Chinese Annual Conference 49th Session 2024

By cac CAC News December 16, 2024

Chinese Annual Conference 49th Session 2024

Delegates of the 49th Session of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) gathered at Charis Methodist Church from November 11 to 14, 2024, concluding the 2021–2024 quadrennium. A major focus was the election of new leaders for the 2025–2028 term. With Rev Dr Gregory Goh stepping down after two quadrennia, the election of a new CAC President became central. After five rounds of prayerful deliberation, Rev Lek Yong Teck was elected President.

Reflections from Rev Dr Gregory Goh’s Presidency

In his closing address, Rev Goh shared insights and reflections from his tenure, providing a roadmap for the future:

1. Guarding the Gospel and Engaging Morality

Rev Goh emphasised the need to defend the purity of the gospel amid evolving societal norms. He highlighted challenges to orthodoxy, such as changes in the United Methodist Church’s definitions of marriage and ordination. These issues, once seen as distant, are now at Singapore’s doorstep. Pointing to the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code 1871, Rev Goh urged CAC churches to use their voice wisely and engage the authorities graciously, advocating for moral clarity while fostering public good.

2. Advancing Disciple-Making

Rev Goh celebrated the disciple-making movement within CAC, inspired by Wesleyan principles of social holiness and entire sanctification. He referenced statistics from the Lausanne Movement’s State of the Great Commission report, which notes the over 100 million professing disciples and 9 million churches birthed through disciple-making movements worldwide. This momentum resonates with the Wesleyan tradition, where disciplined methods serve as a framework for fostering authentic discipleship.

Encouraging the delegates, Rev Goh called for disciple-making to become an instinctive process across CAC. This includes equipping believers to make a “kingdom impact” in all areas of life. The Illumine Christian worldview curriculum continues to be a vital resource for nurturing this ethos of whole-life discipleship.

3. Leadership Development and Succession

Rev Goh stressed the need for intentional leadership development at every level of CAC, from local churches to the Conference. He shared examples from his presidency, including regular meetings and retreats with District Superintendents (DS) and Board of Ministry (BOM) leaders to cultivate collaborative decision-making and ministry planning. The introduction of DS internship was a strategic step toward grooming future leaders.

Rev Goh also highlighted his efforts to foster connections among younger leaders across the region. He initiated biennial fellowship gatherings involving leaders from CAC and Malaysia’s Methodist Chinese Annual Conference, promoting intergenerational learning and unity.

Referencing T.S. Eliot’s words, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?” he cautioned against generational divides, urging the Church to value and share spiritual gifts across ages. He also noted the approval of CAC’s petition to amend The Book of Discipline of The Methodist Church in Singapore regarding the retirement age for episcopal elections, ensuring greater flexibility in leadership transitions.

4. Celebrating CAC’s Distinct Identity

Rev Goh honoured CAC’s heritage rooted in Chinese culture and dialect diversity, calling it a unique contribution to God’s mission. He linked this distinctiveness to the Pentecost event, where various languages were celebrated rather than erased, symbolising unity in diversity.

A highlight of this heritage was the discovery of a 100-year-old time capsule in Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church, containing artefacts like a Chinese translation of the 1784 Book of Discipline. These treasures remind CAC of its legacy and the faithfulness of forebears who laid the foundation for the Church’s present and future witness.

5. Central Pooling: A Transformative Initiative

Rev Goh reflected on the impact of central pooling, a system adopted in 2018, which marked its sixth year in 2024. He commended CAC churches for their sacrifices and collaboration, which have yielded significant benefits. These include earlier decisions on leadership appointments, funding for projects like the Illumine curriculum, and revised salary scales that support pastors and their families, particularly those in growing ministries.

Central pooling has also allowed churches to appoint pastors based on spiritual needs rather than financial capacity. Rev Goh hailed this system as a step toward ensuring equitable pastoral care across CAC.

6. Responding to Societal Needs

Rev Goh urged the Church to respond courageously to societal challenges. He highlighted ministries addressing special needs families, including plans for a dedicated school and church in Tengah (in western Singapore). The inaugural Special Needs Ministry Conference, scheduled for May 2025, will further equip churches in this area.

CAC also tackled issues like mental health, chaplaincy in schools, and environmental stewardship. Partnering with organisations like Our Father’s World, CAC began assessing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices. These efforts reflect a holistic approach to ministry that seeks to embody Christ’s love in tangible ways.

A New Chapter: Leadership Transition and Milestones

The session concluded with moments of significance: the ordination of Rev Michael Lee as a deacon and Rev Shawn Koh as an elder, alongside the retirement of four pastors—Rev Nathanael Chew, Rev Jacqueline Ho, Rev Lui Yuan Tze, and Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey.

Rev Lek Yong Teck’s installation as CAC’s new President marked the beginning of a new chapter. In all of this, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, which transforms personal and communal histories into a tapestry of redemption.

As the Church steps into an uncertain future, it does so with trust in God, who promises to make all things new. With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, CAC looks forward to continuing its mission under God’s guidance and President Rev Lek’s leadership.

Thanks be to God!