Phase 6: The God of Faithfulness – The Peace in Transition (2002-2005)

My Leadership Journey

1. No Pain, No Gain - The Path of Discipline (1984-1986) 

2. Don't Miss the Boat - The Pursuit for Growth (1987-1991) Part A / Part B

3. The Anointing of Elijah – The Pace-setter’s Legacy (1991-1992) Part A / Part B

4. Give me the Mountains – The Pioneering Spirit (1992-1996)

5. The Garden of Gethsemane – The Pain of Leadership (1997-2001)

6. The God of Faithfulness – The Peace in Transition (2002-2005)

The key to handling transition is to recognise that God is faithful. In transition, some people experience fear while others get stuck in a new system. However, when we exercise faith, we see possibilities which in turn gives us hope in the Lord.

In 2002, there were about 12 key leaders providing pastoral care to about 1200 youths with Marine Parade (in the east) as the main congregation centre. Soon, we knew the next stage of expansion is to have another main congregation centre in the west. Everybody knew it but nobody volunteered. Seeing the hesitation, I volunteered because if the God of faithfulness calls, I can sense His peace. It was a great move because I gained steep exposure and growth for the following 3 years. The youths under my leadership grew from 100 to 300.

In Psalms 85:7-13, verse 10 reads “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” The word ‘kiss’ is likened to deep intimacy. When we know God is faithful, we experience His peace. We do not need to be anxious and fearful because we know that God will carry us through.

Psalms 40:10 “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.”

All who are living will praise God with “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever”. I thanked God for His faithfulness despite uncertainties, despite our weaknesses and our fear. May the peace of God to be in the hearts and minds of those who trust in Him.

In Phase 5, I shared on how the key leadership and experienced leaders left. This meant that the wealth of learning that was accumulated over the years was lost. The situation was such that there was a leadership vacuum. Despite such a major change in the situation, I had peace because I knew that God is faithful and He will help train up the young leaders. I had the hope that they would eventually rise up to be spiritual giants.

One of those younger leaders quoted Matthew 10:41 “Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.” He added that the transition did not really seem like a transition for him as he felt that it was smooth and he experienced peace in the process.

There was actually a lot of turbulence around during the transition but I have the assurance that God is faithful. As a result, a peaceful and smooth transition took place. Are you going through a major transition in your life? Are you ready to experience His peace and His faithfulness?