STEP'22 Final Assignment (Megan Poh)

Reflection & Thanksgiving

I have to admit that prior to attending STEP, I was very indecisive and apprehensive about joining. I have heard positive things about the programme from my peers but I thought to myself “Is it really that great?” After realising that I was going to be the only one from my home church, it just made me more hesitant in wanting to go. However, I am very glad that I made the decision to join. I find it amazing how on the first day, I was able to interact with everyone so comfortably. It was as if we knew each other for a really long time and I thank God for that. :’) Also like to thank God for the pastors and synod staff for organising this programme for us, not forgetting the speakers who have taught us on various interesting topics. 

(I thank God I had the opportunity to meet each one of you! :) )

Through these 3 weeks, so much has been covered and taught and I have learnt so much. It has also strengthened my conviction and made me realise the importance of placing my identity in Christ and reading His Word. As an individual who was born and raised in a Christian environment, I struggle to pinpoint to a situation which made me convicted about my faith and give people a reason/answer as to why I choose to believe in Christ. Hence, I have always longed for an encounter with God as I have often heard from my peers how they had experienced God in their lives. Some examples include how God appeared to them in their dreams, how God spoke to them etcetera. However, through one of the sessions, I was encouraged by a pastor who pointed me to a verse in 2 Peter 1:19 where it talked about how the Word of God is more reliable than any experience. 

STEP has also allowed me to think more critically about my faith and have a deeper understanding of Presbyterianism. I was also able to ask questions which I have always wondered about in a safe space without any fear of judgement. 

Potential issue that the church may face in the future 

One potential issue that the church may face in the near future is the repeal of Section 377A. Through the talk on “Christian Engagement in the Public Square”, the speaker brought up many issues that will surface following the repeal. I was shocked at the amount of impact it would have on the church and how we should start preparing ourselves in anticipation of the problems. For instance, things like education, policies, marriages may all change and we will have to be ready to face it when the time comes. 

Some of the things that we can do regarding this issue would be to pray and seek for God’s wisdom on how to approach this matter. We should also speak up at appropriate times without contention and confrontation but with sensitivity and consideration of our faith. If one of our members strongly supports the repeal and conforms to what society demands or has a tendency to be attracted to the same gender, we should still befriend and empathise with them but not endorse their actions. If they are repentant and are struggling, the church can provide them with discipleship and provide a biblical view of healthy dating. However, if they are unrepentant, the church should discipline (1 Corinthians 5:2). 

Conclusion

After receiving so many takeaways from STEP, the journey does not just end here. In fact, it is just the beginning. This is the time for us to step up (no pun intended xD) and apply what we have learnt over the span of the past three weeks in our home church, at home and wherever else that we may be. As the journey ahead is not going to be easy and we may fall at times, let us remember what we have learnt about “Perseverance of the Saints''. 

I would just like to end off with two Bible verses (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 6:10-18) as an encouragement to myself and to the readers who are reading to be courageous and engage people in the public square when the time comes for us to speak up and to also carry out missio dei (the mission of God). 

Acts 1:8 

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.