1 & 2 August 2026 (Pastoral Page) LEAD PASTOR TRANSITION (PART 2 OF 3)

by Snr Ps Beh Soo Yeong

(This is the second of three instalments relating to our LP transition. See the first one here.)

Previously, I shared about our church’s Lead Pastor (LP) transition process, plan and reasons. We had a very encouraging and affirming congregational engagement on 5 July, where we shared and dialogued in greater detail. We will be doing the same for the young adults on 16 August. Ps Wei-en will return on 1 September, after his six-months Sabbatical, and will lead the staff team in the September planning retreat to prepare for next year. He will be installed as LP on 1 January 2027 – please mark your calendars.

What are we anticipating from this transition? Right from the start, we wanted to ensure that the transition is guided by prayer and thoughtfulness. Allow me to share my desired outcomes from this transition, so that you can join me to uphold this process in prayer.

1.  Unity of purpose among the leadership

As part of his role, the incoming LP is called to discern how the Lord is leading him and the church, and to implement any change wisely. As the primary link between the Church Council and staff team, the LP will need to unite the whole leadership team, to forge the path forward together.

Pray that over time, the new LP will be given the wisdom to galvanise and lead the Council and staff towards a common vision. Likewise, pray that he will lead the church with the leadership team towards God’s vision for us.

2.  Deeper leadership bench

Since 2025, staff members have been reorganised into 5 teams, as follows: (1) Spiritual formation Team led by Ps Wei-en, (2) Community Life Team led by Ps Keet Keong, (3) Lifestage Discipleship Team led by me, (4) Outreach and Missions Team led by Asst Ps Elaine, and (5) Ministry Support Team led by Beng Hwee. Each team leader, as part of the Staff Leadership Team (Staff LT), will directly supervise and coach his or her team members and will report to the new LP. This new structure allows the incoming LP to lead, without being overly burdened. It will also allow us to collaborate and synergise our ministries better.

Pray that the Staff LT, led by Ps Wei-en will be able to work seamlessly, thus deepening our leadership bench strength. Pray that the staff team will be even more effective under Ps Wei-en’s leadership.

3.  Continuity & growth of ministries

Notwithstanding the transition, we hope to see a steady continuity of our key ministries, especially outreach and discipleship. Worship, prayer and pastoral care must continue. Most importantly, the Word must be obeyed and Christ must be exalted.

Pray that every ministry will build on all that God has been doing in and through us in the past years. Pray also that the transition will spark excitement and fresh hope for the future and greater spiritual vitality in the Lord, with increasing church-life participation (e.g. attendance, education, small groups, giving, financial stewardship etc).

4.  Church’s receptiveness to change

In the centre of this LP transition is our receptiveness to change. When the Israelites were asked to follow Joshua, all they asked was that Joshua follows the Lord unwaveringly (Joshua 1.16-18). May this too be our posture, that we would follow any new direction or course so long as our leaders follow the Lord! Of course, this does not mean there is no conflict or differences of opinions.

Pray that as a church, we will be fully supportive and encouraging of the incoming LP throughout the entire change process. Pray also for a culture of healthy conflict management, resolution and decision-making.

5.  Smooth transition for the incoming LP

The Church Council and I believe that Ps Wei-en has the necessary qualities, strengths and potential to lead the church into the next season, under God. However, even though he has been a long-serving staff, he would need some time to get used to his new roles and responsibilities. It is important for him to be able to serve and lead through his own personality, strengths and giftings rather than his predecessor’s. It is also important for the church not to impose any unreasonable expectations and comparisons.

Pray that Ps Wei-en will be able to adjust to his new roles smoothly and seamlessly, with much strength and joy. Pray for God’s protection over him and his family in the journey ahead as they make this transition. Pray specifically for:

1.      Integrity of heart. Pray for his character, especially how he handles authority, fulfils his responsibilities and honours his commitments.

2.      Skilfulness of hands. Pray that he will grow in his competencies, communications and capacity to lead a growing church in an increasingly VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) environment.

3.      Restedness of spirit. Pray for a God-centred restedness, that he will lead out of a secure and rested posture.

Thank you for praying and standing together as a church in this LP transition!