Cherishing Heritage, Cultivating Legacy

With the above theme, our annual Retreat brought together 82 pastors and leaders from our 11 member churches. This year we also welcomed pastors and elders from three observer churches as well as visitors from a BP church in Perth, Australia. We met 7-8 July at Opero Hotel in Johor Bahru. Here are reflections from three participants representing the three generations present.

#1 Reflection: NEXT LAP OF RACE

Elder Oswald Goh, Zion Serangoon

This year’s BPCIS leaders’ retreat was slightly different. Instead of the usual, invited guest speaker and expository preaching, we ‘insourced’ our speakers which helped us to speak more meaningfully to ourselves. We heard reflections of our past from the “pioneer” generation; the present with the “post-Synod Dissolution (1988)” generation; and our future from the younger “post-Presbytery Reformation (2011)” generation.

I belong to the oldest group, and I have lived through the best of times and the worst of times (and though some of us are set on “forgetting what lies behind” (Phil 3.13), every now and again, we are urged to remember!).

I belong to the first group to leave our traditional retreat photo-taking session – we begin with everyone and start whittling down the numbers by age, decade by decade, in descending order. There was a time when our age-group constituted the majority. No more.

Despite the much work to be done, and the looming challenges for the Presbytery and its churches, and individual church problems, there is an air of excitement and anticipation. There is an eagerness to “press on toward the goal, together, for the prize of our calling in Christ” (Phil 3.14). There is an upward trajectory and focus, toward something greater, a more glorious future for His church and His work here in Singapore and beyond.

Over the two days, I could hear some of that, in the way the younger people valued and treasured the older ones; in the way people from different home churches prayed together with one mind and heart; in the way people of different ages are partnering together for the Gospel; in the way people reached across the tables (and the waves), to welcome, greet and get-to-know one another.

By God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, fifteen years have passed since the Presbytery was reconstituted. We count eleven churches under the care and oversight of the BPCIS, with another soon to join us in the coming months. Then we will be twelve. And by His grace and favour, we cast our eyes forwards and upwards to the next decade, resting on His promises, confident to run with endurance the next lap of the race set before us. Certain in the knowledge that the end of the Christian race is not to finish first! But to finish together.

#2 Reflection: A Covenant Fellowship

By Deacon Andrew Phee, Herald B-P Church

A mere 1.5 days seemed short but to be in a room full of people who have given years and decades of their lives to serve God has been stirring. There’s something about being in close proximity to such kind of faithfulness - whether sitting with them over coffee, meals and worship - that reorders our own priorities.

Blessed to enjoy the content too. With Psalm 145, we journeyed richly through BPCIS’s past, present and future. Truly reminds us that BPCIS is not meant to be just churches doing our own thing but a covenant fellowship to collectively DEVELOP leaders, BUILD relationships and SHARE resources with one another other. A memorable “DBS” Agenda.

Appreciated the honesty that named our blind spots along with our strengths, and young leaders to drive home the fact that this work must not stop at our generation, but to the next and many more.

I left with a renewed desire to keep serving God with whatever capacity I have, however small and however long it takes. Praise the Lord for this retreat!

#3 Reflection: A REFRESHING EXPERIENCE

By Julian Lee, Youth Leader, Shalom B-P Church

Attending this retreat was a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow leaders who faithfully serve God and seek to serve their churches to the best of their abilities. Being a first- time participant, I came to the retreat not knowing many leaders from other churches. Despite that, it was a refreshing experience to meet other pastors, elders and deacons in a more casual setting, however, I had to give a self-introduction numerous times throughout the retreat.

Through the plenary messages, we recalled the rich history of the BP churches in Singapore, reviewed the current situation that we are in, and considered how we can build on this legacy as we look to the future. Together, we explored ways to minister to our church’s leaders and strengthen our unity as a BPCIS, such that we can serve our communities more effectively, and continue growing as a family of churches for God's glory.

One of the most impactful aspects of the retreat in my opinion was the opportunity to discuss with each other, praying for one another, offering encouragement, sharing wisdom, and supporting each other in our respective ministries. The fellowship we had was a strong reminder that we are not serving alone, and that we are part of a larger community united in Christ.

Overall, the retreat was an enjoyable one, which greatly blessed me spiritually and also physically (with all the fantastic food in the hotel).