Three Reasons Why I Love the Assemblies of God
Rev Dr Patrick Lau, Faith Fellowship International
Through the eyes of our longest serving General Superintendent, Rev Dr Patrick Lau shares why he loves the Assemblies of God (AG) Singapore movement.
My Association with the AG Singapore
I gave my heart to Jesus in 1965 through the ministry of Truth for Youth Movement, under Bethel Assembly. I had no idea then about denominations. All I knew was this church—Bethel Assembly. Through the years I discovered that Bethel Assembly was one of the churches under the umbrella of the AG Singapore. Later, I also learned that this is part of a worldwide AG Movement.
I grew spiritually in Bethel Assembly, learned the doctrines of AG (Singapore), and began to love this church, the people, and the leaders. I decided that this was where I would stay and embrace all the teachings of the AG.
Soon, I got deeper into this movement. I served as a pastor for over 43 years, and as the General Superintendent of this movement for 31 years. This is how much I have loved this movement, and still do.
Why Do I Love This Movement?
1. The Doctrines of the AG (Singapore)
The AG Singapore, and worldwide, has a set of doctrines that we call the 16 Fundamental Truths or 16 Tenets of Faith. It covers the basic teachings of the Bible. The AG doctrines are practical. They unify us as a movement, identify who we are, and build Christians to be strong and powerful witnesses for the Lord.
As a Christian and a pastor, I find the fundamental truths beneficial. They help me know where I stand.
As a Christian and a pastor, I find the fundamental truths beneficial. They help me know where I stand. The doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues, has been a powerful instrument in the growth of the AG Churches. The empowerment from the Holy Spirit gives believers the boldness to be witnesses for Jesus. The Holy Spirit also enables believers to experience freedom in worship expression.
2. The All-Embracing Character of the AG (Singapore)
Though we have a set of fundamental doctrines to let people know where we come from and who we are as a movement, the AG is not exclusive. We do not behave that we are the only ones who have answers and are favored by God. We are not proud and arrogant but are very accommodating to other denominations. Let me elaborate on what I mean.
We work together to build God’s Kingdom, not just our own kingdoms.
When serving as the General Superintendent, I was asked to sit on several interdenominational committees. I sat in the National Council of Churches (Singapore), Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore, Bible Society (Singapore) Advisory Council, Billy Graham Crusade planning committee, and the Military Christian Fellowship Advisory Council. Though the committee members were from different denominations, we all worked well together. The other denominational leaders happily embraced me as an AG leader. I became a good friend to the leaders of the other denominations. That is why I love this movement. We work together to build God’s Kingdom, not just our own kingdoms.
I recall another very amazing account about how the Lord granted us a favor. When our Bible school, Assemblies of God Bible College (the present ACTS College), needed to be registered with the Ministry of Education, it looked impossible. Without that recognition, overseas students could not study in our Bible School. It was the Late Canon James Wong, an Anglican Canon, who helped us to be registered with the Ministry of Education. He was then the Chairman of all Anglican Schools. It was then that we could accept overseas students. Over the years we have developed great friendships and fellowship with all denominations.
3. Passionate in Missions and Evangelism
I can say that the growth of this movement is due to its passion for missions and evangelism endeavors.
I can say that the growth of this movement is due to its passion for missions and evangelism endeavors. When I was a young pastor, I was blessed to see how few churches (there were only about five AG churches in the 1960s) would always gather to plan for youth rallies, crusades, door-to-door evangelism, and other events. When I came into leadership, the fire for missions and passion for evangelism were still burning hot. I am glad to have witnessed many AG churches being pioneered in this period.
I cannot forget the youth rallies back then. Lorries carrying loads of believers and friends who were enthusiastically waving their own church flags would pull up at rally venues like Victoria Memorial Hall or Victoria Concert Hall. The halls would easily pack more than a thousand youths. There was so much excitement in evangelism and reaching people for Jesus.
The passion for missions was also strong. Most churches participated in the Mission Faith Pledge, introduced by Rev Dr Fred Seaward. I was amazed by how far churches engaged in missions. Even small churches were sending missionaries, supporting missionaries, and planting churches overseas. When the churches take care of God’s business in missions and evangelism, He takes care of building the local churches. I love the cooperation among the AG churches. We move like a live movement. We are united. We move like a mighty army.
Dependence on the Holy Spirit to take the AG movement into powerful encounters continues to this day. We shall move forward till Jesus comes to take His Church. I am so glad to be part of the AG movement in Singapore.
Rev Dr Patrick Lau K.T. is currently serving as the pioneer and Senior Pastor of Faith Fellowship International. He is also a Pastoral Mentor to younger pastors and ministers. He has served as the General Superintendent of the AG Singapore for 31 years and has sat on the committees of several local Christian organizations while in office as a General Superintendent. Rev Dr Lau is a veteran full-time minister and has been with the AG for over 50 years. He is married to Dr Rina Nga Su Yin. His two adult children are Rev Daphne Lau and Dwayne Lau.
