DAVID BOLER: “But in NECF, we reached a stage where we could pull each other’s legs mercilessly without any fear of upsetting one another. We could joke with one another about our differences, about what we have in common, about ourselves.”
"Take BM Seriously"
Make Bahasa Malaysia (BM) an integral part of our church life – that’s the impassioned plea to Malaysian churches by NECF Malaysia founding chairman David Boler.
He said the authorities may emphasise certain languages at different times but “what will not change is the fact that Bahasa (Malaysia) will remain the national language.” Churches, therefore, should seriously consider integrating BM into their meetings and, perhaps even become bi-lingual.
“Read the Bible in Bahasa, sing in Bahasa, pray in Bahasa,” he suggested. “The reality, however, is that churches are not keen in using the language in their church services. Some churches even resist it,” he lamented.
On a brighter note, Mr Boler was encouraged by churches’ involvement in social community work, which has received much media attention.
Mr Boler, who was NECF chairman for 12 years, made the remarks at an NECF staff devotion where he was sharing on the history of NECF. Below are his comments on some of the questions raised:
Why was NECF called a ‘fellowship’ and what does the term mean?
‘Fellowship’ is partaking of something and contributing to something. The word carries the idea of sharing something in common with someone. What is the common thing you have with other fellowshippers? For instance, you can talk about fellowship in a common grace. All of you share in God’s grace with me, Paul (the Apostle) says. Let’s fellowship. In the context of NECF, we have a common stand. We subscribe to something we all hold, in which we all can share, and in which we all can participate. This was the point we were trying to make – that we should focus on what we have in common instead of focussing on the distinctives, which cause division.
What comes to your mind when you recall your years as the chairman?
The thought of being able to meet so many people you normally wouldn’t have met, being able to accept one another. The tendency was to look at our differences; the great thing was to forget our differences and emphasise what we had in common.
As the chairman, did you find yourself growing in your faith?
Certainly. There was so much to learn from other people, so much to respect about the way they do things differently. I was greatly humbled. You know I belong to the Brethren Assembly and we wouldn’t touch the Charismatics with a barge-pole. That’s the kind of feeling there is still among some of them (Brethrens) who have not met with them (Charismatics). But in NECF, we reached a stage where we could pull each other’s legs mercilessly without any fear of upsetting one another. We could joke with one another about our differences, about what we have in common, about ourselves. There was a real bond which had been built up, not necessarily on doctrines but on real friendship.
Exhortation to NECF
I want to refer to a comment by John Stott who said: “I continue to be profoundly grieved by Evangelicals’ tendency to fragment … People now refer to the multiple types of Evangelicalism like placing qualifying adjectives in front of Evangelicals. So you call yourself a conservative Evangelical, a liberal Evangelical, a radical progressive Evangelical, an open Evangelical, reformed Evangelical, a Charismatic or a post-modern Evangelical. Again we place the distinctives. NECF needs to ensure that an Evangelical is an Evangelical. We’ve got a basis of unity, we’ve drawn up something on which we all agree, otherwise you don’t join. When we start to introduce distinctives, whether consciously or unconsciously, then problems start to happen. When you plan programmes or do something, see that it’s something that the whole spectrum of Evangelical churches can participate.
DR KOH ENG KIAT
ELDER OF FULL GOSPEL ASSEMBLY, KUALA LUMPUR
“NECF Malaysia has helped to bring unity to the Church of Malaysia by breaking down denominational walls. It has further persuaded the Government to recognise the Church’s contribution to nation building, specifically in building a stable, prosperous and God - fearing nation.
On the other hand, it has kept churches updated on developments in the nation and provided clear analyses of current positions affecting the Church politically, socially and economically.
As for our church, NECF has helped us by connecting us to the right authorities pertaining to specific problems, such as problems with local authorities regarding use of shop houses for church premises.” |
