01 Feb 2006

February 2006 - Joys and Struggles of TAC . . .

Excerpt from President's Address

Rev. P. Tevaraji
The Tamil Annual Conference (TAC) is a connection of 45 Tamil Methodist Churches. We have local churches in all the states of West Malaysia, except Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu. The outreach work in Kangar, Perlis and Kuala Krai, Kelantan is being strengthened year by year. TMC Kuantan has monthly ministries in Kuala Terengganu. But these works will take time for growth. Ministries in all our churches are going on well. Some of our churches have seen good growth. People are also attracted to caring ministries.

At a one day retreat for Exco members and chairpersons of Boards and Agencies, the President shared his vision and goals for TAC.

“Vision 2015 - Absolutely Double” a ten year plan was drawn. They are:
• Every member to read through the Bible once every 1 1/2 year.
• To pray for 15 missionaries
• 100 churches; 50 outreaches, 100 pastors, 50 supporting staff
• 1500 prayer partners
• 15000 full members

The Church Growth Task Force under the leadership of Rev. Devadass Ratnam has been working hard on the above goals. Daily Bible Reading plans, posters and book marks were printed and distributed to all churches. Much prayer was mobilized.

Moments of joy was experienced when 3 new local conferences were formed in TAC. The Puchong outreach sponsored by TMC Klang became a local conference on January 2, 2005. On 5th February 2005, the Subang Jaya outreach sponsored by TMC Petaling Jaya was constituted as the 44th local conference of the TAC. Then Kayu Ara-Damansara church sponsored by TMC Bukit Rotan became the 45th local conference. All the events were well organized and many people from different churches participated in the joyous occasions. All the three churches have been well nurtured by the mother churches. By the grace of God, all three new local churches have been doing quite well over the last ten months.

We are saddened by the struggles in a few of our churches. Worshipping God must enhance the faith and unity of people. But worship seems to be the dividing factor in a few churches when one person or groups claims that his worship style is more acceptable than the others. Some of our people are so gullible and they fall victims to the work of the evil one or a self righteous person. More self searching has to be done by the people concerned. It may be helpful if the church work towards having balanced worship.

In churches where the pastors and key lay people have a good working relationship, the ministries are growing. There is good understanding between the pastor and LCEC. The pastor is able to take the church to a higher level. People are excited. There is a zeal for ministry and outreach. Laity is mobilized and equipped for ministry. The giving is good and there is willingness to share. But in churches where there is constant power struggle between the pastors and key lay people, ministry is greatly affected. Some of the common problems are:

(A) Pastors do not know how to exercise pastoral authority
(B) Pastors lack skill and experience to handle difficult persons or situations.
(C) Pastors' inability to guide people in the use of their spiritual gifts.
(D) Pastors misusing the pulpit and using inappropriate words.
(E) Pastors' lack of zeal or leaving the station too often.

(a) Lay Leadership's unwillingness to submit to pastoral authority
(b) Uncommitted people holding positions, and in some cases, for far too long.
(c) LCEC trying to control the pastors.
(d) Lack of leadership skills and spiritual qualities in lay leadership.
(e) Leaders not willing to be involved in ministries.

There are other struggles as well. I think both the pastor and lay leadership must take time to examine themselves in the light of God's word. If God is wanting you to change in certain ways and styles, please do so. No doubt, this will take much humility and courage.

How can we further help such struggling churches, pastors and lay leadership? We are a connectional church, and one of our greatest strengths is in the area of sharing resources and helping in different situations. Though we are doing this to some extent, as a conference we need to do more. I am challenging stronger churches and 'richer' churches to give more. If possible stronger churches can adopt a weaker church and support it till it becomes strong.

Loyalty and Faithfulness:
The pastors during the time of ordination confess before God and the people their vows to be faithful to God and the Methodist Church. Ministry is fulfilling and challenging though not easy always. Many pastors remain faithful to their call. But some pastors when they become popular and have a lay following resign to start their own churches. Others have resigned when they are unable to cope with the constant pressure from the lay leadership. Some react negatively when posted to a place they do not like. A few have found it difficult to submit to discipline. These actions put a lot of stress on the BOM, the Board of Appointments and the President. On the other hand, the conference leadership also needs to reassess their ways when dealing with pastors who have struggles. It is also prepared to release and bless pastors who have the genuine call to begin other forms of ministries.

More and more lay people are also dishonoring their confirmation and membership vows which they made before God and his people. People have left the church for different reasons. This church hopping is a world wide phenomena. Pastors with charisma attract many followers. New teachings and styles are introduced. Independent and charismatic churches seem to grow in many places. Even though many of these churches seem alright, quite a number of others are seeing further divisions. Some churches are closed overnight. Pastors leave the flock and the people are disillusioned. Often lack of accountability and integrity is a great concern.

We do not know where this will end. But it demands a lot of soul searching for a church like ours. Is our structure a hindrance? Are our pastors lacking something that hinders church growth? Why are some of our lay people, including leaders do not tithe but are seen to tithe and be more involved in ministry when they hop to another church. What steps can we take to retain our present members and also the new people who come to our churches? Let us remember that we belong to the same side. Our enemies are the Devil and people who work against God, His Word and His Church.

Excerpt from President's Address
at the 30th Session of TAC, 2005