Trinitarian Missiology: Embracing the Mission of the Sending God
By Ps Navin Ong, Centre of New Life
Our ministers gained new insights on the Trinitarian Missiology.
We were blessed to gather for the July 4, Training and Togetherness in Prayer (2TiP) session, led by Rev Dr Alvin Lim, Senior Pastor of Maranatha Christian Assembly. Our hearts were stirred and our spirits uplifted as we delved into the rich depths of Trinitarian Missiology, gaining profound insights and practical guidance for our ministries.
Embracing the Mission of the Missional Trinity
Rev Dr Alvin brought to light the divine beauty of Trinitarian Missiology, reminding us that God’s mission begins with the initiative of the Father, manifests through the incarnation of the Son, and is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Initiative of God the Father
We learned about the Missio Dei—the mission of God—which highlights His proactive role in human history. It’s God’s mission to restore and heal creation, and we are invited to join this divine initiative. It’s not our mission; it’s His, and His sovereignty reigns supreme in His redemptive plan.
Incarnation of God the Son
Pastor Alvin passionately emphasized living an incarnational lifestyle, mirroring Jesus’ mission on earth. He encouraged us to engage deeply with our communities, just as Jesus did. Life-on-life discipleship groups were highlighted as essential, fostering transformative relationships that reflect the power of the Gospel. We were reminded to keep Christ at the centre of all we do, ensuring our ministries are gospel-centred.
Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us for mission, equipping us with discernment and the five-fold ministry gifts. This empowerment is crucial for living missionally, embodying Kingdom values in every facet of our lives. We were encouraged to seek communion with the Spirit, allowing His guidance to lead us in all our endeavours.
Sending of the Missional Church
Our calling is to be a missional Body of Christ—gathered to be scattered. While we come together for worship and edification, we must also go out into the world, living out our faith. Pastor Alvin reminded us that the church exists for the benefit of non-members, emphasizing the need for intergenerational discipleship and community engagement.
Announcements and Updates
Teen Challenge Walk and Ride Charity (April 15 to Dec 26, 2024)
Let’s rally behind the Walk & Ride Charity Challenge, supporting those overcoming addiction through our participation in cycling, blading, running, or walking. Donations directly benefit Teen Challenge (Singapore), with government matching contributions dollar for dollar. Every $50 can provide a week’s worth of nutritious food, and $500 can fund counselling and therapeutic programs. A heartfelt testimony from Bernard, a former drug addict, highlighted the transformative power of faith-based recovery and the essential role of Christian community support.
7th International Chinese Pentecostal Conference
We are invited to the 7th International Chinese Pentecostal Conference in Malacca from November 25 to 28. This will be a powerful gathering of Chinese-speaking AG churches, featuring renowned speakers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The theme is relying on the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Christ. Let’s prepare our hearts for a time of spiritual renewal and inspiration.
Leadership Transition
A significant transition is upon us as Bro Loy steps down, and Ps Chia steps up as the acting Executive Director from August onwards. Bro Loy’s leadership during the COVID circuit-breaker season was instrumental in providing wisdom and insights for effective navigation though the Pandemic, and we trust Ps Chia will continue to lead us with wisdom and grace.
Wrap-Up
As we reflect on this powerful session, let us open our hearts to what the Holy Spirit is revealing to us. We are called to embrace the mission of the Sending God, empowered by the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is leading us into a season of deeper engagement, greater compassion, and more fervent discipleship. Let us unite and advance with the Spirit’s guidance, boldly becoming His witnesses in every corner of the world. As we embrace MM33, the Assemblies of God embarks on a divine mission, with each of us playing a vital role in His magnificent plan.