By Rev Dr Forest Koh
As God’s missional disciples, we’re called to live out our faith in ways that reflect Christ’s love and purpose. This year, with our focus on knowing God intimately, serving sacrificially, and showing grace whole-heartedly, it’s important to understand the difference between volunteering and serving. While the two words might seem similar, they come from entirely different heart postures—one rooted in self, and the other in worship.
By Rev Dr Forest Koh
Life often presents us with situations where we feel compelled to act, to fix, and to intervene. We want to do something. We believe we can do something. Yet, there are moments when our actions only deepen the complexity of the mess we are in, especially in relationships. The more we do, the messier it becomes. And so, I am learning to do something by not doing anything - by being still and waiting upon God.
By Rev Dr Forest Koh
Have you ever felt lonely while serving God? Especially during this Christmas season, you may find yourself overwhelmed with endless tasks during the day, and as night falls, as you recline in your bed, if sleep eludes you, have you ever been gripped by a sense of loneliness, forcing yourself to sleep just to escape that fleeting moment of solitude?
As I read the account of Jesus' birth, one character in Luke chapter 2 caught my attention: Anna the prophetess. Her husband died after they had been married for seven years, and she then lived in the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. When she met the baby Jesus, she was already 84 years old. Did she ever feel lonely in the temple after all those years of service, considering Luke 2:37 says, "she did not depart from the temple"?
By Rev Dr Forest Koh
When someone said that one of the purposes of church membership was for discipline, I was taken aback. Was joining the church formally merely a gateway to correction?
This left me initially shocked and, admittedly, somewhat amused. It seemed almost laughable. It sounded like we signed up to be part of a community just to be reprimanded when we stepped out of line.
By Rev Dr Forest Koh
In pastoral ministry, building relationships is not just part of the job - it is the job. We are called to love our flock as Christ has loved us. 1 John 4:19 reminds us that “we love because He first loved us.” This love flows from Jesus, through us, and into the lives of those we serve. There is nothing quite like the experience of watching a church grow in love - seeing people care for one another, lift each other up, and support each other through difficult times. As pastors, we get to witness the beauty of community - a community that reflects God’s love to the world.
By Rev Dr Forest Koh
As I reflect on my 24 years of pastoring, I find myself filled with gratitude. When I first felt the call to ministry, I had no idea just how transformative and fulfilling this journey would be. Today, I want to share with you why I believe pastoring is the best job in the world.
