Pastoral Word from the Session
Dear Zion Bishan Family and Friends,
As we mentioned last week at the 1030am service, we’re thankful that we have been permitted to run 100pax in-person Sunday Services. In light of that, we want to share a short word of exhortation and to explain again why we are encouraging each of you to consider coming back in person for physical services on Sundays.
(1) First, worshipping our God together as a physical church family is God’s good design for His people. Scripture urges us in Hebrews 10 to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (10:24-25). It is true that we do not need to physically attend Church to be Christian. But when we assemble in person (i.e. incarnate), we reflect God’s design for church that we see in Scripture, as a redeemed people gathered physically to hear Him speak from His Word, and to commune with one another.1
(2) Secondly, the leadership has intentionally arranged for more in-person services in Cluster pairs for a spiritual reason. The AG-cluster system does facilitate smoother organization and administration. But the main goal of the AG-cluster system is and has always been spiritual in nature – it’s about pastoral care, discipleship and fellowship. Incidentally, it’s the current pandemic that has highlighted these important aspects about our AG-cluster system!
We believe that we have a great platform for long-term spiritual growth with the present cluster pairs and now 4 in-person services. We appreciate and thank those who have out of concern for our pastors and preachers suggested having only 2 in-person services since we can meet in groups of 100. However, we see the spiritual blessing of meeting in person as a worshipping community, in ways that are not served as well by online gatherings. We do not want to maintain status quo in a survival mode. Where it is safe and permissible, increasing our frequency of worshipping in person will reap spiritual benefits.
(3) Thirdly, we thank God for the authorities that He has wisely instituted. They have, by God’s grace, guided and contained the local virus situation. Society as a whole is slowly moving towards larger scale gatherings (e.g. MICE conferences of up to 250pax). Hence, more and more churches too will be allowed to increase the number of people returning to in-person worship services. Lastly, we want to assure you that we understand some of us prefer to return for in-person worship services later for safety, health or personal reasons. We will continue to live stream the 1030am service. However, we encourage that you keep in close touch with your AG or even meet in small groups of five. Please contact any of our pastors if you are not in any AG or are not a member so we can try to link you up with other members.
We seek your continued partnership in prayer and support of the pastors, elders, deacons and AG leaders as we adapt to the evolving situation. Thank you especially for your patience these past months.
Session
Zion Bishan BP Church
and Elder George (https://www.zionbishan.org.sg/2020/08/flesh-or-spirit/)
