Introducing the GCF Graduate Secretary and Graduate Ministry (GS letter June 2021)

The recent findings of Singapore’s Census 2020 by the Department of Statistics showed that between 2010 and 2020,

Christianity in Singapore grew only slightly. In case some of us mistakenly believe that we are in the clear, the census also saw a significant drop in the number of Christian adherents in the age groups of 25–34 and 35–44. On the one hand, we should not be too alarmed by this. The Bible has prophesied that “the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:3) and the preaching of the crucified Christ will be “foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Cor. 1:23). However, on the other hand, it is also appropriate for us, the body of Christ in Singapore to reflect and examine whether we have effectively ministered to our young adults. This is not the time to point fingers and ask, “Who dropped the ball on this?” Instead, the question should be, “Who will pick it up from here?” And here at FES and GCF Singapore, we take this impetus very seriously, not in fear of the drop in the number of Christians, but in being faithful to the call of God for our generation.

On 20 June 2021, a group of young graduates under GCF’s C2C (Classmates to Colleagues) programme (see photo above) met to share what they had studied and grappled with on issues relating to work, like calling (vocation), rest, productivity, and so on, to an audience made up of fellow, as well as younger graduates. We long to see more of this in the years to come – young graduates ministering to one another. At the same time, we also seek to provide opportunities where graduates, or even students, from different generations, can minister alongside one another in inter-generational settings.

To the graduating batch of 2021, we would like to congratulate and welcome you to a new chapter of the kingdom’s ministry for you in the marketplace. Though this transitional period may be challenging, we want to assure you that we are here to walk alongside you on this journey. Thus, we invite our fresh and recent graduates of FES to join the new batch of the C2C programme which will start on 17 July 2021. On top of that, the graduates’ ministry staff team of FES and GCF is also relooking at our young graduates’ curriculum, in the hope that we can keep it relevant and effective for the current generation. Finally, during the last quarter of this year, we plan to kickstart a mentoring workshop for graduates who are keen to be trained as mentors and hold career-checkpoint retreats to cater to those considering a mid-career change or are simply seeking to affirm their vocation.

As I start this new chapter of my ministry as the Graduate Secretary of GCF, I am convinced that even though the journey ahead may seem difficult and full of challenges, I am serving alongside men and women of God who love Him, the church, and their neighbours. So I am inviting fellow like-minded graduates who are keen to explore and work alongside us on this journey together. Should you have queries on any of the above-mentioned programmes or any other matters related to graduates’ ministry, don’t hesitate to contact me at michael@fellowship.sg. Prayerfully, I hope that we respond to the above challenge not by pointing fingers at anyone, but with “Here we are, Lord. Send us forth.” Amen.

Blessings,

Michael Kang
FES Associate General Secretary
GCF Graduate Secretary