Stepping Out With God - Pasir Panjang Church of Christ Singapore

PP Elders now on its 7th Year
PP was the first congregation in Singapore to install elders. It took us 40
years to come to the maturity to appoint elders. Our elders have been a
great blessing to the church at PP and in many ways, to the deaconship,
leadership and my work.
Prayers
Since the installation of our elders, they have met weekly on Sunday afternoons
at 5pm to cover the church in prayers. On many occasions, they visit hospitals,
nursing homes and members’ houses to pray. In my mind, this is the greatest
blessing elders bring to PP - “Is any sick among you? let him call for the
elders of the church; and let them pray over him... The effectual fervent
prayer of a righteous man availeth much” - James 5:14-16.
Presence
It is most encouraging to see our elders making a consistent effort to be
present at all our services, to the extend of attending both the morning
worships. This is so important not only in setting the example, (“Neither as
being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” -1 Peter
5:3) but to get to know the members and for the members to get to know
them. Since their appointment, they have opened their homes on Chinese
New Year to the church and have been outpouring in their hospitality to
members and visitors.
Pastoring
The appointment of elders has helped the leadership become scripturally
organized. I have relegated to the elders, the pastoring duties that I formerly
assumed when we did not have elders. Our elders perform marriage
counselling, sit down with members when they sin and patiently work out
issues with members with loving tender care in an effort to restore them to
active service - “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” - Ephesians 4:11.
Our elders hold a day job like all of us. I am amazed at their dedication and
the hours they put in their ministry. There is no doubt in my mind that the
Lord’s work and the welfare of members are first priority in their lives. I thank
God for their faithful wives and the support that our deaconship and leadership
give to our elders.
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