What’s Next for Ministry Progression?

On October 8, 2026, over 130 ministers from 43 churches gathered at the 2TiP event to gain candid wisdom from Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy and a seasoned panel on calling, ministry progression, and leadership transitions.

For the second time, the Next Generation Commission (NGC) organised a 2TiP gathering focused on the journeys, questions, and future of younger ministers. More than 130 pastors and ministers from over 43 churches attended, bringing together a wide range of ministry experiences from across the Assemblies of God family.

The gathering began around the lunch tables, where participants were intentionally seated with ministers from different churches and generations. The arrangement invited conversations that might otherwise not take place. As stories were shared, participants learned more about one another’s ministry contexts, callings, challenges, and hopes for the Church.

Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy of Trinity Christian Centre opened the program with a keynote on ministry progression. She reminded the gathering that ministry begins with a calling from God, but ministers also need a developmental track that helps them grow in effectiveness. This includes knowing one’s identity in Christ, recognizing gifts and skills, receiving honest counsel from spiritual leaders, and remaining open to mentoring moments.

Rev Dowdy also spoke about the importance of alignment with a church’s philosophy of ministry, vision, and values. A minister may work alongside people with different personalities, she noted, but sustaining ministry becomes difficult when leaders hold fundamentally different views of how the church should be led. Clear vision helps ministers understand where they fit and how their work contributes to the wider mission of the church.

One question drew particular attention: “Can you fire a pastor?” Rev Dowdy answered frankly that a senior pastor carries responsibility before God to steward the church and its staff well. A difficult staffing decision does not invalidate a pastor’s anointing or calling. Rather, it may recognize that the person is no longer called to serve in that particular setting. Such decisions must be handled with grace, care, and a concern for both the individual and the health of the congregation.

The panel that followed brought these themes into personal focus. Moderated by Ps Aaron Kok of Grace Assembly of God, it featured Rev Dr Naomi Dowdy, Rev Peter Lui of Elim Church, Evangelist Rev Matthew Tan of the “Jesus Heal Me” ministry, and Ps Benjamin Tan of Bethel Assembly of God.

Rev Peter shared about his clear calling to serve as a second-chair leader. Though senior pastor roles had been offered to him, he found freedom in recognizing that God had called him to support and strengthen other leaders. His story raised an important question for younger ministers: how can one discern a genuine second-chair calling from a reluctance to lead?

Rev Matthew spoke about God calling him out of a full-time local church role into itinerant ministry, with its uncertainties and changing rhythms. Ps Benjamin reflected on responding to God’s call into full-time ministry immediately after graduating from university, even before every detail of the journey was clear. Together, the panel considered how ministers can leave well, seek release with honor, and remain faithful when the future is still unfolding.

The gathering concluded with a special announcement from Rev David Lim, President of ACTS College. ACTivate, a new 10-week program for young people aged 18 and above, will ground young people and emerging leaders in Pentecostal faith as they enter higher education. For more information, please contact Ps Jay Ong or Ps David Lim.