THE local church is the biblical channel to reach out to the nation. Hence, it is imperative that Christians are aware of and concerned about current national issues, so that they can make effective long-term plans that will contribute to nation building. Additionally, the church must maintain a high standard of management and discipline.
NECF Malaysia Chairman Rev. Eu Hong Seng made the remarks in his message to over 500 participants attending the 2nd NECF Tamil conference at Full Gospel Tabernacle, Subang Jaya, in August.
The former NECF Tamil Commission chairman lamented that churches are normally tied down to the “ABC agenda” – attendance, building and cash – and urged the participants to break out of this mentality if they want their churches to be effective channels to bless the nation.
The two-day conference, themed “Building Strong Churches”, had a three-fold aim of motivating pastors and leaders of the Tamil churches to build healthy and strong churches that last; challenging them to identify weaknesses that restrict proper and dynamic growth; and learning the dynamic key church growth principles that enhance the building process. The underlying premise of the entire conference was that strong churches are a real possibility in our nation.
At another session, Rev. Eu helped the participants explore the factors needed in “Building the Tabernacle”. He stressed seven factors in building a strong church – jealously (not by begging, badgering and bluffing), willingly, spiritually, skillfully, obediently, daily and generously. Throughout his message, he emphasised the need for pastors and leaders to raise the standard of ministry so that God’s work can be done more scripturally, skillfully and intelligently.
The second speaker was Rev. David Mohan, pastor of India’s largest 300,000-member church. He shared practical ways to build a strong church by creating a strong leadership, providing motivational preaching, developing a healthy self-image for the church and equipping church members with skills.
Another speaker, Rev. P. S. Rajamani, shared the need to recapture the vision of three Old Testament builders whom God used to restore three phases of revival – Zerubabbel in restoring the temple, Ezra in restoring the people and Nehemiah in restoring the walls.
Every church must revive and restore her worship, her people and her spiritual covering, said the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God churches in South India.
Rev. Rajamani also cautioned the participants on the danger of the church sidetracking from her original purpose and vision, and the necessity for the church to boldly take a non-compromising stand.
The day sessions were followed by a time of prayer and rededication where God moved powerfully as participants prayerfully responded to Him.
The night rallies reminded the congregation about the crucial issues that were involved in proper church building – keeping the right vision, obedience, cleansing and sanctification.
Each night drew many to a deeper commitment in the Lord, with, many weeping and rededicating their lives. While the day sessions were full of exhortation and vision enhancement, the two nights were nights of cleansing, healing and restoration.
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