RiverLife Weekly #35: Staying The Course
I was called into vocational (full-time) ministry at age 45.
In August 1991, Bartley Christian Church started an outreach extension in the new Pasir Ris estate with 123 adults and 75 children in 6 cell groups. Within 6 months, we started another worship service. Our cell groups also grew. I assisted our two pastors, Vincent Lun and Joseph Tang, to coordinate our cell network.
In mid-March 1992, the pastors approached me to join full-time service. As I was the sole breadwinner with 3 school-going children then, my wife’s initial response was not favourable due to financial concerns.
The turning point came when I attended a conference on cell churches in March 1993. At the conference, I cried out to God for help regarding His plan for my life. When the speaker shared his testimony, God impressed upon my heart that He would provide a way out for me.
On 19 March 1993, I was given a letter of offer for consideration. I showed it to my wife, but she just kept silent. A few days later, however, she brought up the subject and we discussed. To my great joy, she said “yes” for me to accept the offer. I thanked her and praised God for how He worked this out. On 1 July 1993, I came in to serve the Lord on staff.
To date, I have served on our staff team for 27 years and have never regretted making that decision. My life verse is “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2a).
Over the years, I have enjoyed serving in Cell Group Ministry, which is my passion. It has been a privilege to care for leaders and members, including their families, and journey with them through different seasons. It is a joy to see cell groups growing and multiplying, leaders raised and trained to lead and shepherd cell groups.
As I reflect on the past 27 years, there are 4 important factors that have helped me remain faithful in my service to God.
- Calling
Whether you are called to be a pastor, area overseer or cell leader, or to serve in a ministry, you first need to be clear of your calling (Ephesians 4:1-6). Secondly, be Christ-focused in the midst of changes, trials and tribulations that you might encounter (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Competence
Identity your natural talents and spiritual giftings. Use them to build up the body of Christ and to honour God. Continue to hone your skills with continual learning.
- Compassion
Continue to ask God to give you a heart of compassion for souls (Matthew 9:36-38). It is the Lord’s compassion that has kept me going. Likewise, you need the Lord’s mercy and compassion to spur you in reaching out to people who don’t know Christ.
- Continuous Abiding in Christ
Finally, abide in Christ continually (John 15:5). He is our Lord and Redeemer!
Looking back, it has been a very challenging yet fulfilling and fruitful 27 years. There were times when the going was tough, but God’s help was constant. I know that I serve a faithful, covenantal-keeping God.
Pastor David Low
I was called into vocational (full-time) ministry at age 45.
In August 1991, Bartley Christian Church started an outreach extension in the new Pasir Ris estate with 123 adults and 75 children in 6 cell groups. Within 6 months, we started another worship service. Our cell groups also grew. I assisted our two pastors, Vincent Lun and Joseph Tang, to coordinate our cell network.
In mid-March 1992, the pastors approached me to join full-time service. As I was the sole breadwinner with 3 school-going children then, my wife’s initial response was not favourable due to financial concerns.
The turning point came when I attended a conference on cell churches in March 1993. At the conference, I cried out to God for help regarding His plan for my life. When the speaker shared his testimony, God impressed upon my heart that He would provide a way out for me.
On 19 March 1993, I was given a letter of offer for consideration. I showed it to my wife, but she just kept silent. A few days later, however, she brought up the subject and we discussed. To my great joy, she said “yes” for me to accept the offer. I thanked her and praised God for how He worked this out. On 1 July 1993, I came in to serve the Lord on staff.
To date, I have served on our staff team for 27 years and have never regretted making that decision. My life verse is “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2a).
Over the years, I have enjoyed serving in Cell Group Ministry, which is my passion. It has been a privilege to care for leaders and members, including their families, and journey with them through different seasons. It is a joy to see cell groups growing and multiplying, leaders raised and trained to lead and shepherd cell groups.
As I reflect on the past 27 years, there are 4 important factors that have helped me remain faithful in my service to God.
- Calling
Whether you are called to be a pastor, area overseer or cell leader, or to serve in a ministry, you first need to be clear of your calling (Ephesians 4:1-6). Secondly, be Christ-focused in the midst of changes, trials and tribulations that you might encounter (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Competence
Identity your natural talents and spiritual giftings. Use them to build up the body of Christ and to honour God. Continue to hone your skills with continual learning.
- Compassion
Continue to ask God to give you a heart of compassion for souls (Matthew 9:36-38). It is the Lord’s compassion that has kept me going. Likewise, you need the Lord’s mercy and compassion to spur you in reaching out to people who don’t know Christ.
- Continuous Abiding in Christ
Finally, abide in Christ continually (John 15:5). He is our Lord and Redeemer!
Looking back, it has been a very challenging yet fulfilling and fruitful 27 years. There were times when the going was tough, but God’s help was constant. I know that I serve a faithful, covenantal-keeping God.
Pastor David Low
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