesn't talk about 21st century politics, so what should we do?

/ Outreach / 17 Politics and John Wesley's urban mission 20 Final farewell: A daughter's journey through grief

/ Opinion / 22 Soundings: Can patriotism be Christian?

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.

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg fb.com/Methodist.SG

/ Relationships / 24 You & Your Family:

Responding to the miracle of life – Thoughts from a new grandparent

26 At The Well

/ Worship / 33 Worship leadership

– Learning from biblical and secular wisdom

/ People / 35 Chapel and devotions at ACS(J)

planted the seed of faith in me

@methodist.sg @methodistsg Have something to say or share?

Email us at

communications@methodist.org.sg Layout by Londonbob Design Printed by Xpress Print Pte Ltd

ABOUT THE COVER: The Christian's dual citizenship As Christians, we are citizens of a country, and also citizens of God's kingdom.

In the illustration, we have taken inspiration from Augustine's "City of God".

Disciples, the Bible and politics

Joseph was appointed by Pharaoh to serve as Prime Minister of Egypt (Source: Shutterstock.com)

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

W

e don't have kings in Singapore, but

Daniel is another example of a believer in

we do elect leaders to receive authority

the Bible involved directly in the politics

to govern our nation. The Bible here urges

of governing a country. God is again

us to pray with thanksgiving for our nation's

described as the one who orchestrated the

leaders. May God grant them the wisdom and

rise of Daniel to a position of great political

discernment so "that we may live peaceful and

influence in both ancient Babylon and Persia

quiet lives in all godliness and holiness".

(Daniel 1:17; 6:3, 26-28).

But the Bible doesn't just urge us to pray for our

Whilst God is not explicitly mentioned in the

political leaders. It also gives us positive examples

biblical story of Esther's rise to Queen, her

of believers who served in politics. At the age

courageous involvement in the dangerous

of thirty, Joseph was appointed by the Pharaoh

political world of ancient Persia has inspired

to serve as Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph is

many to do their part in politics.

credited for having guided Egypt through long periods of abundance as well as famine (see

As Singapore celebrates her 59th birthday

Genesis 41:33-57). The Bible explicitly says that it

as a nation this month, let us pause to

was God who "gave Joseph wisdom and enabled

pray for all people, and especially for all

him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of

who serve in the sphere of politics, "that

Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt

we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all

and all his palace" (Acts 7:10 NIV).

godliness and holiness".

August 2024 Methodist Message 1

I

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News

By Focus on the Family Singapore

Methodist schools and educators honoured as FamChamps celebrates 10 years of raising young family champions

(top left) GMSS alumnus Jamie Lee sharing about how Mr Michael Koh, former teacherin-charge of FamChamps, had inspired her and many other students (top middle) PLMGS students receiving the Outstanding Family Service Project Award (top right) Mr Peter Tan (left) and Mr Michael Koh, recipients of the FamChamps Milestone Award, praying together

"If we want to strengthen families, we must reach the youths," shared Jason Wong, the founder of FamChamps®, at FamChamps Awards on 6 July 2024.

FamChamps is a community movement by local Christian charity Focus on the Family Singapore that equips and empowers youths to believe in, live out and champion Family.

In 2014, FamChamps was birthed from a series of visions God had given Mr Wong about turning the hearts of fathers to their children and turning the hearts of children to their fathers (Malachi 4:5-6).

"We need to find a way to help youths restore their belief in the institution of marriage and family," he said. "We want to help youths to believe that they can be part of the solution."

For the past eight months, participating youths underwent experiential learning and intentional mentoring under the FamChamps Camp Experience. This included opportunities for them to practically apply the principles and handles learnt, and to share these concepts to equip their communities.

Held at Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Secondary) (PLMGS), FamChamps commissioned its 9th batch of young Family Champions at this year's FamChamps Awards—a platform that celebrates youths' achievements in making a difference to Family in their homes and schools.

The award ceremony also acknowledged individuals, schools and organisations that have demonstrated excellence and consistency in championing Family.

Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) (FMSS) was one of the recipients of the Sustained Impact Award for their participation in FamChamps initiatives since 2016 and for strengthening families by customising family-friendly initiatives in the school's student development programmes.

As FamChamps celebrates 10 years of God's faithfulness in the ministry, it specially recognised the contribution of several notable individuals in the FamChamps journey.

Mr Peter Tan, a retired educator and recipient of the FamChamps Milestone Award, recounted the first time he heard about FamChamps when he was the principal of Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) (Barker Road). "The idea of bringing together students from various backgrounds and empowering them to make a positive change in their families and schools resonated deeply with me," Mr Tan said.

Mr Tan believes that by empowering young people to do their part in nurturing family bonds, FamChamps contributes to their holistic development as responsible individuals. As such, ACS (Barker Road) became part of the pilot FamChamps Camp.

August 2024 Methodist Message 3

Methodist schools and educators honoured as FamChamps celebrates 10 years of raising young family champions

Mr Hakim Hisham was one of the students who joined the Camp in 2014, and whose life was greatly impacted by Mr Tan. "In Secondary 4, I moved to ACS Oldham Hall so I could stay focused on preparing for the major exams at the end of the year," Mr Hisham shared.

"Mr Tan was also staying at Oldham Hall then and would always check in on me whenever we bumped into each other. He always saw the best in us even though we proved otherwise," he reminisced.

"He is a principal who cares deeply for his students, and I am a beneficiary of that."

Beyond blessing the students under his care, Mr Tan shared the vision of FamChamps with other secondary school principals and rallied them to be part of the pioneer FamChamps Camp.

Comprising three legs where participating alumni and volunteers pass on the baton from one group to the next, the Trail symbolises the collective strength and growing movement of people who champion the cause of Family through the years.

"We believe that to transform generations, we need to meaningfully engage the emerging families—children and youth who will start to form families in the next 10 years and beyond," shared Delia Ng, CEO of Focus on the Family Singapore.

"By grounding them in a healthy belief of Family, equipping them with practical skills in communication and conflict, and mentoring them to navigate their family life journey, we are ensuring the baton of Family gets passed on for generations to come," she added. (left) FamChamps Legacy Trail: Trailblazers from the final leg of the 53-kilometre cross-island trail concluding their walk at PLMGS

One of these schools was Geylang Methodist School (Secondary) (GMSS). Mr Michael Koh, who was the teacher-in-charge of FamChamps in GMSS, also received the FamChamps Milestone Award.

Ms Jamie Lee, a GMSS alumnus from the first batch of FamChamps and president of the first FamChamps Council, shared about how Mr Koh had been an inspiration to her: "He went beyond the call of duty and made an effort to be present at Camp, where he could often be seen chatting over supper with his students … His commitment has cultivated a generation of young advocates like me, who believe that youths can be a voice for Family."

At this 10-year milestone, the youth initiative also celebrated the trailblazing spirit of FamChamps with the FamChamps Legacy Trail—an overnight 53-kilometre cross-island relay that featured 10 Family Champion stories and included 10 FamChamps schools as pitstops, including FMSS, ACS (Barker Road), GMSS and PLMGS.

4 Methodist Message August 2024

(below) Commissioning the young Family Champions of FMSS

(top) Installation of the 3rd FamChamps Council, a leadership programme to raise youth advocates of FamChamps. Jamie Loh (second from left) is an FMSS alumnus, and Noah Phan (second from right) was part of the ACS (Barker Road) group which joined the pioneer FamChamps Camp in 2014

To continue the good work of empowering more youths to believe in, live out and champion Family, make a gift at www.family.org.sg/CelebrateFamChamps.

Feature

Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun is a lecturer in Church History at Trinity Theological College (TTC).

He is an ordained minister with the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) of The Methodist Church in Singapore and is currently attached to Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

We are

not a company W

hen I was serving as a pastor

agree with the general thrust of Piper's

in a church, I was very much

argument, I think the problem these days

struck by the pastor and author John

is not so much the professionalisation of

Piper's 2002 book, Brothers, We Are Not

ministry but the corporatisation of the

Professionals. John Piper dramatically

Church.

argues that pastors "are being killed by the professionalizing of the pastoral

By this I do not mean that good

ministry". He rails against "cultural

management and governance

expectations of professionalism", "the

are unimportant or unnecessary.

pride of station" and "the borrowing of

John Wimberly has shown clearly

paradigms from the professional world".

in The Business of the Church:

He longs instead "for radically Bible-

The Uncomfortable Truth that

saturated, God-centred, Christ-exalting,

Faithful Ministry Requires Effective

self-sacrificing, mission-mobilizing,

Management that … well, the title

soul-saving, culture-confronting pastors".

says it all. Modern churches and

Piper quotes Methodist pastor Edward

congregations are complex and require

McKendree Bounds, "The preacher … is

good management and leadership.

not a professional man; his ministry is

In Singapore, the requirement for

not a profession; it is a divine institution,

effective management is enshrined in

a divine devotion." While I largely

a Code of Governance for Charities and

August 2024 Methodist Message 5

We are not a company

I KP Institutions of a Public Character which

By corporatisation, I mean the adoption

churches have to adhere to. Churches

of a business mindset that makes

are required by the Code to submit

only financially-based decisions in the

a Governance Evaluation Checklist

church and not faith-based ones. What

that the public can view. Transparent,

I object to is the unthinking, wholesale

effective management is a good thing.

adoption of secular business practices in churches without considering

I also do not mean that businesses

whether these are appropriate or even

should be neglected. I heartily affirm

Christian in nature and effect. So the

that we should be good stewards in

human resource board of a church

business and that the Kingdom of God

offered staff salaries below the market

must be proclaimed in the marketplace.

rate not because that church could not

"Business" is not a dirty

afford them but because

word. Gea Gort and Mats

the board wanted to see

Tunehag have written

if desperate applicants

about the Business as

would be willing to take

Mission (BAM) global

less. This may be what

movement to integrate

companies do but is it

business with mission.

what a church should

They give inspiring

do? How is this being

stories about how

generous, gracious, and

Christians from all over

Christ-like?

the world have been able to use their businesses to share the gospel not just

In 2017 Edwin Alston submitted to

in innovative ways but in challenging

Liberty University's School of Divinity his

situations. They show how businesses

doctoral project entitled Corporatization

can be shaped for God and for the

of the Church Compromises Christian's

common good. Our God is the God of

Priorities, Purpose, and Practices.

business and the marketplace.

Writing about churches in America

6 Methodist Message August 2024

and drawing on the work of a wide

churches make these practices better

range of researchers, Alston argues that

for use? What should best practices in

a corporate mindset focuses on the

the church look like? We have to find

church and not on Christ. So the church

our own Christian way.

is built up as a corporation or a businessmaking enterprise at the expense of

Yes, in Luke 16:8 we are told, "[t]he

ministry. Policy, structure, finances,

master commended the dishonest

branding, according to secular models,

manager for his shrewdness" and we

these become key, and the building

should be shrewd. But remember what

up of God's Kingdom using God's

Isaiah 55:8-9 says:

methods is sidelined. As Alston put it, "[m]any corporate-minded individuals in churches believe they can run God's

For my thoughts are not your

house better with practices learned from

thoughts, neither are your ways

business principles instead of the Word

my ways, declares the Lord. For

of God and the Holy Spirit."

as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Let's think about what God's ways are.

God's ways can include some modern management and business practices.

But we have to keep asking ourselves, "How can we be counter-cultural when we uncritically accept prevailing

We do need inspiring, sacrificing

business culture in churches? How

and competent church workers,

can we hope to change the world if

missionaries and pastors. We need lay

we blindly follow it?" Because we are a

people embedded in the marketplace

Church and a family, not a company.

who are able to draw out the best from secular models and practices.

We need them to be skilled not just in handling the Word, in motivating and shepherding people, but also in managing churches, missions and programmes. All I am saying is that we have to be careful in using the methods of the world uncritically. The world has much to teach the Church, but the churches should adapt business practices and not just adopt them. Can

This article was first published in The Trumpet April - July 2024 issue and has been reproduced with permission.

August 2024 Methodist Message 7

Feature

Janice Khoo serves in the Choir and Media & Comms Ministry at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Kwan Poh San and Wycliffe Singapore

Moro Madang

Ukarumpa

Port Moresby

One of a thousand tongues in

Papua New Guinea Translating the Bible into Mauwake (top) Poh San during Wycliffe Singapore's 40th Anniversary celebration in 2023 (bottom) The village house that Poh San lived in for 24 years

"God knows me well," says Kwan Poh San, 79.

She saw that her identity as a Cantonesespeaking Chinese woman who was born in Japanese-occupied Singapore to the secondary wife of a businessman, and the circumstances in which she grew up, were all part of God's plan for her.

As a schoolgirl, she juggled household chores with schoolwork, netball practice and tutoring other students to earn money for her school expenses after her father's business closed down. All this was on top of her responsibilities as president of the youth fellowship at Fairfield Methodist Church, where she still worships today.

She would not have known then that God was preparing her to be self-sufficient and disciplined for a calling in a faraway location years later. Eventually, she would be instrumental in making God's Word accessible to a group of people more than 4,000 km away from Singapore.

August 2024 Methodist Message 9

One of a thousand tongues in Papua New Guinea: Translating the Bible into Mauwake

Preparation for the mission field

prepare her for her work with Wycliffe

"For many years, I had been interested

Bible Translators. This was the first of

in missionaries and missions. I had also

many steps taken that would eventually

been interested in the life and cultures

culminate in the translation of the New

of people of other countries," says Poh

Testament into the Mauwake language

San. She responded to the call from God

that is used by one of the people

and left her teaching job at Silat Primary

groups in Papua New Guinea. The

School to prepare for full-time service.

translation effort took 18 years. In all,

"I'm just an ordinary person called by

Poh San spent 24 years in Papua New

the Lord." (When asked if this writer

Guinea. She chronicles this journey that

should address her as "Ms Kwan" or by

God led her on in her book, Called by

name, she said, "I am plain Poh San.")

Grace, Led by Grace.

"He has gifted me with language skills

For safety reasons, single female

and I use them for his glory for whatever

missionaries had to find a teammate

purposes he wants me to fulfil," she says.

before the missions organisation

These language skills that she refers

would send them to a village in Papua

to include the ability to speak English,

New Guinea to begin their work. Poh

Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew

San told God, "If you want me to go,

and Malay. Later at Bible college, she

give me a partner."

1

learnt Greek and Hebrew.

God answered her prayer in the form of In 1973, Poh San enrolled at Singapore

Liisa Jarvinen from Finland. "I had to adapt

Bible College. A few years later, she

to Western culture," says Poh San of her

went to Sydney to attend a linguistics

partnership with Liisa, in which Liisa, too,

course conducted by Summer Institute

had to adjust to Poh San's culture and habits.

of Linguistics (SIL), which would

This was in addition to adjusting to the

10 Methodist Message August 2024

(top left) Poh San (second from left) with her colleagues Eunice, Jean and Keiko circa 1984 (top right) Poh San (in cream skirt) and Liisa with the translation team holding the Mauwake New Testament Bible

(top left) Poh San (right) and Liisa checking the Mauwake translations of the New Testament (top right) A visit by Fairfield Methodist Church members

culture of the village in Papua New Guinea

Adapting to a new culture

that they were living in. Inevitably, there

One of Poh San's colleagues called her

would be differences of opinion.

a cultural chameleon, 3 or someone who could adjust to any culture she found

Poh San recalls, "We struggled together and,

herself in. This was useful as she had to

as Liisa would laugh and say, 'Sometimes we

adjust not just to village culture in Papua

both want to be the leader and other times

New Guinea but also to the cultures of

we both don't want to lead.'"

the Western missionaries with whom she worked. Despite this ability to adapt,

She adds, "Sometimes, we hurt each

there were times when Poh San felt alone.

other unknowingly. I tried to defuse

"It was aloneness, not loneliness," she

tension by using humour or introducing

clarifies. "I felt alone in that there was no

a different point of view. Similarly, Liisa

one around who could understand my

helped to defuse my anger by helping me

inner self." She responded by explaining

see things with a different perspective.

her perspectives to her European and

I am really thankful for the partnership

American colleagues to aid them in

all these years." They worked together in

understanding her Asian culture and way

the field for 24 years and shared many

of life. "As I try to understand others, I

an adventure. Not long after Poh San left

want them to try to understand me." Poh

Papua New Guinea in 2001, Liisa returned

San explains, "I am an observer of people

to Finland where she met someone whom

and cultures, but my identity is still strong.

she would marry and return to Papua New

If your identity is not strong, you get

Guinea with to serve.

confused and lose a bit of yourself. If you are strong, I can accept you, but you need

"How the Lord has provided for each of

to accept me. I expect us to be different

us," 2 reflects Poh San. The two remain

but at the same time, we can do God's

firm friends.

work together."

August 2024 Methodist Message 11

One of a thousand tongues in Papua New Guinea: Translating the Bible into Mauwake

Nonetheless, there were times when

Dealing with danger

loneliness struck. "Liisa noticed that

Poh San and Liisa were adopted by the

whenever I was homesick, I would go to

villagers in the locale that they were

my room and sing to myself," shares Poh

posted to and enjoyed their protection.

San. "I love Chinese songs from the 50s

Away from the village, the women had

and 60s. Singing them reminds me that

to take extra precautions for safety. Poh

in the midst of these English-speaking

San found herself in a particularly hairy

Americans, Australians and Europeans,

situation on one memorable occasion.

and Papua New Guineans, I am Chinese

She had to travel to Ukarumpa, which is

and I have my own culture."

the operations base for SIL in Papua New Guinea. To get there, she had to leave the

Getting used to life in a rural setting was

village and stay overnight at a nearby

not a huge obstacle for Poh San. On the

town from which she would catch a

contrary, living in a village in Papua New

morning flight to her destination.

Guinea reminded her of the times when she was younger, when she would visit

Due to a combination of factors, Poh

her aunt in a kampong in Pek San Theng

San ended up staying alone in a part of

(Bishan today).4 There, the city-bred girl

town where unsavoury characters would

would immerse herself in village life, with

roam the streets at night with the intent

the scents and sounds of the pigs, chickens

to commit crime. Although Poh San's

and ducks, where she would be awakened

lodging was guarded by two Rottweilers,

by crowing roosters.

the troublemakers were known to feed the guard dogs so that they could break into

"I love the smell of earth and pigs," she says.

buildings to rob and assault the inhabitants.

"It is not pleasant but it is the smell of real

Before bedtime, she made the sign of the

life. City life is comfortable but rural life

cross at every door and window at the front

allows you to be close to the earth. That is

of the house. That night, she slept well.

life." As such, there was little culture shock

Whenever she awoke, she would hear the

for Poh San when it came to adapting to the

Rottweilers growling or snoring and she

physical aspects of village life in Papua New

would fall back asleep.

Guinea. In fact, she likened the rural aspect of her mission field to the "vacations" she

"That was the only time I experienced

used to enjoy in her youth in Pek San Theng.

fear," says Poh San. "I was worried but I trusted God to take care of me." She elaborates, "Poverty drives the people to crime. It is not hostility against us. We just have to take precautions."

12 Methodist Message August 2024

A teacher at heart "What is my reward in doing all this?" Poh San asks rhetorically of her work. "When people say to me, 'You are teaching us something new about ourselves and the Bible, and in our own languages.' That 'wow moment' that they experience is what I look for because I am a teacher at heart. That makes everything worth it."

Today, Poh San does translation consulting in an Asian country and applies her skills to teaching other translators. Her passion for serving God and for bringing God's Word to his people remains strong.

Moram Mua Maneka miiw mua manek akena wia kookalep ona Muuka kuisow akena nain sesekak

Poh San (centre) saying goodbye to her friends in the village before returning to Singapore for good

"I wept when I said goodbye that Sunday morning when I left Papua New Guinea (at the end of my posting)," Poh San recalls. "I had spent 24 years in that country. Not every moment was a good moment, but I had so many friends."

Naapeya wi mua eena o opora wiar miimap opimik nain wi iiwawun me mesenalikuan Mua Maneka wameiya-pa anane eliw akena ikaikuan.

She is thankful for the many people God brought into her life, whether as working partners, supporters in prayer and practical matters, or as

John 3:16 in the Mauwake language

those who taught or were taught by her. Poh San says in her book, "I praise God for them. And I praise God for himself. He is the Almighty God; he made it all come to pass." 5

Kwan Poh San, Called by Grace, Led by Grace (Singapore: Kwan Poh San, 2023), 9.

1

2

ibid., 67. / 3 ibid., 41. / 4 ibid., 7. / 5 ibid., 130.

To read more on Poh San's story, visit https://www.wycliffe.sg/ called-by-grace-led-by-grace August 2024 Methodist Message 13

Feature

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh is an ordained elder in the Chinese Annual Conference of The Methodist Church in Singapore.

He is a Lecturer at Trinity Theological College where he teaches Christian ethics, sexual ethics and political theology.

Methodist Soci a l Principles

The Bible doesn't talk about 21st century politics, so what should we do?

Every Christian aspires to obey God, avoid evil and do good.

But some modern-day predicaments are not discussed specifically in the Bible.

How, then, can we apply biblical principles to our lives? In this 9-part series, The Methodist Church in Singapore shares reflections on its Social Principles which, more than ever before, can help believers live by God's firm principles in today's volatile and complex world. This instalment discusses The Sphere of Politics. Here, Rev Dr Nathanael Goh looks at how the Church can respond to political discourses of the day through a biblical lens, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. / Part 5 of 9 /

There is a certain unease, even cynicism, regarding politics. The implication is that noble souls should refrain from involvement in politics, and men of the cloth even more so.

Why should a pastor have anything to say to fellow Christians about politics?

Why do Christian social principles even include a sphere of politics? Shouldn't we eschew politics to be above the fray—to seek the things above, as it were? Did not our Lord say that his Kingdom is not of this world?

These are but a few of the questions one rightly has upon discovering that The Methodist Church in Singapore's Social

What does faith have to do with politics?

Principles includes reflections on "The Sphere of Politics".

An essay about Christianity and politics might, at first glance, evoke a chilling

Three areas are mentioned: political

response.

responsibilities, military service and a world community.

What's worse, to discover that the essay's author is a pastor adds an additional layer of

These broad headings deal with a wide range

intrigue. After all, a well-known acerbic quote,

of issues, such as the role of civil society, the

dubiously attributed to the Irish playwright

right use of power, the separation of Church

George Bernard Shaw, is that "politics is the

and State, democratic participation, the

last resort for the scoundrels".

work of justice, just war, a global world order,

14 Methodist Message August 2024

human trafficking, sex tourism, fair trade,

The problem with this is that we can scarcely

refugee crises and more.

identify where the Church ends, and the State begins. Does the territorial integrity of the

Since it would neither be profitable for

State terminate at the doors of the Church?

the reader nor possible to attempt a

Does the Church cross a border into another

substantive reflection of even a handful

world at the end of every worship service?

of topics listed, we will focus on why Christians living in procedurally secular

Against such a strict spatial distinction

societies should have a Christian political

between the two entities of Church and

ethic at all.

State, Christianity has traditionally thought of the secular as less of a "space" and more

Christ in heaven and on earth

of an "era". The question Christians ask is

What are the Social Principles on politics?

chronological, not spatial; the question is not

We might begin by clarifying what they

"where are we?" but "what time is it?"

are not.

There are many ways to explain this, but the In an age of expressive individualism, a

fundamental ground is in the person of Jesus

cherished ideal of modernity (especially

Christ: "For in him all things were created:

in places influenced by the West) is that

things in heaven and on earth, visible and

all religious ethics should be private, and

invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers

public ethics should be secular.

or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all

In this construal, Madonna may be a

things, and in him all things hold together"

Kabbalah follower, and Tom Cruise might

(Colossians 1:16-17 NIV).

be a Scientologist, but nobody should really care about either, unless or until they

Faithful in this age

attempt to moralise on public issues.

Christians know that we live in a time where Jesus Christ is not universally recognised as

Since we live in a plural society, individuals

Lord over all, but we also confess that the time

should be free to follow their own codes

will come when "every knee should bow, in

of conduct so long as they don't offend

heaven and on earth and under the earth,

or harm others. In other words, religion

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus

is to politics what an open flame is to dry

Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11 NIV).

gunpowder: potentially explosive.

The story of God's redemption of the cosmos The Social Principles, however, are not an

is not the story of saving souls for eternal life,

attempt to outline a political manifesto.

but how, in the Incarnation, Crucifixion and Resurrection, God has announced his plan to

Still less are they an unwelcome incursion

reconcile all creation back to himself.

into a hostile realm that they should leave untouched. This assumes that Church and

The biblical story is not some white noise in

State are two separate spatial territories, the

the background that recedes when the secular

borders of which can be clearly delineated.

story begins. It is rather the story of Creation

The public square would simply be a place

itself, as it moves in time towards the glorious

where we debate ideas.

end for which it was made. And since this is our confession, we who are alive today have

In this way of thinking, social principles

no recourse to arbitrarily consign parts of

are ideas that must be denuded of any

Creation away from his Lordship—as though

Christian content to be granted admission

this world is our immurement from God's

into the political space.

design for Creation.

August 2024 Methodist Message 15

The Bible doesn't talk about 21st century politics, so what should we do?

If Jesus is Lord, he is Lord of all—including

alcoholism, promotion of literacy and

our political ethics.

education, and the encouragement of the visual arts.

This way of thinking is applicable in so many ways, that an entire discipline—Christian

What this means is that the Christian life

ethics—has sprung up from Christian

cannot be reduced to simply opposing or

reflection on how we are to live and act in

supporting politics, as though politics should

this time before the end of all time.

have first right of refusal over our moral order. It is always at once filtered through

The Social Principles on The Sphere of

the lens of what it means to love God and

Politics, therefore, are simply the way

our neighbour.

Methodists are attempting to be faithful in this age, even in the political sphere, to

Service to the common good is ennobling

the one Scripture tells us is Lord of lords.

because it is service to Christ. Politics is

In this regard we have a long tradition, for

not a necessary evil. It is the first school for

inscribed in the pages of Scripture is the

heavenly citizenship.

witness of how the people of God have sought to do this in every age.

Instead of leaving us cold, therefore, may our social principles help Christians

Wesleyans can also look to historical

to keep politics strangely warmed.

evidence of political activity such as activism against slavery, hostility to

This article was first published in Salt&Light on 23 April 2024.

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Outreach

Rev Erick Tan is the Director of the Centre for Missions Analysis, Reconstruction and Development, Methodist Missions Society.

Politics and John Wesley's

urban mission T

he word "politics" is derived from the

Bible is peppered with man-made cities,

Greek word politiká, which means

full of shortcomings. In John Wesley's

"affairs of the cities", and is based on the

Explanatory Notes upon the Old Testament,

word polis, meaning "city" or "city-state". The

he commented on the first city built by

main idea is about governance, organisation

Cain, providing some perspective towards

and the affairs of communities and

politics and mission while highlighting

societies. Enter John Wesley proclaiming,

implications of this early urbanisation,

"The Gospel of Christ knows of no religion,

which is eerily similar to his and even our

but social; no holiness but social holiness."

contemporary experience:

I pray that readers here will include this Wesleyan norm for cross-border missions in increasingly urbanised fields.

1.

Beginnings of civilisation In Genesis 4:17, Cain built a city and named it after his son Enoch.

Humanity began when God "planted a

Wesley notes that this establishes

garden in Eden, in the east, and there

"the first human cultural institutions:

he put the man whom he had formed"

urbanisation, pastoral agriculture, music

(Genesis 2:8), but culminates in "the holy

and metallurgy". Humanity seemed to

city, new Jerusalem, coming down out

flourish despite his earlier actions (the

of heaven from God" (Revelation 21:2). In

murder of Abel) and Cain's subsequent

between Eden and the new Jerusalem, the

banishment from Eden.

August 2024 Methodist Message 17

2.

Human industry and culture

The descendants of Cain, particularly

Halévy argued that the Methodist movement promoted social cohesion

Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain (Genesis

and moral discipline, offering a sense of

4:20-22), are credited with significant

community and purpose that potentially

contributions to early human culture,

diverted energies that might have otherwise

such as livestock herding, music and

been directed towards divisive and

metalworking. Wesley sees these

destructive revolutionary activities. This, he

developments as evidence of human

suggested, helped stabilise English society

creativity and industry. He acknowledges

during a period of significant social and

these abilities as gifts from God, even

economic changes that could have led to

though they are being used by a lineage

unrest and rebellion.

marked by sin.

Our social principles in The Book of Cities during John Wesley's time were plagued

Discipline (BOD) have captured the

with social and moral issues. Wesley's holistic

Wesleyan norms for cross-border

ministry addressed many of these issues

missions. In the section The Sphere

through spiritual guidance and practical

of Politics (BOD ¶86.3) is a clarion call

interventions. For example, working tirelessly

to building a world community. The

to bring about social reform and improve the

wisdom and insight of those who wrote

lives of the coal miners in Bristol, he sought

the social principles serves to guide our

to address both the spiritual and physical

missionary service in the context of cities.

well-being of the people he served—not for

The Methodist Missions Society (MMS)

popularity, but increasing longevity—fostering

now has ministries in seven countries,

a sense of community, all of which he believed

many being Creative Access Nations

were essential for individuals to pursue and

(CANs), where traditional missionary

attain Christian perfection.

activities are intentionally targeted by local governments. The situation calls for

Sadly, Wesley and the people called Methodists

innovative yet culturally relevant methods

came under fierce criticism from the bishop

of discipleship and spiritual formation.

of Exeter, George Lavington, who must have

Even under systemic opposition, we

felt like herding cats when he thought of John

still see churches planted, communities

Wesley. Since "The Georgian Church of England

helped and nations uplifted. Glory to God!

prided itself on its rationality, its moderation, its staid and decorous worship," he attacked

By supporting faith communities

the Methodists with countless sermons

strategically positioned in urban centres to

and pamphlets for their "enthusiasm and

usher the gospel holistically, we are asking

manifestations: ecstatic visions, raptures, and

God to fill the cities that we serve in with

mortifications, wailing, and convulsions." 1 The

his presence, offering community of the

philosopher and historian Elie Halévy, on the

triune God to all. As the first homegrown

contrary, recognised the Methodist movement

denomination-based missionary-sending

during John Wesley's time as an antidote,

agency in Singapore, may we "affirm

potentially sparing England from undergoing

our historic concern for the world which

a revolution similar to the French Revolution.

belongs to God and strive for all persons

In his work, The Halévy Thesis—A Working

and peoples to enjoy full and equal

Hypothesis? English Revivalism: Antidote for

membership in a truly world community",

Revolution and Radicalism 1789-1815, Halévy

even amid divisive and destructive

proposed the idea that Methodism in the 18th

activities, in the Wesleyan spirit!

century played a crucial role in addressing social grievances and providing a moral and spiritual outlet for the working classes, which in turn helped to mitigate revolutionary fervour in British society.

Colin M. Haydon, "Bishop George Lavington of Exeter and The Enthusiasm of Methodists and Papists Compar'd," Southern History 37 (2015): 62.

1

August 2024 Methodist Message 19

Outreach

By the MWS Communications Team. / Photos courtesy of MWS

Final farewell:

A daughter's journey through grief

W

hen Eunice Goh's beloved father

endured the pain and suffering quietly, never

was diagnosed with pancreatic

complaining. Sadly, the cancer continued to

cancer in June 2021, her world came

spread," said Eunice.

crashing down. To the 32-year-old, he had always been her best friend, closest

Unwavering faith

confidante and lifelong mentor.

Yet, through it all, her father's Christian faith held firm.

"Daddy was a very systematic and organised man," recounted Eunice. "On

"He spent much of his time praying,

the day of his diagnosis, he resigned and

asking us to join him, and reminding us

handed over responsibilities, and compiled

that God is sovereign," said Eunice. "After

important documents for the family. His

stopping chemotherapy, he had one

diagnosis shattered our world, but he

good month where he even went back to

remained calm and focused."

work. But as the cancer spread, he began experiencing pain."

In the following months, Eunice helplessly watched as her biggest cheerleader withered

"As his suffering worsened, I wondered if

to a shadow of his former self.

he had changed his mind about God. So I asked, 'Daddy, are you angry with God for

"Despite the poor prognosis, Daddy bravely

not healing you?' He simply said, 'God is

chose to undergo chemotherapy. He

sovereign, trust in God.'"

20 Methodist Message August 2024

(top left) Eunice Goh (left) learning from MWS nurse clinician Melissa Fong how to prepare and store her father's medicine in syringes, during his final days at home (top right) Eunice and her father in his final days together

Journey through life's final chapter

Home." For the MWS HCHH team, it

Eventually, Eunice's father became

felt a little surreal caring for one of the

bedridden.

organisation's own, although Mr Goh had left MWS by then.

"There was a point when Daddy started throwing up what looked like coffee

"The MWS HCHH team was a godsend,"

grounds—it turned out to be digested

shared Eunice. "With their support,

blood," said Eunice.

I had one precious week to care for my father at home—a week where he

Her father was rushed to the hospital, and

accepted my care without pushing

Eunice recalled "it was all a blur". Upon

me away. Without their help, he would

returning home, the team from MWS Home

have gone to a hospital or a nursing

Care & Home Hospice (HCHH), a service

home he might not have liked. I'm

offered by Methodist Welfare Services

incredibly grateful for that."

(MWS), was activated. Eunice and her family received comprehensive support from a

Life after death

multi-disciplinary team of doctors, nurses,

When her father took his last breath in

social worker and chaplain.

February 2022, Eunice took her first as a bereaved daughter, learning to navigate life

The medical team visited to adjust Mr

without her "steadfast anchor".

Goh's pain medication and taught Eunice and her brother how to care for him at

Reflecting on her father's life, Eunice feels

home, including preparing and storing his

immense pride and strives to carry on his

prescriptions.

legacy. "I will work hard, love fiercely, and be compassionate and kind. I will try my

"MWS nurse clinician Melissa Fong also

best to lead a life that would make Daddy

prepared me for what to do if Daddy died

proud," she said. "I find comfort knowing

at home, texting me a detailed breakdown,

he is in heaven and hold onto the hope

which I found very reassuring," said Eunice.

that one day, after running my race, I'll

"Despite my frequent questions, the nurses

join him in paradise."

never made me feel like a bother. They were kind, encouraging and supportive, helping me stay calm and brave."

The team also arranged for Mr Goh's hospice stay as he wished, while Rev Dr Norman Wong, Head Chaplain from MWS, prayed with the family and visited in his final days.

"Eng Kwang himself has a heart of compassion," shared Rev Norman. "He dedicated his life to ministry, from running a Christian daycare for adults with disabilities to missionary work in an orphanage. He was also a former colleague, serving as the Director of our welfare home for the destitute, MWS Christalite Methodist

Watch Eunice's account of caring for her terminally ill father at home, with the support of MWS Home Care & Home Hospice (HCHH).

MWS HCHH provides holistic care for home-bound patients with chronic or lifelimiting illnesses, along with emotional and practical support for their caregivers.

Learn more at mws.sg .

August 2024 Methodist Message 21

Soundings

Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity. / Photo courtesy of Dominique Wang

Can patriotism be Christian?

O •

n the topic of patriotism and the Christian,

Patriotism has its roots in the Greek and

we need to examine a few basic questions:

Latin words for "father" (Greek: patéras; Latin: pater). To be patriotic, therefore, is to

What is patriotism? Can a Christian really be patriotic? Can patriotism ever be Christian?

love one's country as one's fatherland (of

•

What does it mean to love one's country and one's nation? Does it mean that we should never criticise the state?

as our "motherland" or "homeland").

•

The Bible clearly enjoins Christians to practise civil obedience. But are there justifications for civil disobedience?

C S Lewis likened the love of country

If there is indeed such a thing as Christian patriotism, what might it look like?

country, for Lewis, is a natural love for the

•

course, we could also speak of our country

In his captivating book The Four Loves, to the love of home and community in which we were raised. Our love for our place where we grew up and to which we belong: it is the "love of old acquaintances,

These are big and important questions, which

of familiar sights, sounds and smells".1

deserve serious and sustained attention. In this brief article, I would like to highlight a few

Christians are typically associated with the

important truths from the teachings of the Bible

country in which they were born or citizens

and the Church that would guide our reflections

of the nation to which they belong to, and

on these matters.

they are enjoined to love their homeland.

22 Methodist Message August 2024

But all Christians hold a dual citizenship. While

Christian must always submit to God—even if this

they are citizens of the earthly nation, their

is tantamount to civil disobedience.

citizenship is also in heaven, as the apostle Paul reminds the Christians at Philippi (Philippians 3:20).

This attitude and approach must not be hastily judged as signalling disloyalty to one's country.

Thus, as Christians actively participate in the civic life of the earthly city and contribute to its welfare,

From the Christian standpoint, they are the

they (like Abraham before them) look forward to the

fundamental requirements for responsible

heavenly city, "a city which hath foundations, whose

patriotism. "Loyalty to the civitas", writes

builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10 KJV).

Richard John Neuhaus perceptively, "can safely be nurtured only if the civitas is not the

Dual citizenship suggests (if not implies) dual

object of highest loyalty." 2

loyalties.

Neither does criticism necessarily indicate a As a citizen of the heavenly city, the Christian

lack of love for one's country. In some cases,

must be loyal to God. He must align his will to

the opposite is true. As Martin Luther King Jr

the divine will and purpose, and honour God

famously put it: "Whom you would change, you

in everything that he does. But as a citizen of a

must first love." 3

nation, the Christian must submit to the authority of the state (Romans 13:1) and play an active role in

This means that while Christians can be truly

contributing to its wellbeing and flourishing.

patriotic, they can never do so without "great dis-ease", as William Willimon points out.4 This is

To put this in the familiar language of Scripture,

because in showing their love for their country,

the Christian must "[r]ender to Caesar the things

Christians must at the same time refuse to allow

that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are

their allegiance to become idolatry by venerating

God's" (Mark 12:17 KJV).

it in a way that is inappropriate.

This means that Christians are called to love and

Christian patriotism is never naïve, but always

serve both God and country. Faithful Christians—

critical. Yet, this is patriotism in the best sense

who love and serve God—can and must also

of the Word!

be patriotic citizens who love and serve their country or nation.

In order to practise such patriotism, Christians must be faithful to God and obey

However, the Christian does not love his country

the doctrines of Holy Scripture, which Saint

in quite the same way as he loves God. The

Augustine has so boldly described as "the

Christian must love God above all else: self, family,

salvation of the commonwealth".5

community, and country. Patriotism for country is always subordinate to loyalty to God.

In sum, then, the Christian patriot loves and obeys God above all else. He is determined that

Put differently, the Christian must never allow his

his love for God should shape and order his

love for his country to rival—much less usurp—

loyalty to his country.

his love for God. To put this once again in the language of Scripture: we may give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, but must never give to Caesar what belongs to God. Needless to say, this has profound implications for the Christian understanding of patriotism.

1 C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves (New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc., 1960), 41.

Richard John Neuhaus, The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984), 75.

2

3

It means that the Christian's patriotism must never be blindly docile or uncritical. It also means that should there be a conflict between what the state demands and what God requires, the

ibid, 237.

William H. Willimon, 'Can Christians Be Patriots?', in Michael G. Long and Tracy Wendy Sadd (eds.), God and Country? Diverse Perspectives on Christianity and Patriotism (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007), 100.

4

5

Augustine, Epistula ad Marcellinum, 138.

August 2024 Methodist Message 23

You and Your Family

Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars.

Benny has helmed the You & Your Family column for more than 17 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Responding to the

miracle of life Thoughts from a new grandparent

M

y wife and I recently entered a new phase of life.

We became grandparents. When sharing this

news with family and friends, many responded with, "Congratulations!" Not only did they say it, but some also actually expressed feelings of joy on our behalf.

I must confess being somewhat befuddled by these effusive responses. This is not to say that a child's arrival is not an event to celebrate.

But the congratulatory messages to me as a grandparent suggest a recognition that I had some part in bringing it about. Short of the fact that the mother of the baby is my daughter, my role in the birth of this new life is mostly indirect.

The parents should be the ones to receive all the congratulations and of course it is God, who has given us this miracle of life, who should be thanked.

24 Methodist Message August 2024

The miracle of life is a topic with which

My work also brings me into contact

we can all connect. After all, we have all

with expectant mothers who view

experienced this miracle by the sheer

their pregnancy as a crisis. It may

fact of having been given life.

be unplanned or an extra burden to their already monumental stress.

When I recall meeting couples trying

Sometimes, it is a pregnancy that is

unsuccessfully to conceive their own

unwelcomed by the biological parents

child, it strikes home that conception is

and their families. These women

not a given. Some have to go to great

and girls face the hard choice of

lengths and expense to conceive. Then

carrying the pregnancy to full term or

there are those who have suffered the

terminating it. The implication of this

tragedy of miscarriage or stillbirth.

choice is life altering and goes well

Often, this happens even after the best

beyond giving birth. The best outcome

care is given.

for these mothers and their unborn babies requires sustained effort by

The fragility of new life hits us when we

many. Simply telling the expectant

look at Afghanistan's Infant Mortality

mother to act responsibly is too

Rate of 103.06 deaths per 1,000 births.

simplistic a response.

Or when considering the reality that 110 infants out of 1,000 in Chad will

Being entrusted with the miracle of life,

not live beyond five years of age, we

whether as parents or the extended

realise that being alive cannot be

family, one is made aware that it is

taken for granted. In light of these

undeserved. This awareness is often

facts, statements of congratulations to

quickly followed by a sense that no

parents and other caregivers are well

matter how prepared we may be,

deserved for the love and care they

the task of raising a healthy child is

diligently give to their infants.

enormous. Any celebratory feelings should thus give way quickly to profound gratitude. Then may come sharing of needs and requests. Such a humble mindset is relevant not only with the birth of a child but also when we cross the annual milestones of any birthday.

May we always be filled with wonder and appreciation of the gift of life. And may we, as parents or grandparents, be good stewards of such a precious gift.

August 2024 Methodist Message 25

Benny Bong has over 40

years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars.

Benny has helmed MM’s You & Your Family column for more than 17 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Rev Tay Li Ping is currently

pastoring at Christalite Methodist Chapel. Trained as an Industrial-Organisational Psychologist before becoming a pastor, Rev Tay is particularly interested in the intersection of Psychology and Theology. She is married and has five sons.

Koh Ai Jin is a registered

clinical counsellor with extensive experience in marriage and family counselling, mental health concerns and psychological trauma. She runs her own practice and currently serves as Vice-President of the Association of Christian Counsellors (Singapore).

Need advice? Scan the QR code or visit https://www.methodist.org.sg/mm-atthe-well/ to submit your question. Due to space constraints and repetition of topics, we may not be able to feature all questions submitted.

Dating & Marriage

My wife says she is "okay" but doesn't want to talk about masturbation I read the question and answer on masturbation in At The Well, MM Feb 2024. My wife has medical issues, therefore she's okay with it. I do only think of her in this. But we've talked about it, and she wants me to leave her alone about it. Help.  Mr B

26 Methodist Message August 2024

Benny says

Your question may resonate with many

Dear Mr B,

couples, who, for various reasons may find

(Readers, please refer to

altogether. If this is so, it is good, although

the February 2024 issue

their sexual lives declining or stopping somewhat awkward, to talk with each other

for more context.)

about this. Such conversations may provide

As you mentioned, she is "okay with it" which

situations, the lack of sexual desire may be

I take to mean that she is okay if you find some personal physical and psychological relief through masturbation. This I surmise reflects her understanding of your needs and is a demonstration of her love for you. I hope that this decision does not reflect any sense of personal failure on her part. The fact that it stems from a medical problem may help reduce any unnecessary guilt. The inability to satisfy one's partner's needs may weigh heavily on a relationship as it goes to the core of what many believe is the purpose of a marriage—that we are there to love and support one another.

greater clarification and relief. In some medically related and a visit to a physician may be called for.

You further added that "she wants me to leave her alone about it", which I take to mean that she may feel somewhat uncomfortable and would prefer to be left out of it. As masturbation is an act of stimulating oneself, her active involvement may not be necessary. However, I do wonder if her reservation reflects some inner inhibition felt towards the subject of sex. Many raised with more conservative views and values or those who may have had traumatic experiences linked to sexual intimacy may find it hard to approach this topic. If couples desire to deepen their sexual lives but face emotional, psychological and even physical hindrances, they may consider consulting a sex therapist.

Finally, discussing an important and personal topic like this is not complete without acknowledging the critical foundation of love that must permeate all marriages. It is easy to be loving and accommodating to each other when our needs are met and when there are no major conflicts and disagreements. But when our needs are not met, does it mean we stop loving? In such times, the dominant emotion may be disappointment, frustration or even anger.

However, we can still practise patience and love, or to be more exact, sacrificial love, towards each other. You are right to think that this matter is beyond ourselves. How true it is that we then must rely on the font of all love for God's help.

August 2024 Methodist Message 27

At The Well

Dating & Marriage

Can a divorcee remarry in a Methodist church?

My friend (a Catholic) divorced her husband because he had lied to her regarding a loan shark. For more than four years, she faced a horrible life in debt. She managed to help him and save him from the debt, but she couldn't forgive his behaviour and was traumatised by the experience. Now, after years of trauma and trust issues, she is interested in a Methodist guy and wants to remarry. Will this be allowed in Methodist churches?  Chris

Li Ping says Dear Chris, The short answer is: it depends. There is no uniform position on divorce and remarriage among Methodist ministers in Singapore; each holds to a position in accordance with their conscience and biblical interpretation of key biblical texts.

The key areas of contention are: (1) whether divorce is allowable, (2) on what grounds, and (3) if remarriage is allowable.

In your friend's case, the minister will have to decide firstly, that her divorce was legitimate. While some texts at face value seem to teach that divorce is never permissible (Mark 10:1-11; Luke 16:18), others (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9) permit divorce if there is a legitimate reason, i.e. sexual immorality.

28 Methodist Message August 2024

Friendships

My friends accuse me of things and fat-shame me I had a big breakup with two of my secondary school friends. Since the start of the year, we had multiple one-sided arguments and they hurt Further, some ministers recognise reasons other than sexual immorality due to Exodus 21:10-11, which indicates that the neglect of food, clothing and marital rights (i.e. basic necessities in marriage) are legitimate causes for divorce. Abuse, whether physical, emotional or mental, would be an extreme form of neglect. Your friend's case of facing financial hardship and trauma due to her ex-husband's loan shark activities could plausibly be seen as falling in this category. That said, while

me unknowingly (or maybe not).

I stay in the northeast, and they stay in the central area. Once, they scolded me for not compromising to their request to meet in the central area, but most of the time, I do, in fact, meet them there. Recently, I gained a lot of weight due to health issues and they have been fatshaming me, saying my ugliness and weight gain is the cause of my singleness. What should I do? n

permitted, divorce is never compulsory, as marriage is ideally for life (Matthew 19:8).

Forgiveness and reconciliation should be

Ai Jin says

pursued, where possible.

Dear n,

Some ministers may allow for divorce, but

You must be feeling hurt, accused and

not remarriage, based on texts (Romans

misunderstood by your two friends.

7:3; 1 Corinthians 7:39) that seem to teach

Because you care about their opinions

that only death releases one from the

and friendship, you have inadvertently

marriage covenant. However, others

let what they say about you affect you.

see that if a divorce is legitimate, then logically, remarriage should be legitimate

In the book Boundaries: When to

and permissible as well.

Say Yes, How to Say No?, Dr Henry Cloud describes boundaries to be like

Finally, many ministers (even if they

fences. We need boundaries to keep

deem the prior divorce as legitimate and

things that will nurture us inside our

remarriage as permissible) will want to

fence and keep things that will harm

assess—through pre-marital counselling—

us outside. Inside, you have your own

if your friend (and her partner) are truly

thoughts and feelings, and you are

ready to be married, before agreeing to

responsible for them. If we want others

let them do so.

to know what we think and feel, we

August 2024 Methodist Message 29

At The Well

must tell them. Conversely, we need

judges (Psalm 75:7). Let's entrust your

to question the comments made by

two friends to God. If you want, you

persons outside our boundaries before

can approach them, one on one, to let

we let them in. Keep unkind words

them know how you truly feel. They

outside your fence and do not let them

might not be aware of how they've

have power over you. We don't always

hurt you or they might disagree with

have to agree and let them become our

you, but at least you were able to speak

thoughts. Consider the words of others

up to honour yourself. It may also

before letting them in: is it what you

be helpful for you to seek out other

believe to be true about yourself?

supportive friends who can come to your defence, or talk things through

The Bible says you are fearfully and

with your small group leader, pastor or

wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and

a counsellor to give yourself clarity and

created in the image of God (Genesis

the support you need.

1:27). May you let God's truth have a nurturing presence over your heart.

Abide in God's love and assurance for you (John 15:9). It is also God who

This will be Koh Ai Jin's last month with At The Well. Methodist Message thanks her for her valuable time and advice. At The Well will pause for the September issue and resume in October.

August 2024 Methodist Message 31

Walking alongside you with compassion and care

ESTABLISHED SINCE 2000

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38–39

HOSANNA BREAVEMENT SERVICES PTD LTD

Worship

Gwendolyn Tan is the Senior Programme Executive for Worship & Music at the Methodist School of Music and a member of Barker Road Methodist Church.

Worship leadership Learning from biblical and secular wisdom

L

eadership is not just a title; it is an

leadership is rooted in spiritual guidance

attitude and a commitment to serving

and service. It is about inspiring others

others. In the context of worship, everyone

through faith, humility and a deep

takes a leadership role wherever they are

connection to God. While both types of

placed. This means taking the initiative

leadership involve guiding and motivating

without being told. This includes the

people, worship leadership uniquely

choir, musicians, ushers and even the

emphasises humility and servanthood.

flower arrangers, each contributing to the collective worship experience.

At its core, worship leadership is about guiding others towards loving God and

Unlike management leadership, which

one's neighbour. In the Bible, leaders

often focuses on achieving organisational

like Moses, David and Paul not only led

goals through the planning, organising

their people but also worshipped and

and controlling of resources, worship

praised God fervently. Their leadership

August 2024 Methodist Message 33

Worship leadership—Learning from biblical and secular wisdom

was marked by humility, courage and a deep relationship with God—traits they encouraged in others. This shows that everyone has the potential to lead by fostering love and compassion in their communities.

Humility is a key trait in effective worship leadership, exemplified by Jesus Christ.

By washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus demonstrated that true leadership serves others selflessly. In Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV), Paul advises us to imitate Christ and "[d]o nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This principle underscores that worship leadership is about uplifting others rather than

Similarly, worship leadership can

seeking personal glory, encouraging

incorporate secular leadership principles

each individual to lead with humility and

such as organisational skills, team

service in their respective roles.

building and adaptability. These skills help manage the worship flow smoothly,

Worship leadership also requires the

coordinate musicians and technical

courage to step out in faith, address

teams, and respond to unexpected

difficult issues and make decisions that

changes during worship. These are

align with God's will, even when they are

qualities that everyone can develop

unpopular or challenging. Throughout

and apply in their respective contexts,

the Bible, leaders often faced daunting

making leadership a collective effort.

challenges with courage and conviction by relying on God's assurance. Joshua,

Whether in worship leadership within

who succeeded Moses after his death,

a church or managing a team in a

was encouraged by God with these

workplace, effective leadership principles

words: "Have I not commanded you?

resonate across both biblical and secular

Be strong and courageous. Do not be

contexts. By embracing humility, courage

afraid; do not be discouraged, for the

and a servant-hearted approach, worship

Lord your God will be with you wherever

leaders can inspire others towards a

you go" (Joshua 1:9 NIV). This courage is

deeper spiritual experience. In doing so,

something that all believers are called to

they honour their role as leaders and their

exhibit in their daily lives, each in their

commitment to serving God and their

own spheres of influence.

community with excellence and grace.

34 Methodist Message August 2024

Lucas Puah worships at Barker Road Methodist Church and serves as a Connect Group Leader in the Young Adults Ministry. / Photos courtesy of Lucas Puah

Chapel and devotions at ACS( J) planted the seed of faith in me

(top left) Lucas (back row, first from left) and his small group (top right) Lucas (third from right) with his former youths, now young adults serving in the Youth Ministry

C

oming from a non-Christian family, I

Some relatives invited my family to visit Barker

was only exposed to Christianity when

Road Methodist Church (BRMC) a couple of

I started attending ACS (Junior) and heard

years later, and this is where I began to attend

about Jesus through chapel and morning

Sunday School and Youth Ministry. I began to

devotions. I remember Pastor Barnabas

learn more about God and the Bible, although it

Chong preaching about Jesus every week,

still felt very conceptual and I had a lot of doubts.

and we also used to have Fun Time where

Eventually, it was at a Youth Camp in 2011 where

we would watch VeggieTales and sing and

I finally accepted Christ as my God and Saviour.

dance to Christian songs. I never grew

In a life that previously felt meaningless and full

up with these things at home, so I found

of despair, I suddenly found so much comfort

it fun and exciting. More importantly, as

and joy in knowing the God of all creation loves

I listened to stories from the Bible and

and cares for me. And once I decided to follow

different people talk about their faith,

Jesus, there has been no turning back! It was

I became intrigued in this God whom I

the beginning of my relationship with God—one

could pray to anytime and who loved me

where I continue to find my source of comfort

so much that he died for me.

and strength, of joy and hope.

Kopi kakis by Lau Peng Leong, Yen Tun I and Zachary Yong

August 2024 Methodist Message 35

PAUL AND HIS GOSPEL 28 August, 11 September, 2 & 16 October (Wednesdays), 7.10 p.m. – 10.00 p.m., online via Zoom 19 October (Saturday), 7.10 p.m. – 10.00 p.m., in-person at The Bible Church Online via Zoom and in-person at The Bible Church, 152 West Coast Road, S127370 Register by 25 August via https://courses.bgst.edu.sg/collections $300 per person Three times Paul describes the good news he proclaims as "my gospel" (Rom 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim 2:8). What does Paul mean by "my gospel"? Typical understanding of Paul's gospel includes the death and resurrection of Christ and the offer of salvation by grace through faith but we do not examine the outworking of "my gospel" in the complexities of life and relationships in the Christ-assemblies in Early Christianity. In this course, we examine how "my gospel" guides and influences Paul's thoughts on politics/empire, ethnic relations, economy, reconciliation, gender and family amongst others and analyse how radical his approaches to these issues would have been in the 1st century.

The course instructor is Rev Dr Lim Kar Yong. He teaches New Testament Studies at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) and is an Anglican priest with the Diocese of West Malaysia.

Organised by Biblical Graduate School of Theology

STORIES FROM THE FIELD | EXPERIENCING GOD'S LOVE THROUGH MUSIC AND THE ARTS 3 September (Tuesday), 8.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.

Online via Zoom Register by 2 September via https://www.wycliffe.sg/events Free Does becoming a Christian mean rejecting your traditional culture? It doesn't have to. Come and hear stories of how God moves in different communities as Scriptures are engaged with and experienced through music and the arts.

Roce Anog-Madinger is the speaker for this session. She was a music teacher for 15 years, then trained in Ethnomusicology and the Arts at Payap University, Thailand. Since then, she has served many minority communities in Asia.

Organised by Wycliffe Singapore

CONNECT2 MARRIAGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP Session 1: 12 September (Thursday), 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m., online via Zoom Session 2: 19 September (Thursday), 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m., online via Zoom Session 3: 28 September (Saturday), 9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m., in-person at the Focus Singapore office Online via Zoom and in-person at Focus Singapore, 9 Bishan Place #08-03 Junction 8 Office Tower, S579837 Register via https://family.org.sg/event/connect2-marriage-preparation-workshop-sep24/ $380 per couple (inclusive of participants' workbooks, online relationship assessment and $70 rebate, subject to conditions) The Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop is facilitated by a trained husband-wife couple and aims to help couples address issues that they may face as newlyweds, build a solid foundation in the early years and learn how to really love each other for life! Designed for couples who are considering marriage, engaged, or in their first year of marriage, learn to: • • • • •

Understand what love, marriage and your vows symbolise Identify each other's differences and love languages for effective communication Manage healthy conflict and have a good grasp on your family finances Understand sexual intimacy, the importance of romance and family planning Learn how to manage expectations from your spouse, children and in-laws while balancing work-life

Organised by Focus on the Family Singapore

36 Methodist Message August 2024

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