AG Times had a chat with Ps Jay Ong (front row, first from right), the newly minted Coordinator of NextGen Commission of the Assemblies of God, Singapore.
1. Tell us more about yourself
Growing up in church, I was a mischievous prankster. I rarely paid attention during Sunday School or services, and at youth camps, I was always busy pulling pranks on my friends and leaders.
But during one particular youth camp, something unexpected happened—I felt God ask me to give my life to Him and serve in full-time ministry as a pastor. At first, I dismissed it, thinking I was imagining things. After all, why would God call someone like me? There were plenty of better-behaved, more competent people He could choose.
Yet, the sense of God’s call persisted and grew stronger with each passing night. I began to question if God had made a mistake. Surely, He couldn’t be serious about choosing me? Over the next year, I wrestled deeply with this call, doubting my worthiness and suitability. It was only at an AG youth conference, Synergize, that everything became clear. At that pivotal event, my call to full-time ministry was confirmed. If not for that moment, I might still be struggling with the idea of serving God in this capacity.
Fast forward to when I became a youth pastor, I quickly realized I needed guidance. That’s when I met Rev Dr Isaiah Fadzlin, who offered invaluable advice that still shapes my ministry today. But more than just counsel, he paved the way for friendships, collaborations and opportunities, for which I am deeply grateful. Now, as I step into this new role, succeeding Rev Dr Isaiah, it is my hope to give back to the Assemblies of God community, supporting and encouraging other leaders as I was once supported.
2. What inspires you to take on this new appointment as the Coordinator of NextGen Commission of Singapore?
I firmly believe in the unity of the church. We are better together as one than as individual assemblies. I first joined as a team member of Next Generation Commission (NGC) because I longed to see fellow pastors, ministers and leaders of NextGen ministries come together to share stories and resources.
Later when Rev Mark Poh and Rev Dr Isaiah approached me about this role, I hesitated. Coming from a small church, I wondered, Who am I to lead my fellow co-laborers? But as I prayed, God reminded me of Gideon’s story—how He uses the unlikely to fulfill His purpose. Inspired by this, I step into this role trusting God to empower me to serve and unite the NextGen ministers of AG Singapore.
3. What is your overarching vision for this exciting ministry?
Vision:
NGC exists to serve, strengthen, and support pastors, ministers, and leaders in NextGen ministries through care, connection, and consultation. I hope to foster a sustainable ecosystem where these leaders are equipped to lead effectively and endure the challenges of ministry.
According to a survey in 2023 by Christian research organization Barna Group, 65% of pastors in America admitted to feeling lonely or isolated. Bringing it closer to home, of the 17 AG churches in Singapore with a full-time NextGen minister, 9 have only either a children or youth pastor. This means most NextGen pastors work alone, which can lead to discouragement or even depression.
As the late Ps Timothy Keller said, “Pastors often feel isolated. They need friends who understand the burdens of leadership and the loneliness of ministry. Having friends who are pastors can provide a refuge where they can be real, without the expectation of always being the leader.”
NGC seeks to be that refuge, providing care, support, and a collaborative community.
How to achieve it:
We will focus on three pillars: Safe Place, Shared Resources, and Skills Development. Through Safe Place, small groups will offer an environment where leaders can celebrate victories, share challenges, and build trust. Shared Resources will include a repository of discipleship tools, games, and access to mentors. Lastly, Skills Development will equip leaders with practical ministry competencies like counselling, financial planning, and event facilitation.
By fostering genuine relationships and providing practical support, NGC will help NextGen leaders thrive in their ministries and stay resilient for the long haul.
4. How do you cultivate your passion for the different groups?
Passion for each group flows from my desire to see them flourish in their God-given identity. I stay engaged by spending time with children, youth, and young adults, listening to their stories, and understanding their unique struggles. I also make it a point to learn continually—whether it’s through mentorship, reading, or attending trainings Finally, I encourage collaboration across ministries, believing that when we work together, we grow stronger. Seeing lives transformed inspires me to keep pressing on.
5. We know you are an avid soccer player and fan. How do you relate this ministry to soccer?
Soccer teaches us teamwork, strategy, and perseverance. Every player on the field has a unique role, and success depends on their ability to work together. Similarly, in ministry, no one person can do it all. We need to rely on one another to lead, support, and encourage. As the greatest football manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, once said, “I’m going to tell you the story about the geese which fly 5,000 miles from Canada to France. They fly in V-formation but the second ones don’t fly. They’re the subs for the first ones. And then the second ones take over – so it’s teamwork.”
In NGC, we are building this same culture of collaboration, where everyone plays a part, and no one is left to journey alone. My role, much like a coach, is to equip and encourage our team to work toward the common goal of empowering NextGen ministries across Singapore. As the Lausanne Covenant reminds us: World evangelization requires the whole Church to take the whole Gospel to the whole world.
Right now, the NGC team consists of:
- Rev Mark Poh from Emmanuel Assembly of God, advisor and representative from the AG Executive Committee
- Ps Isaac Ngo, the Youth and Young Adults pastor from Eternal Life Assembly
- Ps Alex Ang, the Children’s pastor from Emmanuel Assembly of God
- Ps Tan Yun Yun, the Youth pastor from Zion Full Gospel Church
But we need more teammates who are passionate about shaping the future of NextGen ministry.
Please reach out if you’re interested—we can’t wait to hear from you and explore how we can serve together!
