I became part of MFIS after my retirement in 2020. My retirement opened a new chapter in my life and ministry. I gave God an open page to start writing whatever he wished. I was open to God and whatever he brought my way. MFIS is one of the new things.

I have attended several of their organized seminars, conferences, and fellowship group meetings. I have met with many pastors, particularly pastor Gabriel Han (the lead apostolic elder) and pastor Chua Hock Lin (former Chairman of MFIS). Their care and prayers warmed my heart. I felt blessed.

Different Christian bodies

I have come to see that MFIS is different from other organizations. For instance, the church I serve is a member of the National Council of Churches (NCCS). This council is recognized by the Singapore government as the representative of Singapore Protestant churches. It is an association of churches and other Christian organizations. Membership is by a church not by an individual. Their main aim is to unite churches and to represent their concerns with the government.

Another association of churches is the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore (EFOS). This group was formed after the historic 1978 Billy Graham Crusade in Singapore. EFOS aims include upholding the evangelical faith and fostering the cooperation of churches and Christian organizations.

The Love Singapore movement is a network of about 150 churches. These churches are galvanized to pray for Singapore and reach out to the lost. They are known for their annual Prayer Summit for pastors and ministry leaders. Another regular program is the 40 Days prayer season which culminates in a city-wide concert of prayer in conjunction with the National Day.

The Alliance of Pentecostal & Charismatic Churches of Singapore (APCCS) is a network of churches, Christian organizations, and pastors. They want to serve pastors and leaders by representing their interests as advocates and help with resourcing churches.

How is MFIS different?

The MFIS is different from the organizations described above. It is strictly a fellowship of pastors and not of churches and Christian organizations. It does not try to represent the church’s views to the government. It is more people-oriented than program-oriented and is focused on the pastors’ well-being. Their goal is to connect pastors to facilitate their growth and develop the five-fold gifts of Ephesians 5:11. Pastors are placed in different fellowship teams that meet quarterly to share and pray together over a meal. They encourage the development of the five-fold gifts through seminars and its annual conference.

Here is the official mission statement of MFIS: “Ministers Fellowship International Singapore is a ministerial community rather than a church association. Our focus is on nurturing genuine relationships, connecting the generations and growing together in the 5-fold gifts according to Ephesians 4:11.”

I believe it is vital for all pastors to develop friendships with pastors from other churches. All pastors need a safe place to share their victories and failings. Everyone needs to receive prayer and to share resources. The MFIS provides a platform for such relationships to be nurtured. This is what makes MFIS unique among the Christian associations.