3 & 4 Jan 2026 (Pastoral Page) A JOURNEY OF GRACE: MY CALL TO PASTORAL MINISTRY

by Ps Lai Keet Keong

Ever since I became a believer, the call to serve God has been a steady rhythm in my heart. It began not with a dramatic voice from heaven, but a quiet, persistent desire to serve Him and His people. There is a deep-seated desire to study His Word, to walk alongside others in their faith journeys, and to give my life to the building up of the body of Christ.

This call was a seed planted in my youth, watered through seasons of prayer, nurtured by the wise guidance of mentors, and affirmed by the fellowship of believers. It was a conviction that grew stronger with time – that my purpose was found in full-time ministry. The path to this moment, however, was not one I walked alone. Every step has been paved entirely by God’s grace, made tangible through the hands and hearts of His people. And I am deeply grateful to the incredible family of The Bible Church, Singapore, through which that grace has flowed.

My journey to becoming a pastor here is a testament to God’s orchestration of community. When the door opened to join TBCS, I was not met with hesitation, but with open arms. I am thankful to Pastor Soo Yeong and the Church Council for accepting me, and for your thoughtful guidance as I integrate into the church family. From the very beginning, you have been the embodiment of supportive leadership. You have consistently believed in me, prayed fervently for me and my family, and offered wise and timely counsel that has steered me through complex situations. Your trust was not merely positional, it was pastoral, creating a safe space for me to learn, grow, and serve without fear. You saw potential where I felt uncertain and provided a foundation of stability upon which I could stand.

The last five years of serving alongside all of you have been nothing short of an encouraging experience. I recall my first weeks here, feeling the typical newcomer’s apprehension. On top of that, it was during the time when Covid hit our nation, and we went into a “Circuit Breaker” mode. Physical opportunities to connect were limited, yet this community swiftly dismantled any walls with the warmest hospitality. You invited my wife, Lilian, and me, to countless meals, coffee and conversations that moved from polite greetings to genuine fellowship. I have treasured every encouragement note, card, and message you sent. They lifted my spirit and confirmed God’s grace for His work time and time again.

More than your kindness to me personally, I have been deeply moved by your openness as a congregation to welcome not just me, but the specific ministry God has placed on my heart. To the many CG Leaders & Assistant leaders, Core Group & CG members, the Pastoral Care ministry teams, various project co-workers, and to my esteemed co-workers in the Church office, Lilian and I are deeply thankful to God for each of you! I have been humbled by your willingness to serve together tirelessly, showing up week after week with a servant’s heart. You have cheered me on, forgiven my missteps, celebrated small victories, and constantly pointed me back to Christ. You have taught me what it means to be the body of Christ in practice: interdependent, compassionate, and steadfast.

As I step into this new chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. I feel the weight of the call, yet I know that I do not carry its burden alone. I am surrounded by a faithful cloud of witnesses – by you. I am here because God called, and because you, my dear brothers and sisters of TBCS, affirmed that call through your love, support, and partnership in God’s work.

I am excited for our future together, trusting that the same God who has been faithful to bring us to this point will continue His great work in and through us all. My prayer is that we would collectively be a people who seek His face, embody His love, and proclaim His truth, for His glory alone. Thank you for being my church, my mentors, and my family. I am truly honoured to serve as one of your pastors. May the Lord, in His infinite wisdom and grace, guide our every step forward, together.