Growing Pains
Written by Ps Dev Menon
Zion Bishan is growing. Yes, even with Covid-19, we are still growing[1].
As you can see by today’s reception of members, the last catechism class was full, and I have another 20+ forms on my desk for the next round[2]. Not only that, but the premarital groups are full, many babies are on their way (congrats to Andrew & Weiling, Alvin & Liling, Dn Justin & Yunxin this week!), the young adult AGs are expanding and multiplying, and there is no lack of demand for Children’s Discipleship. Perhaps most gloriously – we have 3 people applying to be full-time apprentices next year, and another couple training to be full-time missionaries.
God is working, ZB is growing…. But growing comes at a price.
Ask any new parent: how much must change to make space for a baby? Routines, preferences, spending habits, eating habits, lifestyles, housing requirements – the list goes on. If we want to grow, we need to adjust, we need to sacrifice.
Therefore, it is paramount that Zion Bishan restructures to facilitate long-term growth. Transiting to 4 English Services with dedicated Congregational Shepherding Teams will facilitate more intentional discipleship, accountability and pastoral care for all our members. More leaders will need to step up and be trained to ensure that each of the flock is looked after.
Smooth-running ministry teams will need to be disrupted and reorganise to serve these different congregations. More members will then be called upon to fill up these new teams. Larger more established AGs (especially those with more leaders) would have to consider multiplying to host the incoming members.
Essentially – for every person that comes in – all of us have to adjust. Growth is good, but it comes at a price. It costs convenience and comfort, time and energy. Everything must change… yet again. And all of this, needs to be done voluntarily – compelled by love. Love, as the gospel implies, is the only measure of how much space we make for the new babies…
As we rejoice over the new members today – all of us should be asking the question – are we ready to receive them? Are we ready to make changes for them? Are we ready to love them?
[1] This is not to say that there haven’t been people who are severely drifting away from God and church because of the convenience of livestreaming from home.
[2] Don’t worry, there’s still space if you’re interested – just fill in a membership form before the end of the year.
