Reflections from the International Church Discipleship Consultation 2008

It is my joy and privilege to participate in the International Church Discipleship Consultation (ICDC) organised by the Navigators, Singapore from 13 to 17 Oct 2008 in Kuala Lumpur. I'm currently in the midst of a "Think-Time" with my brothers and sisters from 22 participating countries - Nigeria, Kenya, Tonga, Vietnam, Malaysia, United Kingdom, America and many others spanning the globe. As I sat through many of the country reports and the talks and workshops, I was again humbled and awed at how God has worked in different contexts and different ways in different parts of His Global Kingdom, and by the passion and commitment of my brothers and sisters for the bringing the Gospel to the nations and for intentional discipleship that needs to follow. Many of them have sacrificed much in the name of Jesus.

Here as I am writing this, I am again reminded of the awesomeness of God's Kingdom and the colossal task placed before us - to take the Gospel to the nations; to disciple the whole person; and to mobilise the churches to bring to fruition what has already been established by the cross and resurrection - that is the sovereign and supreme rulership of Jesus over all. There is no place for personal pettiness or agendas; the task we are called to is just too big for a single person to accomplish. We need to put aside personal egos, work together and do what we can - there is more than enough work for each of us to do. Enough of the personal conflicts that may often plague christian ministry; and let us work together for the cause of Christ.

I think back to Mutua Mahiaini, who despite his illness, came all the way from Nigeria, to speak to us on Servant Leadership, his very presence at the consultation, serving us by sharing and speaking, speaks volumes of his heart of a servant. It is not mere talk on servant leadership, he exemplifies it. His exposition and meditation on Isaiah 42:1-4 bought home the point that servanthood and leadership goes together as part of God's redemptive calling as we "rule" over and "deliver" the people into a Kingdom of righteousness. His sharing of how if we, like Jesus, are called to be "servants" for God, then we will be upheld by the Father. There is no need for approval from others nor playing to the gallery; our sense of self is derived from God and this leads us to quietly follow the way of God. He further elaborated from the life of John the Baptist on how rather than pursuing a name for himself, he chose to be a voice - a voice for the Gospel of Christ and His Kingdom. This thought alone continues to reverberate in my soul - it caused me to examine my own motives and heart for ministry.

I also managed to catch Uncle Toh, an elder and pioneer in the work of the Navigators, over lunch. Our conversations over short lunch break left me with three questions to reflect and ponder over. He frankly said that I'm already in my 30s, and as I go for further studies to equip me in the ministry and to make this investment of 2 - 3 years of my life, I should go with a clear vision from God. From that, the mission, ministry, strategy and people would follow. He said he expects those in the 20s to be unsure, but not someone in the 30s! Also he continued and said that with this vision and focus, we would know what to say yes to and what to say no to. So what is my God-given vision? He also stated the importance of starting a ministry with reproduction in mind for sustainability - meaning that even as I do the work of the ministry, I should be already investing in the generation yet to come. Am I doing this in my ministry? Lastly, being a true blue Navigator, he elaborated on his belief that all church members should be disciplemakers. Am I a disciplemaker? And am I equipping others in my ministry to be disciplemakers?

There were many other speakers, Gary Poole shared on "Seeker Small Groups". Stanley Mukolwe shared on "The Challenge of Disciplemaking in the Church", Philip Flores on "The Poor are the Lost". All heart-felt and thought-provoking, but not all with points I agree. Nevertheless, it definitely caused me to think and theologically reflect on what the scripture says. Furthermore, the many cheerful conversations with my Philippines brothers; the spiritual depth of my African brothers and the wisdom of my Indian brothers all left me with much food for thought. I take great delight in our fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters from many nations in the Lord, and for this foretaste of heaven.

Ollie
Oct 2008