
27TH SESSION OF TRINITY ANNUAL CONFERENCE: NOV 18-21, 2003
CHRISTIANS in Singapore need to realise that they live in a multi-religious country and they must not forget that there are religious sensitivities.
The Rev Dr Isaac Lim, President of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), who said this in his address at TRAC’s 27th Session at Trinity Theological College, added: “As we would desire persons of other religious faiths to respect our doctrine and practice, reciprocal respect is expected of us when we relate to those of other faiths.
“In telling others about our faith there is no need to speak evil of other faiths. The goal in evangelism is not to focus on another religious system. The goal in evangelism is to tell others about Christ. If we have a message that is relevant and that meets the needs of people, they will respond.
“Paul reminds us to be all things to all people so that by all means we may save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). We are called to be creative in our evangelistic endeavours. I believe this is a good time for us to find new ways of proclamation.”
He believes that the intent of a Pledge of Religious Harmony is not to curb Christians from sharing their faith. What it calls for is respect and sensitivity to the feelings of those from other faiths.
“Our faith requires us to share the Gospel. Our faith is anchored on the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to go and make disciples of all nations. If that is so, then we need to be able to do evangelism in a multi-religious context with the sensitivities of others in mind.”
Among other points in his address, the Rev Dr Lim also touched on:
Leadership renewal – “Leadership renewal is a godly process of spiritual nurture”;
Plans for an International Prayer Conference for Wesleyans in Renewal to be held here from June 17 to 22 this year;
The formation of the TRAC Central Youth Agency to oversee, coordinate and support the various components of TRAC youth ministry; and
The need for a Pastoral Development Programme, to be headed by a full-time director in future.
This year’s conference guest speaker was the Rev Dr David Wilkinson from the British Methodist Church. He spoke on “Confidence In The Spirit”, “Confidence In Evangelism” and “Confidence In Ministry” over three days.
The conference elected Dr Wu Dar Ching of Covenant Community Methodist Church as its new Vice-President. He replaced Dr Gilbert Chiang of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church, who has served the maximum three two-year terms.
There were also a few new pastoral appointments.
The Rev Melvin Huang Teng Kian, Pastor-in-Charge of Wesley Methodist Church, was appointed the new District Superintendent (East) to replace the Rev Dr Gordon Wong Cheong Weng, who has left for his sabbatical.
The Rev Stanley Chua Huang Seng was appointed the Pastor-in-Charge of Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church. He replaced the Rev Sng Chong Hui, who has been posted to Paya Lebar Methodist Church as the Pastor. The Rev Chua is a member of the Methodist Message Editorial Board.
The Rev Vincent Goh Koon Chua was appointed Pastor-in-Charge of Bedok Methodist Church to replace the Rev Lawrence Chua Tiaw Chek, who is on sabbatical leave.
The Rev David Wee Boon Hock was appointed Pastor of Christ Methodist Church.
ONE ELDER AND EIGHT DEACONS
THE following eight were ordained by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon as Deacons:
Mr Chew Eng Pin, Mr Kan Man Shek, Mr Peter Wong Ngian Chay, Mr Erick Tan Eng Ghee (all from CAC).
Ms Lilian Ang Siew Kee, Mr Chiang Ming Shun, Mr Peter Koh Yong Chye, Mr Edwin Wong Eng Wei (TRAC).
This year there was only one pastor who was ordained as an Elder:
The Rev Lek Yong Teck (CAC).