Joyful Action Group (AG) Ministry 

By Mr Danny Chua

As Zion Bishan presses on ahead with The Next Lap vision in mind – to present every member mature in Christ, we continue to face an immense task ahead of us. We are always in need of more godly men and women proclaiming Jesus, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom from the Lord (Col. 1:28). Godly believers who personally disciple others, and who model a gospel culture are our God’s way of forming missional communities. 

But often, when faced with pressing Kingdom needs, it is easy for ministry to become functional or for people to become mere numbers. It is even easier for those who are in ministry leadership to lose sight of the big picture. So, we must be extra cautious to remember that ministry and gospel work flow from a life and union with Jesus, and that this is especially true for those who disciple and shepherd others in AGs. 

In Luke 10:17-20, Jesus rebukes His disciples who return from ‘successful’ gospel work, warning them not to take pride in what they have ‘achieved’ even though the power of God was really working mightily! Instead, they should simply rejoice in their salvation and that “their names are written in heaven”. For where their joy is found (in their God who has saved them) is what will continue to nurture and empower their faith and ministries. These were truths we reflected upon in our recent BAGLE course.

Here are some reflections from the participants: 

Gary Lee (AG29): God has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sin (Colossians 1). I rejoice in my redeemer, greatest treasure, wellspring of my soul.

Rachelle Low (AG77): I am comforted that God is more interested in the maturing (or state) of my heart compared to the output / quantity of my service and outreach. Discipleship is never about getting just the main point right and lesson plan across, but helping others see and know who Jesus is more clearly.

Ben Wong (AG73): What was really helpful to not forget was that the end goal of reading God’s word is to meet with and know Jesus more, and not to gain more biblical knowledge or theology. Was also intrigued to work out what ‘meeting Jesus’ in the scriptures mean for me as I read the bible (experiencing the ‘click’ or connection between Jesus & scripture)

Dn Justin Low (AG81): Our time in BAGLE gave me great insights and personal reflection on the importance of prayer. I also appreciated the bit of not ‘forcing application’ for every Bible passage and letting the Word of God speak to us. 

Ben Thio (AG73): Easy to get disillusioned/ disheartened unless constantly seeking refreshment from God.

Dn John Chua (AG77): I learnt the importance of a healthy prayerful posture, having a healthy perspective of why we do ministry or rather the privilge to be doing ministry. Our reflection over Luke 10:17-20 (“do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”) helped me focus on the heart of why we do ministry. 

We appreciate your partnership in prayer for all our potential AG Leaders and current Leaders – that our Lord will sustain their joy in Jesus!