The Methodist Fathers Movement (MFM) celebrated its third anniversary on 14 October with the theme “The Heavenly Father and Earthly Fathers” at Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street (commonly known as SSTMC). Close to 80 fathers and their families from across the three Annual Conferences were present to commemorate this significant milestone.
Rev James Nagulan, District Superintendent (ETAC) and Pastor-in-Charge of SSTMC, began the programme by warmly welcoming all attendees, and Dr David Ang, Chairperson of the MFM, continued by acknowledging God’s faithfulness in establishing and sustaining the movement: “This move of nurturing and uniting fathers across the three conferences in the Methodist Church is undeniably a divine arrangement solely for the glory of God.”
Following the welcome, Mr Ling Jiahao led the participants in an anointed time of worship, expressing gratitude for God’s enduring love and faithfulness. Subsequently, a poignant video compilation featuring testimonials and congratulatory messages was presented, further emphasising the way in which God is nurturing fathers and bringing families together for his greater purposes.
Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon presented the keynote, imparting vital principles drawn from Matthew 6:9-10. He highlighted how fatherhood signifies identity, emphasising that we must acknowledge God as our father before we can effectively nurture others. He also addressed authority, stressing the importance of accepting God’s authority in our lives and using it in a redemptive and loving manner. Additionally, he underscored the significance of intimacy by encouraging attendees to recognise God as Abba Father in their lives.
Thereafter, powerful testimonies regarding the Holy Spirit’s impactful and renewed work within different families were recounted by Mr Leong Jenn Yeoong and Mr Laurent Pong who had journeyed together for a period as spiritual friends within the MFM. Subsequently, Mr Phua Yee Farn and his son Gabriel shared their own testimony of intergenerational discipleship, highlighting that when a father redirects his heart towards the children in the family, it results in the children turning their hearts back to their father, leading to the entire family experiencing Abba Father’s deep transformational love.
Mr Martin Lim and Mr Peter Tan then guided the participants through a session of small-group prayer for fathers, marital and family relationships as well as for the seeds of faith to be established in the next generation, even for those yet to be born. It was heartening to see participants from the three Annual Conferences coming together to pray for one another.
Before the dedication of MFM Core Team members, the song “Fathers” written by Dr Denis Cheong (initially presented at The Faith We Sing event organised by the Methodist School of Music), was shared with the attendees. The song was composed to encourage and challenge fathers to rise up and embrace their roles as head of their family. BE Dr Solomon ended this segment by offering a prayer for the leadership of the MFM.
The anniversary event concluded with a declaration of the Father’s Pledge, which was launched during Singapore’s Jubilee in 2015 by the Elijah7000 Movement (an inter-denominational Christian fathers’ movement founded in Singapore):
Heavenly father,
we stand before you humbled, yet hopeful. As earthly fathers, we recognise that we derive the privilege of fatherhood from you and you alone. We will take our rightful place as head of our household. I pledge to love my wife (her name), beloved mother of my children (names), as Christ loves his Church. We pledge to be faithful in our God given responsibilities: As priests, we will make intercession on behalf of our families; As prophets, we will speak your truth and train our families in righteousness according to the standards of your Word; As kings, we will lead our families by serving them and providing for their every need. In the fear of the Lord and with God’s help: We will guard our homes against all ungodly influences; We renounce all our human ambitions for our children; We release them to dream your dreams; We bless them to fulfil your prophetic destiny for their lives; For Your ways are higher than our ways; Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Today, anoint us afresh and fill us with your wisdom so that we may father a generation of family builders for your Glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.