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Synod Exco Retreat 2014
By Rev. Ronnie Ang
Dec 2014
The Synod Executive Committee met for a retreat at True Way Presbyterian Church on 11 October. It was attended by 18 people from the current and in-coming committee members as well as representatives from the Synod Office. The idea of the retreat was first mooted during an Exco meeting where the need to re-evaluate and re-organize the framework and structure of the Presbyterian Church of Singapore (PCS) and her relationship with member churches were addressed in the light of constitutional changes and the appointment of the General Secretary.
The retreat kicked off with a time of spiritual meditation. Rev. Dr Jimmy Tan shared from Galatians 3:1-5 to remind participants that they should not gratify the sinful desires of the flesh but to display the freedom received through Christ by remaining united in the spirit. This is especially important since member churches are now considered independent in the eyes of the law. Rt Rev. Leow Khee Fatt gave the introductory address and shared of the challenges that PCS faced due to the current structure and stressed the importance of the retreat to address these challenges; he appealed to participants to contribute constructively in the discussion that had been planned.
Elder Lee Yew Huat led in the discussion to establish a strategic framework that would allow for greater participation by member churches and shared on three key areas. These include:
- Promoting a common belief and doctrine among its members, e.g. in areas like baptism curriculum, infant baptism, understanding of marriage, divorce and remarriage, LGBT issues, women ordination and Westminster Confession of Faith.
- Developing members through developing leaders, e.g. teaching the role of elders and deacons, engaging leaders through co-workers’ fellowship, funding for leadership development at local congregation.
- Being a corporate witness of the gospel in the society, e.g. setting up of community hospital, community services, schools and kindergartens, PCS care network, mission work and musicals.
Participants were divided into three groups to discuss these matters and presented their findings so that Elder Lee Yew Huat could follow up with his team to analyze and make a proposal to the Synod Exco for approval and implementation. Rev. Dr Gan concluded the discussion by appealing to participants to give greater support to the Run and Walk Fundraising event and the Hub development and to pray for the Synod Development Steering Committee that oversees the development and usage of land belonging to PCS. Rev. Yap Wai Keong closed the retreat in prayers and participants continued their fellowship over lunch.
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