A Peek Into the Weekender

We have completed the first day of the Weekender! It was a packed day for the participants that was filled with talks, discussions and a chance to observe how our pastors/elders conduct some of their meetings.

Streaming in and getting ready for a busy day ahead.

The almost 90 participants trickled in this morning (11 Sep) and there was a general mood of excitement in the air. As they registered and got themselves settled in, many of the participants also took the chance to get to know each other. This year, we have participants from 11 countries, including Singapore! We have brothers from the neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, South Asia and Northeast Asia and they represent 45 churches. It is also our goal that through this Weekender, these brothers can form friendships with fellow labourers for the gospel in their country or beyond. 

Learning about the church 

The first day began with focussing on the culture of the church and the elders of the church. Specifically, the Weekender began with the centrality of the gospel and creating a gospel culture in the community of the church, as well as making the gospel clear in context. The session began with an exhortation to all to remember how through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Eph 3:10). The participants were also exhorted to remember the gospel for themselves as they serve. Beyond just form and structures, the kind of person that the pastor/elder and the people are also matters. The health of the church begins with the spiritual health of the leader. 

A gospel culture and seeking to apply gospel truth to life and ministry is also important. It is also important for those who lead the church to consider how they can make the gospel clear in the context that they are serving in. 

The participants also learnt what biblical eldership is from Scripture, and how to raise up elders. Elders are men, from a particular congregation, of proven character and gifting. They gather, protect and feed the flock. Elders are gifts from Christ to the church. They also heard about how to raise elders and intentionally disciple them. The session was followed by a Q&A with a panel of pastors from around the region. It was a fruitful time of clarifying what has been taught and for the participants to think about what it means practically for their context. It was also helpful to hear from pastors who are serving in different countries and contexts.

Participants observed the way services are planned.

The second half of the day focussed more on the “nuts and bolts” of church life. They learnt about the importance of corporate worship and how to structure and plan the service. The brothers also got a chance to see how this is done, by observing a service planning meeting. 

The night ended with them seeing how we seek to live out biblical eldership by observing our elders’ meeting. 

Forming friendships

Participants had a chance to discuss and share with each other after listening to all that had been said.

In planning this Weekender, the team also intentionally included structured discussions as well as free time for discussion and conversations. There were many Q&A sessions woven into the sessions and they also had a dedicated time of discussion at the end of the day. 

Meal times and tea breaks were also wonderful opportunities to get to know each other. During lunch, the participants gathered according to regions, to allow them to foster relationships with fellow labourers from the same country or area. It was also encouraging to see people scattered around the hall in groups to chat during the breaks. We pray that long-lasting, gospel friendships can be formed this weekend.

Pressing on 

The participants will continue to have another full day of talks and discussions on the second day. They will learn about preaching, church membership practices and will also have a chance to hear from different ministries. Our staff will be sharing about ministry to children, youth and young adults, women and pastoral counselling in the church. There will also be workshops on missions, church planting and church revitalisation. They will also have a chance to hear from our lay elders. 

The participants will also be attending and observing the Church Matters class on Saturday. This will help them to understand more about GBC and also how we strive to live out the principles of membership that we hold to. 

Worshipping together on Sunday

The Weekender participants, and some of their family members will be joining us this Sunday too! It is a wonderful opportunity to worship our God together with these participants. Church, let us also seek to extend warm and generous hospitality to them. Say hi, and feel free to ask about their experience or find out more about their ministry and churches. And trust that God can use our simple acts of service and make much of it. 

Practically too, the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall might feel a little bit more packed. Where possible, let us fill the pews and make space for one another. 

The participants will also be joining us at Sunday’s Members’ Meeting, which will be held on Level 2. As mentioned, there will therefore be no parking available on Level 2 that morning. We seek your understanding. 

There will be lunch after the Members' Meeting. Thank you, church, for responding and signing up. It really helped the planning team! This lunch is a good opportunity to get to know one another, and also our Weekender participants. 

Let us continue to keep the rest of the Weekender in prayer! Pray for God’s strength and good health for the participants for the rest of the schedule. Pray also for a refreshing time spent with each other and during worship this Sunday. May God bring about fruit from this in His time.