One MCS ¢
Identity & Destiny
By the Structural Review Task Force
Together as ONE body “But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” 1 Cor 12:24b–26
T
he Structural Review Task Force (SRTF) was convened
reasons why we have three Conferences organised along
in 2017 to review the structure of The Methodist
language lines in MCS today. That was a great strategy
Church in Singapore (MCS) so that there can be less
when missionaries started work in Singapore focusing
duplication, more effectiveness and greater efficiency.
on the different people groups.” But he also noted that,
As discussions followed, it became clear that one of the
after 55 years of independence, our children are growing
reasons for the current difficulties in our structure arose
up in much different circumstances. We engage with,
out of the fact that we are four Conferences—a General
communicate with and understand each other in our
Conference and three Annual Conferences (ACs), each
common language, English, and it is the medium in which
run by a President and team, quite independently of
we serve as one.
each other. These layers of authorisation ensure that the Church is well-governed, stays connected with the work
That
on the ground and remains true to her calling and vision.
differences between the ACs have eroded with
The flip side is that this has sometimes turned out to be
time. Notwithstanding the rich history and splendid
more of a encumbrance than assistance.
diversity
is
why
that
many
are
lay
leaders
precious
parts
feel
of
that
the
everything
Methodist in Singapore, Richard represents the view As Richard Jeremiah from Tamil Methodist Church
of many who feel strongly that “we are now ready
(Short Street) explained: “We understand the historical
to come together as One MCS, reflecting our unity in
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METHODIST MESSAGE SEPTEMBER 2020
