Elders' Election at the English Congregational Meeting
Ephesians 4 tells us it is the risen Lord Jesus who graciously gives shepherds to His church, for the purpose of equipping the saints for ministry. The elders are thankful for how God has raised up faithful men who are willing to shepherd God’s church by serving as pastors-elders.
New elders
After prayerful consideration, the elders are happy to recommend:
(1) Gerald Chua to serve as a new elder for a three-year term, as well as
(2) Caleb Yap and Mok Chuan-Xin to serve as elders for another three-year term.
Gerald, Caleb and Chuan-Xin were recently interviewed at our services. They shared about themselves and how they came to Christ. Caleb and Chuan-Xin shared the ways they have been encouraged over the past few years of service, while Gerald shared what it means for him to serve as an elder.
A pastor for family ministries
The elders also recommend that we call Mark Collins to serve on the elder team as the pastor for family ministries.
After two years of searching and examining both local and foreign candidates, we identified Mark as a candidate. He preached and met with various groups in church. We took feedback from many of you and we have been encouraged by his recent ministry among us. We are grateful for Mark’s willingness to serve with us.
Our family ministry needs have been steadily growing over the past few years which includes premarital counselling, discipling the children, youth and their parents. Since 2020, we have had 30 couples getting married, with a number starting families. We now have 104 parents (around 20% of our membership) who have children under the age of 12 and another 30 parents who have teenage children. There is a need for more intentional discipling of the children, youths, married couples and parents in the church.
Besides helping us meet the growing needs of family ministry, Mark is also committed to raising up local leaders among us. This is in line with our church's goal, which is to continue developing a robust pipeline of men and women to serve in GBC and beyond. Mark’s ministry experience in church planting and training local leaders in East Asia will be especially helpful to us.
Mark recently visited GBC and had the chance to preach at our services and also interacted wtih various groups and members of the church. We also had the chance to sit down with mark to learn more about him, and his ministry experiences during his trip.
Administrative matters
Members would have had the chance to get to know the candidates at a townhall and Q&A session held on 6 Feb 2022. If there are more questions, feel free to send it to the pastors or elders at info@gracebaptistchurch.sg.
Otherwise, details about the English Congregational Meeting (i.e. agenda, proxy forms) can be found on the website. Proxy forms will need to reach the church office by 1.30 pm, 18 Feb 2022.
Prayer points
Lastly, as we prayerfully consider these matters, let us not forget to thank God for the ways He has been faithful to our church and has provided for us all these years. We can also continue to pray for God’s leading and encouragement for these men – Gerald, Caleb, Chuan-Xin and Mark. We can also pray that as a church, we will be able to hear and discern God’s voice as we steward our votes.