Earlier this year, TRAC Board of Worship & Evangelism (BOWE) launched a new video series called “Witnessing in Gentleness and Respect” (WIGR). The 4-part video series is discipleship material to help Christians critically reflect on how to engage people of different faiths and convictions, especially in today’s social climate. Churches which use the Alpha Course as a part of their evangelism efforts may also find WIGR videos useful as a pre-Alpha resource to help Christians better relate with their unbelieving friends.
Designed for small groups, each episode is about 75 minutes long. Through self- discovery Bible studies, intergenerational dialogues, case studies, role play and other interactive activities, WIGR takes its participants on a learning journey of renewing mindsets and transforming Christian witness.
The WIGR videos are not about the method of evangelism but rather, the manner in which Christians relate with others. It does not prescribe procedures of sharing the faith. Rather, it seeks to stimulate shifts in mindsets and heart orientations.
“By being gentler and more respectful of others, TRAC BOWE’s objective was to nurture a more winsome witness following the example of Jesus and exhortations in Scripture, and envision new ways of sharing the Good News of Jesus that more Christians will find natural to do and that will be better received by those who do not yet know Jesus,” said Rev Poh Zhi-Hui, who is the Chairperson of BOWE.
WIGR grew out of a missionary’s journey of learning how to introduce Jesus Christ to people with different worldviews and social habits. Through the encouragement and leadership of Rev Poh and BOWE’s previous Chairperson, Rev Wendy Tay, WIGR was conceptualised in 2023. Then- Bishop Dr Gordon Wong lent his advice and support to the project.
The Zoe Collective, a media company led by Joash Lee and supported by Matthias Ho, spearheaded the creative execution and production of WIGR, while specialists such as Ho Wei-Hao (co-author of The Generations Project), Dr Tan Kim Huat (theologian from Trinity Theological College), Dr Andrew Spurgeon (theologian from Singapore Bible College) and Dr Claire Chong (Research and Training Associate from Singapore Centre for Global Missions) were consulted on various subjects. Many other young adult volunteers from various churches also contributed in unique ways, such as with script writing, graphic design and the development of case studies.
What’s in each WIGR video?
Session one begins with an invitation to confront and reflect on the discomforts and issues of evangelism and on the perceived bigotry and arrogance that non-Christians have of Christians. By contemplating Acts 10 and Acts 15, participants are asked to consider what deeply-held traditions or unquestioned practices—like the refusal to dine with sinners or the insistence on circumcision—might look like in our context today.
Session two centres on a thought-provoking Bible study of Acts 13 and Acts 17 with BE Dr Gordon Wong and Rev Tay Li Ping, challenging our fixed ideologies of what the gospel is and how it is shared. Rather than seeing the gospel as a formulaic, one-size-fits-all message, Paul introduces Jesus as a living person who understands and meets people’s greatest concerns, bringing truly good news that tugs at his listeners’ heartstrings.
Session three features an intergenerational forum in which young adults dialogue with BE Dr Wong and Rev Raymond Fong, discussing challenges and re-imagining methods of engagement. For example, instead of one-way gospel presentations, the forum emphasises the need to create and hold safe spaces for open conversations about faith and life embedded in authentic relationships. Rather than seeing the Christian as someone who is expected to have all the right answers, Christians may journey with others as co- learners and fellow pilgrims, seeking and growing towards the truth.
Session four introduces B.L.E.S.S—not as a set of tactics of evangelism but as a self-reflective guide to our attitudes and dispositions. When engaging with others, we could Begin with prayer for ourselves that we embody gentleness and respect always, reflecting the character of our gracious and compassionate Father and our meek and humble Christ. We could also Listen deeply with the intent to understand other’s thoughts, feelings, needs and aspirations, and Engage with them where they are—on their turf, on their terms, and at their pace. Just as how Christ emptied himself, came to us, and related with us in ways we can understand, we should also do likewise. Learning to be more Self-aware of our own assumptions and blind spots would enable us to understand others more profoundly; such authenticity and vulnerability would go a long way in deepening connections. By establishing genuine relationships, we would be able to Share truly good news, speaking meaningfully to the concerns that matter most to others.
Watch the WIGR trailers here
For more information on WIGR, please write to Rev Poh Zhi-Hui at zhihui.poh@methodist.org.sg.
Claire Chong (PhD, OCMS, UK) is a research and training associate at Singapore Centre for Global Missions and an adjunct faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary. She worships at Trinity Methodist Church and is a member of TRAC Board of Worship & Evangelism. / Photos courtesy of TRAC Board of Worship & Evangelism
