Installation of Elders (Nov 2025)
At our 30 November 2025 service, we installed our new elders — staff elder Ryan Curia (who is our Pastor for Church Planting and Missions) and our lay elders Andrew Sung and Huang Weiquan.
God has provided us these men, and we as a church have affirmed them by voting at our recent English Congregational Meeting. Pastor Thian Chye reminded us that elders are shepherds of God’s flock, called to lead and teach, pray, guard and care with love and humility. He also read from 1 Timothy 3:1-7 which teaches us the qualifications of elders — qualities that we can hold them accountable to, and also to continue to pray that they uphold and grow in.
Pastor Thian Chye then led them to recite the Elder Vows before the congregation. Members were also given a chance to respond. As a church, we acknowledged and publicly received them as elders, gifts of Christ to this church. We committed to loving and praying for him, working together with him and the other elders, and also to honour and support the elders, to the glory of God.
Pastor Thian Chye also charged these men to shepherd the flock entrusted to them, not for selfish gain, but willingly, eagerly and humbly be examples to the believers in word and deed. He also encouraged them to labour in prayer, be in the word, and protect the flock from false teachings. He also exhorted us as a church to honour our elders, pray for, encourage and work with them.
Our elders then laid hands on these men as Elder Toshi led the church in prayer. We thank God for their commitment, faith and willingness to shepherd His people. We pray that God will grant them wisdom to interpret His word rightly, and to apply it faithfully, to discern the needs of the congregation.
Toshi prayed that the elders may be known for their sound judgement and their devotion to truth. May these men be equipped to shepherd God’s flock with humility and grace, never lording over with authority, but serving as true examples of Christ-like character. We pray that God will enable them to hold fast to sound doctrine and protect the church from error. May God also grant them compassion for the weak, the struggling and the marginalised, help to visit the sick, comfort the grieving and restore those who are wandering with gentleness.
We also pray for strength and protection for these men and their families. Finally, Elder Toshi prayed for a spirit of unity among the elders as they serve together, for humility as they serve God’s people and that God will unite this church under Him.
Church, let us continue to pray for these men and their families in the days and months ahead! Our elders would also love to meet and hear from us, the church, so feel free to drop them a message or invite them for coffee. Or just say hi and chat on Sundays! Pastor Ryan can also be contacted at ryancuria@gracebaptistchurch.sg.