Community - Matthew Saw

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STEP is over. All things on this earth eventually come to an end, and STEP was no exception. As the programme drew to a close, we were asked to prepare a short letter to our church leadership, telling them about this programme and all that we had taken away from it. In it, I reflected that my greatest takeaway from this programme was the sense of community that had erupted amongst us, the participants. We started as a ragtag group of lay leaders from various Presbyterian churches, and now, we are a community, having had a common experience for 3 weeks. After this, many small projects and side groups will erupt. Some will succeed, some will fail. Deeper relationships may form, and we will talk about them. We will be invited for talks, hang out sessions, and all sorts of other get-togethers. Some will come, some will fall away, but we will always remember. When we see each other in our churches, in serendipity, and in heaven, we will reminisce about our time in STEP. We are more than a group of interns. We are a budding community, waiting for nurturing.

Pastor Kuo Yung from Katong Presbyterian Church (my church!) came to tell us about the missional church. His vision of the missional church was one that lived God’s intended life for His people. This church would be a community, a shining light on a hill that cannot be hidden, and the world will see Jesus in the love the community has for each other (John 13:35). He shared in some detail the struggles the church had to go through to reach this state, and I saw a side I never got to see in my formative years as a Christian in my church. He shared about how a conflict in the church divided many among us. Amidst the harsh words and painful exchanges, combined with changes in leadership, we effectively burned down. Out from the ashes rose a stronger group, determined to not repeat the mistakes that brought them to their knees. We decided to become a stronger church. We formed five core values that we practice and live by together, and grew in love for one another. Then God began to add to the community, by sending them people in need, people who worship other gods, and people who were spiritually bankrupt saw that light, and were attracted to it. I think we too will go through the same.
 

As STEP interns, many generations of future interns will come. God will continue to add to our number, as we repeat this programme. He will shape us and refine us with fire. Not all of us will want to be associated with STEP. Conflict and calling may divide us. Some of us will go to distant lands to serve God, leaving us to pray in waiting. However, through common experience and common belief in Jesus Christ, we will always be united. My prayer is for us to not give up meeting together, not give up serving together, and not give up relating to one another. I pray that we will become an inter-church community so bright, that other members of the body may see, and realise that there is a greater unity to be found. One that does not just exist in dreams or visions, but one that exists right now. One that builds up, nurtures the next generation, and that is outward looking enough to serve others and our own church as well. I pray that God will not let go of this community, that we will be used by Him to build up His body, that His body may reach the world together. Faith and community are symptoms of a greater thing, the great God that gathers to save.

Matthew Saw