The third day began with a soul-searching devotion pertaining to how much we feel unqualified during ministry. Many a time, we often find ourselves struggling whenever someone comes to approach us to take part in ministry work, a project or to take on a responsibility in church. Yet the Bible speaks clearly in 1 Timothy 4:12 “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers n speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
During the period of time when Paul wrote this letter to young Timothy, Paul was in jail and was concerned about inexperienced Timothy. Paul wants to warn Timothy to get ready because Paul has already experienced what he is about to go through. He warns Timothy so that he will not feel discouraged whe it happens to him. In that very same chapter (1 Timothy 4), Paul also gave very direct instructions to Timothy: ‘train yourself to be godly’ (verse 7); don’t believe in old wives takes and to protect ourselves so that we can show people the right thing as ourselves to be Godly.
So what was all those blabber about 1 Timothy 4 all about? Basically, this chapter contains a wealth of youth teachings that applies to us youths (according to the Singapore standard, anyone aged 35 years and below are considered YOUTHS!). This chapter also serves as an encouragement to us whenever we are stuck in that situation of feeling ‘unqualified’ or ‘incapable’. Surely Timothy was not taught to be the most knowledge nor the most talented person around before he could serve, but most importantly, he was taught to lead a Godly live, to ‘watch your [his] life and doctrine closely, persevere in them, because if you do so, you will serve both yourself and your hearers’ (1 Timothy 4:15-16).
Personally, this is the chapter I am always reminded of whenever I am approached to do something that I feel inadequate or incapable of doing. To those who often find themselves in such a trap or dilemma, I encourage you to remember the wise advices of dear Paul, if not, re-read the letters that Paul painstakingly wrote to Timothy while he was in chains (1 and 2 Timothy)!
From the talk by Dr. Simon Chan
Personally, I was very intrigued by the manner Dr. Chan explained ‘theological education’. Surely I would not have thought of it in the indirect manner (i.e. worship, praying, singing) as mentioned by him. Indeed, the covert actions more often than not surpass the overt actions that we put up. Psychologically, we are often ‘primed’ by the unconscious things that happen around us rather than those that are right smacked in our face. Thus, having said that, the church often reminds us of the direct theological education, equipping us with what we need through Sunday school, pulpit series, seminars and so on. Yet it is the indirect, subtle actions that we are tasked to take charge of in order not to let anyone stumble in service or truths.
Personally, I was very intrigued by the manner Dr. Chan explained ‘theological education’. Surely I would not have thought of it in the indirect manner (i.e. worship, praying, singing) as mentioned by him. Indeed, the covert actions more often than not surpass the overt actions that we put up. Psychologically, we are often ‘primed’ by the unconscious things that happen around us rather than those that are right smacked in our face. Thus, having said that, the church often reminds us of the direct theological education, equipping us with what we need through Sunday school, pulpit series, seminars and so on. Yet it is the indirect, subtle actions that we are tasked to take charge of in order not to let anyone stumble in service or truths.
Another segment in Dr. Chan’s talk that caught me was how theological education links to social engagement. He mentioned two types of social engagement: social services and social issues. Sure enough, many of the Presbyterian churches I know of are involved in social engagements in one way or another.
For instance, elderly care services, day care for children etc. are part of the services of some churches. The pragmatic reasons behind it are clear and well known even to non-believers – ageing population, dual-role parents and so on. But how many of us are clear of the theological reasons behind it?
As I pondered over his talk, I felt that this is one of the core reasons why many people serving in ministry face the effects of ‘burn-out’. ‘Burn-out’ is nothing new, and nothing uncommon especially amongst the working professionals. Even us as students sometimes face this breaking point where we are totally unable to function anymore – physically shagged, mentally unstable and emotionally torn. What about ministry workers?
The common answer that you would hear perhaps sounds like this: “God’s servants won’t be hungry, tired, upset because if your God is so amazing, your people won’t suffer like this!” WOW! So does that mean that we are just like God? I guess not. But if we as ministry workers have the well-grounded theological reasons behind what we are doing, we would be much better driven as opposed to the secular workers who set up similar social services as we do. For instance, Dr. Chan mentioned that doing good is an expression of Christian hospitality to both Christians and strangers. This is well documented in the bible that tells us to ‘practice hospitality’ and ‘do not forget to show hospitality’. BUT, unfortunately or not, hospitality does not equate to positive results. It simply refers to how we should live out this Christian life, reflecting the life of the Trinity in a purpose-driven manner!
Crystal Tang
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