Conflict Resolution for churches

The Ten Most Predictable Times of Church Conflict

1. Easter

2. Stewardship Campaigns/Budget Time

3. Addition of New Staff

4. Change in Leadership Style

5. The Pastor's Vacation

6. Changes in the Pastor's Family

7. Introduction of Baby Boomers into the Church

8. The Completion of a New Building

9. Loss of Church Membership

10. Increase in Church Membership

To read more, click here:
or search www.joyfulministry.com/conflict.

Leadership Tip

What do you think of the quotation below?

"If it's a good idea, go ahead and do it. It is much easier to apologize than it is to get permission." ~ Admiral Grace Hopper (notice this admiral is a "she")

While this is true in some circumstances, it may land many an alumnus in hot soup esp. if his/her relationship with the superior/senior pastor/board is not that strong.

Rear Admiral Dr. Grace Murray Hopper was a remarkable woman who grandly rose to the challenges of programming the first computers. During her lifetime as a leader in the field of software development concepts, she contributed to the transition from primitive programming techniques to the use of sophisticated compilers. She believed that "we've always done it that way" was not necessarily a good reason to continue to do so.

Alumni: 1980-1989

And now the last lot from the 80s

If you see your name here, please leave a comment and update us about yourself.

1980
1 Tadius Yusuf
2 Rose Cheng N.C.
3 Irene Neai K.K.
4 Lam Chin Kaw
5 Tan Cheng Kin
6 Andrew Tan K.K.
7 Stella Puvaneswary
8 Tee Moon Soung
9 Henry Ching
10 Matthew Chong V.K.

1981
1 Joanne Wong Man Peng
2 Teh Ah Huat (pastor, Taiping)
3 Peh Cheong Soo
4 Vicky Lee Kuan Lai
5 Ivor R. Narayanan (pastor, Subang)
6 Goh Lay Hua
7 Tay Un Hui (pastor, New Zealand)

1982
1 Tony Lim Shek Eng
2 Ricky Ho Kim Hock (pastor, PJ)
3 Timothy Chia Kin Teng
4 Paul Kim To Chik (pastor, Gombak)
5 Daniel Chua Meng Wah
6 Raymond Ho Swee Meng
7 Chua Lee Leng
8 Nesam Ebenezar (social ministries, KL)
9 Jessica Kok Pow Choo (pastor, Ipoh)
10 Henry Ng Heng Lee (pastor, Ipoh)
11 Ngo Ta Keng
12 Chee Pek Chu (pastor, NZ)
13 Susanna Lo Swee Cheng

1983
1 Ruth Yong Choon Yin
* 2 Susanna Lo Swee Cheng
3 Moses Tan Hoe Sun
4 Shirley Khan Min Leng
5 Prathap Rajaratnam
6 Josephine Ting Mi Leng
7 Cindy Low Choo Chai
8 Ong See Ai
9 Chua Boon Hun
10 Siew Yoong Hing
11 Seng Eng Hock
12 Guet Pooi Sitther
13 Ma Shout Deng

1984
1 Patricia Han Yong Meng
2 Tan Hwee Yong
3 Silas Jugdip Singh (pastor, Kulim)
4 Ng Kok Kee (president, BCM)
5 Jessica Liew Mei Lin
6 Maniam Thambu
7 Tan Eng Ngor
8 Kee Su Seng
9 Lee Chek Tin
10 Ma Suat Kheng
* 11 Moses Tan Hoe Sun

1985
1 Andrew Tham Wai Mun
2 Saik Oy Mooi
3 Joshua Wan Lai Kee
4 Steven Tan Eng Heng
5 Francis Low Szu Yuan
6 Teresa Wong Kon Keow
7 James Devadasson
8 Mariana Khoo (social ministries, JB)
9 Raymond Sia C.G.
10 Quay Beng Tiong

1986
1 Charlie Chin Hai Yoon
2 Anthony Edward
3 Lim Seng Heng
4 Colin Kok Mun Wai (itinerant, NS)


1987
1 Anita Toh Pek Hung

1988
1 Chitralekha Gupta Ang
2 Addie Choong Kai Ming
3 Peter De Silva
4 Thomas Lai V.K.
5 See-Tho Puk Lim
6 Liew Soon Yin
7 Benita Cheng Guat Leng
* 8 Saik Oy Mooi

1989
1 Loo Sai Fun
2 Hoh Chooi Hong
3 Kay Low Kam Len
4 Senorita Ting Eng Koi
5 Ngo Ta Keng

Do you know this man?

Do you know this man?

Clues: He is 70 years old, husband of one wife and father of 2 daughters

Alumni: 1990-1999

Instructions:

1. Please leave some comments in the blog on your whereabouts and contacts.
2. If you know some info of the alumni in your batch, kindly write that too

It will be enlightening to us and nostalgic for you.

Thanks


1990
1 Paul Long Chay Boo
2 Ezra Loke Fu Wah
3 Looi Kok Kim (pastor, Cheras)
4 David Yeap Kam Foo
5 Esther Alfred (staff, Malaysian Care)
6 Wan Ajang Jau (pastor, Miri)
7 Sally Koh Siew Lee
8 Engelbert s/o M.F. Albert
9 Jennifer Low Sook Yee
10 Ng Poh Swan


1991
1 Wun Mow Hoong
2 Cara Lin Ken Nyook
3 Caris Yap Swee Ming
4 Wendy Chung Sow Yuet
5 Erwin Ong See Meng
6 P.A. Thomas
7 Grace Soon Pack Nee (social ministries, JB)
8 Tan Koon Cheng
* 9 Chitralekha Gupta Ang

1992
1 Daniel Ngilek
2 Ng Aik Khiam (pastor, Subang)
3 Melter Jini Tais (pastor, KK)
4 Terry Chong Ming Kow
5 Yohana Wong Peak Yeng
6 Derrick Chong Yulin (marketplace ministries, Hong Kong)
7 Richard Yamin Samporoh (pastor, PJ)
8 Esther Ling Wang Hui
9 Ngau Awan @ Jerry Ngau Awan
10 Deng Jok Ajang
11 Loh Siew Heng (pastoral staff, Gombak)
12 Lilian Lim Hong Peng
13 Lau Moong Som
14 Ow Yeong Yuet Hor (Hong Kong)

1993
1 Loh Chui Kei
2 Jeanie Shim
3 Allan R. Vairamuthu (retired, Puchong)
4 Joanne Gan Lian Kiat
5 Jerry Eng Seow Hng (pastor, Klang)
6 Jacob Loh Hin Leong (Puchong)
* 7 Thomas Lai Voon Khan
8 Peter Soo Wun Foong (Kluang)
9 Lucy Phua Lay Ai (intercessory ministry, global!)
* 10 Wun Mow Hoong
* 11 Benita Cheng Guat Leng

1994
1 Lee Min Choon (elder, PJ)
2 Taipin Molidoi (pastor, KK)
3 Sia Sut
4 Dais Rukuman (deceased)
5 Schubert Ku Siew Hing (PJ)
6 Michael Lim Boon Keng
7 Andrew Yong Yoon Sang

1995
1 Low Soo Ling (children's work, KL)
2 Loh Kuan Chween (KL)
3 Jacob Ajeng (pastor, Klang)
4 Bobby John (pastor, Klang)
5 Thomas Rabang (para-church, Sarawak)
6 Saunah Relly Giong
7 Sonia Puyang Ding
8 Patrick Cheng Chee Cheon
* 9 Ngau Awan @ Jerry Ngau Awan

1996
1 Andrew Loh Lip Foo
2 Koh Gim Lam
3 Sim See Tian (pastor, Rawang)
4 Jeremiah Yap Teow Khoon (pastor, Aust.)
5 Goh Poh Gaik (pastor, PJ)
6 Lai Moo Him (Ipoh)
7 Christopher Sekar
8 James Gen See Wei (pastor, PJ)
9 Tan Tian Jian
10 Richard Lee Teik Hin
* 11 Loo Tam Yin
12 Chong Siew Khim
13 Margaret Yee Sui Har
14 Lily Lim Ley Lee (cheras)
15 Jayaraj Abraham
16 Jerry Lam Kong Tak (europe)
17 Joanne Gan Lian Kiat

1997
1 Wong Yook Lun
2 A.P. Daniel
3 Elisah Anyie Eng
4 Yong Yoon Chow
5 Lena Low Cheu Kin
6 Jubilie Apin (pastor, KK)
7 Jarai Salo
8 Timok Belay Wan
9 Christopher Cheong Tek Watt
10 Peter Low Heng Cheong (deceased)
11 Richard Leow Kok Khuen
12 Senorita Ting Eng Koi

1998
1 Lawrence Chen Keng Hing
2 Kong Man Chuan
3 Ron Hee Yoon Choy
4 Peter Chin May Take
5 Dr Jenny Parameshvara Deva (counselor, Klang)
6 Edmund Ng Heng Cheong (grief ministry, KL)
7 Goh Chee Beng
8 Johnson Aarons Rajahser
9 Bina Agong
10 James Ravindaren s/o Arichandran
11 Eden Usat Emang (pastor, Miri)
12 Maduis Jalidin
13 Stephen Upai @ Rining
14 Waylon Jayatissa

1999
1 Paul Long Chay Boo
2 Agatha Ak Idih
3 John Mark

Alumni: 2000-2010

This is the alumni list for the 2000s era. It will be good if you can leave some comments in the blog on your whereabouts and contacts. If you know some info of the alumni in your batch, kindly write that too - it will be enlightening to us and nostalgic for you.


2000
1 Alex Tang Tuck Hon
2 Dato' Daniel Tay Kwan Hui
3 Kok Peet Keong
4 Andrew Kulasignham
5 Ronnie Yeap Leong Hin
6 Iben Arang
7 Uting Luluk
8 Paul Jalong
9 Patrick Taie

2001
1 Franklin Morais
2 Lee Peng Sea
3 William Toh Kwong Kee
4 Tan Shok Lan
5 Tan Sooi Ling
6 Rudy Liu Ching Sung
7 Richard Lee Teck Hin
8 Dicky Wong Siew Cheong
9 Jeannie Phang Wai Jen
10 Usun Anyi Ngau
11 Ferdrick Ribai Anak Ribai
12 Lily Lim Ley Lee

2002
1 Foo Yuen Po
2 Teh Hwang Ming
3 Lau Ay Kuen
4 Benny Mun Chin Yin
5 Yong Yoon Chow
6 Fredrick Sagau Batubala
7 Tan Chok Wah
8 Albert Chia Syak Keng
9 David Wong Meng Chung
10 Wong Si Lan
11 Chen Mee Foong
12 Patrick Pangiran
13 Colin Kok Mun Wai
14 Paul Landing Muyang
15 Steve Sakai Balang
16 Wilson Layang
17 Xystus Jock Emang

2003
1 Lin Khee Vun
2 Wong Meng Chung
3 Dharminder Singh
4 Susheila Devi Raj
5 Tan Ai Ming
6 Charles Fraser
7 Lee Seng Hock, Thomas
8 Goon Foong Meng
9 Milkias Sia
10 Bobby John
11 Francis Loh
12 Chin Yun Fah, Clarence
13 Rose Binti Kulabid
14 Lee Pui Yong, Richard
15 Surom @ Esrom Bin Baru
16 Bnuriah Madesin
17 Sipin Bin Daud
18 Agong Sakai
19 Midin Bin Kudik
20 Janis Abai
21 Michael Banati
22 Edwin Tupoloh
23 Jasme Bin Dairis
24 Roning Bin Berdirih
25 Selvaraju A/L Veerappen
26 Aris A/L Abang
27 David A/L Sawarimuthu
28 Wah Kiah A/P Long Pendek
29 David Eduan Beh Chimpol
30 Sizume Beh Chong
31 Vailat Neasa Money Hannahl
32 A/P Ebenezer

2004
1 Dripin Anak Sakoi
2 Koh Guat Lian
3 Dr. Tan Chong Guan
4 Wong Sie Chiong, Robert
5 Lim Hang Tang
6 Chin Wah Jin, Lucy
7 Ding Emang Jau
8 Joseph Raja
9 M. Tankaraj A/L Muthaian
10 Baliah Philemon A/L Paul Asirvatham

2005
1 Albert Chia Syak Kung
2 Rina, Anita Robinson
3 Tang Hock Men
4 Wong Si Lan
5 Leong Chor Kie, Keith
6 Tan Yee Ho
7 Tay Hui Cheng
8 Dorita Marilyn Sitther Nee Edmonds
9 Norman Jugah Bala
10 Ramlee Anak Gawing
11 Sandarasegaran A/L Krishnan, Samuel
12 Yan Nan Jiun, Lilian
13 Aso Kalasi
14 Gituan Mugang @ Esther
15 Samry Bin Maudin
16 Timang Binti Sinau

2006
1 Lim Teng Hooi
2 Rachel Devi Sandra
3 Chang Ching Leng, Terence
4 Benjamin Gerald Skadiang
5 Lim Jit Sai
6 Hoo Loo Yan, Alexa
7 Yapp Guan Seng, Eugene
8 Long Chay Boo, Paul
9 David Vethamonickam A/L Abraham
10 Lannet Juk Deng
11 Loter Sakai
12 Pagag Agong
13 Jumi Bin Kuanga (K.K.)
14 Maineh Bt. Saligung (K.K.)
15 Munsu Bin Dagar (K.K.)
16 Raymond Yuggau (K.K.)
17 Runa Anak Wang Eng

2007
1 Tan Geok Hock
2 Chan Jin Ai
3 Chris Wong
4 Gary Yeoh Siok Earn
5 Jennifer Mok
6 Michael Lim
7 Wilfred Jaboh
8 Eden Usat Emang
9 Heng Thin Fook
10 Ramlee Anak Gawing
11 Robert Wong
12 Fong Soo Jean
13 Grace Matan Anyi
14 Mary George

2008
1 Dicky Wong Siew Cheong
2 Jerry Eng Seow Hng
3 Kok Li Shan
4 Danny Pang Tzee Yong
5 Ong Suan Sim
6 Thye Huat Lai
7 Victor See
8 Chung Kui Yin
9 Susanna Lee
10 Wan Ajeng @ Wan Ajeng Wan
11 Lukas Gelawat
12 Danny L. Limpakan
13 Kinambo Gaduan
14 Hilda Sakir

2009
1 Santa Kumar Basnet
2 Paul Raj
3 Mium Amat
4 Lisa Sum
5 Jean Pathmavathy
6 Choo Chee Choy
7 Ho Ah Chye
8 Pasang Dorje Sherpa

2010
1 Tang Hock Men
2 Pasang Dorje Sherpa
3 Ong Suan Sim
4 Sim Ah Yem, Anita
5 Low Kheng Cheang, Steven
6 Joseph Doraisamy
7 Lim Kian Hian, Gregory
8 Tang Tiu Hock, Albert
9 Gloria David

Christmas meetings

Just wondering. What are you doing in terms of Christmas related activities, programs, meetings ...? I have always felt that Christmas is one of the best times for doing outreach. Natural opportunities for sharing the story of Jesus and the "true meaning of Christmas!"

Anyone willing to share what they are doing? it may be November but Christmas will be around before we know it ...

For me, our church will be having a 2 special activities that tie in with one another. The first is a neighbourhood BBQ (games, puppet show, singalong, food, "carnival like atmosphere with balloons, decorations etc) on the 13th Dec. Then invite people back to join us for more traditional Christmas Eve service where the gospel will be more clearly presented in a more somber atmosphere - carol singing, special presentations - songs, skit and preaching etc.

Lest anyone think my church is big and has lots of money and resources, that's quite far from the truth. From seniors to young children, around 150 and during this period, we will not have 1/3 to 1/2 of our members as this is the traditional time where many travel, visit family etc as it is the summer cum Christmas season. Also, a significant percentage of our members are elderly and unwell etc so they will physically be unable to help much. 

How about sharing something so we can mutually encourage each other and be catalyst for fresh ideas?

Alumni 1978-1980

Dear Alumni,

I have posted here the names of the alumni from the 70s (previously was PLKM) Can anyone out there enlighten us who they are and how to contact them?

1978
1 Ong Hwai Teik Dip.T.S (Methodist TRAC)
2 Cheang Mu Kean Cert.of Att.
3 Ooi Teak Seng Dip.Th
4 Thomas Tay W.S. Dip.Th
5 Chiam Peng Kean Dip.Th
6 Julia Lim Cert.of Attendance
7 Eddie Ong L.B. Cert.of Attendance (Anglican)
8 Lim Siew Chin Dip.T.S
9 Cheong Choue Yuk Cert.of Attendance

1979
1 Andrew Lim P.K. Dip.Past.Th
2 Daniel Lim S.P. Dip.Past.Th
3 Wong Chin Kin Dip.Th
4 Chiam Teng Poh Dip.Th
5 Daniel Teh S.P. Dip.Th
6 Katherine Wong Cert.of Attendance

1980
1 Tadius Yusuf Dip.Past.Th
2 Rose Cheng N.C. Dip.Th
3 Irene Neai K.K. Dip.Th
4 Lam Chin Kaw Dip.Th
5 Tan Cheng Kin Dip.Th
6 Andrew Tan K.K. Dip.Th
7 Stella Puvaneswary Dip.Th (Johor Baru)
8 Tee Moon Soung Dip.Th
9 Henry Ching Cert.of Attendance
10 Matthew Chong Cert.of Attendance

Know Yourself Better

This just takes 5 minutes!

This type test is based on the typology of psychiatrist C. G. Jung. Jung found that one can reduce the endless appearing number of human characters down to a few organizing principles. He then crystallized certain character types. In this test, these types are reinterpreted.

This is what you have to do to determine the type of person you are. On each of the next four pages one personality feature is highlighted. Click whether the statements in the top or in the bottom block tend to apply more to you.

Perhaps you will find it difficult to reach a decision in one or the other of the four steps. This can happen when two types overlap. Just go through both scenarios.

should you want to invest 5 minutes to know yourself better, just click "Know Yourself Better" on the right hand link-bar.

Frustration and Exasperation

All things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to his purpose

A familiar verse eh?

Wait till you try to communicate over cyberspace with someone who is staying in the uttermost part of the world.

That was the frustration I faced in trying to link up with Paul Long (who is now residing in New Zealand)to resolve the technicalities of this blog for the MBS alumni.

After 3 days of ding-dong, I finally resolved the initial problem. Is it worth it? Oh yes - Paul is a great guy who has been very patient in answering my questions which are unanswerable!I finally found the solution - the problem is ME!

Anyway, the problem is resolved now... and now that I have to keys to this blog, let the show begin...

"Secular" celebrations and their potential for building bridges

While waiting for Patrick to sort out the alumni e-mail list ... thought it might be good to post a few things to "keep" the ball rolling by hopefully starting a "conversation" . :-)

My question: What are some "secular celebrations" that you have used to help build bridges with those outside the Christian faith?

Since coming to New Zealand, I have (in the church I minister in) been using "Chinese New Year" and "Halloween" as two such celebrations.

Chinese  New Year 

On the surface, it would seem that not much needs to be said about Chinese New Year celebrations as this is something most Malaysian churches would use as a means to connect with the Chinese community.  But I wonder about the different approaches we each may have found helpful that we could perhaps share with each other. I am keen to read about your different experiences. Let me begin with a brief sharing on mine.

For the two times I have used the Chinese New Year celebration here, I have approached it from the general aspect of our being an International Church and promoting this special meeting from two angles. 

The first as an opportunity for friends and family members of Chinese people (migrants from various countries) to get together to have fun and celebrate the non religious aspects of CNY. 

The second as an opportunity to expose our non Chinese members and friends to aspects of the Chinese culture. This is to help us better appreciate and understand each other as we build an international (multi-cultural) church community.

So the list of activities in the programme over the last two years has been:

1. CNY cultural quiz (and prizes)

2. Cultural presentations (song / dance etc)

3. Games and competitions (I design them based on Chinese cultural stuff)

4. Magic show with Gospel message (since this is my area of "expertise")

5. Food

I have found that non-Christian friends look forward to our CNY meetings.

Halloween 31st October

We have adopted the idea of the "Light Party" and personalized it for our context. The basic idea is to offer a wholesome alternative to the creepy and dark Halloween trick or treat activity. Over the last 2 years we have refined 

/ changed some aspects of our Light Party but essentially, we use it to try to make friends with our neighbours - last year we targeted the children and this year also their parents, with more emphasis on connecting with the local 

schools and kindergartens. Interesting feedback is that some parents and teachers have mentioned to me that they are glad for this activity option as they are not happy with the Halloween emphasis.

See http://www.lightparty.org/for more details.

Basic programme this year was:

1. Balloons, bubbles, face painting

2. Games

3. Puppet Show

4. BBQ

5. Magic show

6. Best Costume competition (we had a "superhero theme)

7. "Lolly scramble"

Okay, it is 5.30 AM now and I think I should go to sleep :-) God bless.