TOH EU JUIN | STEP Final Assignment STEP 2021
Towards an empathetic and Christ-Centred Church. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. -2 Corinthians 1:3-4 3 weeks of STEP was 3 weeks of intense downloading of theological understanding and constant questioning of my personal stance in what I believe as a Calvinist. I have grown to appreciate the reformed theology, but seek for a practical one that goes beyond head knowledge. ‘Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport’ has also taught me to be a more inclusive Calvinist, in hopes of establishing a greater profound intimacy among Christians and our Father. The experiences can act as active reminders for a maturing Christian like myself, but it is not sufficient unless practiced. As much as I find Apologetics interesting and being drowned in the endless debates, I find Biblical Counselling to be especially fruitful and apt in my daily life. You don’t need to be an intellect to understand the encouragement from the scriptures. Ultimately reaching deep into the weakness of man and melting the stubborn hearts to come before Christ in full submission. Looking at the greater purpose of the Church from a Kingdom Missiological standpoint, perhaps, the study of Missiology should also be read in tandem with the arsenal of Biblical Counselling. The desperate call to bring people closer to the Lord not only in Church, but also in my University is one that no longer has to be done by evangelism alone, but something more intimate and relatable.
Aligning with Providence Presbyterian Church “Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory… Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine” - The Valley of Vision I do believe that most Christians do have the best interest at heart and much of our common modes of encouragement and psychological advice has been secularized and often stem out of treating the body and environment… but not the SOUL. However, it should be cautioned that these seemingly ‘comforting’ words are actually deceitful in the eyes of God as we do not target the bad root of man. Behavioural refinement can only act as a temporary reinforcement, but upon looking at the higher purpose God has for man, the Love of Christ Jesus can change a man’s heart. As Providence Presbyterian Church (PPC) is placing greater emphasis on discipleship within the church community, it is critical that mentors do understand the triune foundation of Lord as our Comforter, Wisdom and Helper. Only then, the discipleship will be more than just imparting knowledge to mentees, but also an opportunity to touch lives, and gain a sense of trust amongst the group. Youths should also be well equipped so as to comfort others in a Christ-centred manner so that we can grow together, both physically and spiritually. In 2018, as a part of a new ‘reform’ in PPC’s structure by our newly elected head pastor Rvn Lim Pang Jong, for youths to worship with their parents as one family in the main service. His revolution came due to his heavy emphasis on 家庭祭坛 family worship. Learning from many biblical fathers, Rvn Lim holds the family structure firm and the reverence for God in one heart. Hence, I do find the relevance to expose parents to the structure of Biblical Counselling, so as to better manage their “Second-
TOH EU JUIN | STEP Final Assignment STEP 2021
Generation Christian” children in a ‘Christian way’. Parents can also be of good testimony at home and in church as they can feel comfortable in actively seek help from fellow congregants who are also well equipped in this training. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10), we must acknowledge that we are totally depraved men and are inherently sinful. Hence to improve community support, I think that the taboo topic of Christians hurting other Christians must be addressed. Unlike in corporate settings, many of the unresolved conflicts arise out of misunderstanding between members and ultimately reflecting their relationship with the Lord. Members of the Church need healing, not just words of encouragement, but directing them to God so that they can really tackle the root of the problem and find comfort in the “suffering sovereign” of our Lord.
Yes… and No All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Biblical Counselling consists of many components ranging from Empathetic Understanding, observing the bad fruit, to digging out the root of the problem, knowing our God (through the Word) and subsequently a change of intention to spark a gracious cycle. However complex it may seem, the beauty in Biblical Counselling comes from the fact that it is the Word that searches our hearts, rather than a tireless pursuit for behavioural change. Thus encouraging the church to be well equipped with the word of the Lord. I urge the Church to incorporate such training as it will edify God in the process of building up each other in Church, and also bring the Gospel into the Marketplace. We can make a clear stand that we are Christians and share the love of God. However, it is to be taken with CAUTION… that we should always act in “all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). There is a tendency to be proud in terms of biblical proficiency and turning something as blessed as wisdom and knowledge and use it for our selfish motives. Instead, the increase in the knowledge of God should drive us into humility as we understand just how limited we are. Hence, as much as we uphold scripture and promote the application of biblical understanding into the way we counsel people, the intention should be set right from the beginning, "so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him." (Colossians 1:10).
Soul Searching Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. - Psalm 139:23-24 Upon exposure of this novel practice, it has sparked an awareness for me sit down in my quiet little room, to reflect on my personal struggles in life that desperately needs sanctification. It is tough to get to terms with myself, especially when I bargain on certain topics that I am unable to let go off. May the Lord give me strength. The 3 Trees Framework (Luke 6:43-45) introduced by Pastor Gideon
TOH EU JUIN | STEP Final Assignment STEP 2021
aided me in my self-discovery and expose my relationship with God. I hope to be able to practice on a regular basis and need not wait for a situation to arise, so when the time comes, may the Lord use me. This holds an opportunity for me to introduce Christ amongst my friends in my university. While honing my skills as an active ‘counsellor’, I pray that I will listen to more people of diverse backgrounds without biasness. Sola Scriptura is its finest here, for the Lord grants me his words to speak to my friends or even strangers. At times of peace, I hope to continue to build up relationship with one another, for the work of counselling can only be effectively done on the basis of trust.
对症下药 -- Prescribing the Right Medicine Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. - Ephesians 6:13 Personally, I do not believe in establishing a new ministry just to advocate a source of providing help for members, rather, equipping each member with the appropriate skills to be active ‘councillors’ in their respective positions. Perhaps, a more catered and customized training of biblical counselling can be tailored to the specific ministries that the members are serving in. For example, Sunday school teachers—expose more with training with kids / Puberty woes. Worship team—potential dangers of ego issues / Ignoring spiritual disciplines. Ultimately, this takes great accountability and members need to see the purpose of doing so. It can start small and subsequently increase in scale, from within small discipleship groups, to larger fellowship groups, and to the general church body. I firmly believe that the power of testimony is powerful and can spread like wildfire.
Final words But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. -John 14:26 The road towards an ideal empathetic and Christ-Centred Church is never possible without the providence and grace of God. As much as this vision is established with the initial intention of practicality, I am reminded to live coram deo- facing God. We are work in progress, a justification with progressive sanctification that needs continual encouragement from the Holy Spirit to guide us into glorification. I thank the Lord for the Light and hereby submit this burden to the Lord. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
若不是耶和华建造房屋，建造的人就枉然劳力；若不是耶和华看守城池， 看守的人就枉然警醒。-- 诗篇 127:1