26th SESSION OF TAMIL ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Nov 9-10, 2001
MEMBERS of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) have been challenged to increase its membership.
At its 26th Session at Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church, its President, the Rev Dr Vinson Samuel, challenged all ETAC members to work at “adding just one more person to the church over the next three years”.
The delegates responded by acknowledging that although there had been similar challenges and
examinations in the past, there had not been any discernible increase in membership.
Earlier, ETAC took time to examine the reasons for the lack of growth in membership over the past 26 years. With statistics provided by the Bishop’s Office, it was sobering to note that ETAC had not registered any significant growth during this time span.
It was also noted that there was a significant ministry to foreign Indian workers and the expatriate professional Indian community in the country. This ministry, however, does not translate to membership numbers because this is a migrant community with a short-term stay in the country.
Nevertheless, delegates acknowledged that a revitalisation of the ministry to the Indian community is necessary. Delegates felt that any change had to begin with the leaders of the church, pastors, lay delegates and leaders of local churches.
The Rev Dr Samuel undertook to look at these concerns and work out a response plan with the Executive Board.
The highlight of the conference was the ordination of the Rev Ebinezar Mohan and the Rev James Nagulan as Elders by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon. The ordination service was held at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church.
Richard Jeremiah, a member of the Methodist Message Editorial Board, is Chairman of the Board on Finance of ETAC.
PICTURE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 3 ANNUAL CONFERENCES
