17 & 18 October 2026 (Pastoral Page) CALLED TO A NOBLE TASK

by Ps Lim Wei-en

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (1 Timothy 3:1)

When people ask me when I was called to be a pastor, I point back to a Christian camp during my varsity days. At the finale of that camp, the speaker, Rev. Edmund Chan, invited those who were open to being called by God into vocational, full-time ministry to respond. Along with around 20 others, I went forward to the stage, knelt down and was prayed over.

In truth, the beginnings of that calling began much earlier. I was born, bred and raised in The Bible Church, Singapore (TBCS), and have never known a time in life in which this church was not a part of my identity and community. (For this, I thank my parents, who not only brought me to TBCS but modelled a life of faith and service to me from young.) I remember attending Sunday School classes – both in the Junior and Senior Sunday School, as it was called back then – which were taught by God-fearing teachers, many of whom are still worshipping with us today. These laid the foundations for my knowledge of, and love for, the Bible. Subsequently, as I got involved in the youth ministry, my zeal for serving the church was awakened and my ministry skills were honed. I enjoyed using my gifts to serve and growing as a result of that service. When the question was asked if I would consider serving vocationally, despite the challenges and sacrifices I foresaw in making that choice, it wasn’t hard to say “yes” to the Lord.

It’s been 25 years since I made the slow walk to that stage and I would never have guessed the journey that was to follow. It’s a journey that has included:

• Being involved with youth-at-risk through the ministry of Youth Guidance and Youth Guidance Outreach Services.

• Going on missions trips to different countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Philippines, Cambodia, Uganda.

• Furthering my theological studies in Canada and, at present, in the US.

• Speaking in and partnering with different churches and para-church organisations.

• Ministry “highs” such as leading people to Christ and discipling them thereafter, counselling couples and solemnising their weddings, journeying with people/families through dark moments and out of them, organising initiatives for the church to bless the wider community/nations.

• Ministry “lows” such as saying goodbye to people I’ve served with, going through bouts of spiritual and professional stagnation, witnessing unresolved conflicts and hurts among members and leaders.

… among others. I thank the Lord for each of these eye-opening moments (especially the difficult times) and how they have enriched my life in, and dependence on, Him. They have also contributed to my preparation for the next assignment in ministry.

When the possibility that I could be the next lead pastor first emerged a few years ago, part of me resisted the idea. At that point in my ministry, I did not think my gifts and strengths were suited for such a role. At the same time, I was willing to serve God and the church in whatever capacity required. Frankly, I was ambivalent towards this role until a trusted senior in church urged me to have a clear personal stand on this matter and not take on the role just because there was a need. From there, I went into a season of prayer and soul-searching. Laying my heart open to God, I asked Him to show me His way for me. Through that season of prayer, I sensed God telling me that this role was the “next step” in my discipleship journey, the next phase in my personal growth toward Christlikeness.  And so when the time came for an answer to be given concerning being the next lead pastor of TBCS, I said to God, as I did 25 years ago, “yes”.

I do not see becoming the Lead Pastor as a career progression or a move toward greater fame and glory. In fact, in the realm of Christian service, as our Lord Himself demonstrated when He washed His disciples’ feet before going the Cross, any step “up” is a step “down”. I know hard times await those who want to serve as leaders of God’s flock. However, as Paul said to Timothy, those who aspire to be an overseer desire a noble task. Church leadership is a noble task because it entails the care and nurture of God’s blood-bought people. It is a noble task because it involves leading the church into its destiny as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. It is a noble task because it involves daily communing with and learning from the Good Shepherd Himself, who laid down His life for His sheep.

I am taking on this role with humility and trepidation knowing I will be called to give an account to God for how I have led and served His people. Following in the footsteps of Senior Pastor Soo Yeong, who has served God faithfully in this role for 20 years, is also no mean feat. At the same time, the vision of what TBCS could be in the next phase of our history excites me – I wake up most mornings thankful and burdened, with equal measure, for TBCS. I truly believe the Lord has much He wants to do in us and through us and I will endeavour, together with the other leaders in this generation, to serve God’s purposes towards that end.

May I entreat you to pray for me as I undertake this noble task I have been called to? Pray that I would be an overseer who loves God wholeheartedly and enjoys time with Him through daily and weekly spiritual rhythms of grace, who cares for my family as my primary flock, who is wise and kind in my dealings with fellow leaders and God’s people, who leads prayerfully, humbly, sacrificially, hospitably and by example, who remains faithful to the teachings of Scripture and is sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And pray for our church to be ready for what God has in store for us. To God be the glory!