faqs
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANT/CHILD BAPTISM IN FAITH METHODIST CHURCH?
a. Infant/Child (12 years old or younger) and youth (between 13-15 years old).
b. At least one parent/guardian is a Faith-member OR infant/child/youth is sponsored by a Faith-member.
c. Youth (if parents/guardian not in Faith): parents/guardian written consent to be baptized.
d. Attendance of both parents/guardian* and/or sponsor to the compulsory briefing by Pastor.
e. Attendance of parents/guardian* and/or sponsor together with infant/child/youth at Baptism Service.
f. Completed Infant/Child/Youth Baptism Registration Form.
*optional for parents/guardian of youth
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULT BAPTISM IN FAITH METHODIST CHURCH?
- Aged 16 years and above by the date of the Baptism Service.
- Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord.
- Duly completed Baptism Registration Form together with a personal testimony and recent passport-sized photograph.
- Attendance in a Group Session with a Pastor on Salvation & Significance of Baptism.
- A dialogue session with a Pastoral Team Member (PTM).
- Attendance at the Faith Methodist Church Baptism Service.
- Registration (non-refundable): $10 for working adults (inclusive of membership, if registering for membership on the same date); free of charge for non-working adults, students, retirees and National Service (NS) men.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP INTO FAITH METHODIST CHURCH?
- Aged 16 years and above by the date of the Membership Reception Service.
- Baptized believer (If not baptized yet, can be baptized and received into membership at the same Baptism & Membership Reception Service upon completion of the requirements herein).
- A dialogue session with a Pastoral Team Member (PTM).
- A member of a Life Group (LG) in Faith for at least six months by the date of Membership Service.
- Sponsored by the Life Group Leader (Life Group Leader’s Sponsorship Form).
- Attendance at all the sessions of the Membership Course and at Membership Service
- Duly completed Membership Registration Form, together with the following: personal testimony, recent passport-sized photograph, and duly signed Life Group Leader’s Sponsorship Form.
- Additional requirements may be requested for transfer of membership (see Q4 & Q5).
- Registration (non-refundable): $10 for working adults (inclusive of baptism registration, if registering for baptism on the same date); free of charge for non-working adults, students, retirees and National Service (NS) men.
WHAT IF I AM A MEMBER OF ANOTHER METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE AND WOULD LIKE TO TRANSFER MY MEMBERSHIP TO FAITH METHODIST CHURCH?
The requirements listed in Q3 are applicable to you. Once your membership registration is successful, inform your church of your intention to transfer membership. Transfer of membership will be processed upon receipt of the Certificate Of Transfer from your church.
WHAT IF I AM A MEMBER OF ANOTHER CHURCH AND WOULD LIKE TO TRANSFER MY MEMBERSHIP TO FAITH METHODIST CHURCH?
The requirements listed in Q3 are applicable to you. Once your membership registration is successful, inform your church, in writing, of your intention to transfer membership, with a duplicate of the letter submitted to Faith Methodist Church. Transfer of membership will be processed upon receipt of the duplicate.
WHERE CAN I OBTAIN THE RELEVANT FORMS?
1. Online
Registration and sponsorship forms are available at the following links during the application period:
Adult Membership Class (16 & Older)
Adult Baptism (16 & Older)
Infant / Child Baptism (Below 16) / Youth
Life Group Leader’s Sponsorship Form (For Membership)
2. Hardcopy
Alternatively, you can collect hardcopy forms from our Church Office during office hours on Mondays – Fridays (8.30am – 5.30pm), and Saturdays (8.30am – 12.30pm), except on public holidays.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Email BaptismMembership@faithmc.sg or call our Church Office at 6471 9420 during office hours on Mondays – Fridays (8.30am – 5.30pm), and Saturdays (8.30am – 12.30pm), except on public holidays.
婴儿/儿童在思珍堂洗礼的必要条件是什么？
a. 婴儿/儿童16岁以下。
b. 婴儿/儿童的其中一位父母必须是思珍堂会友。
c. 父母两人须出席由牧师主持的父母简介会。
d. 父母须签署婴儿/儿童赞助表格。
e. 提交填妥的婴孩/儿童洗礼表格及婴儿/儿童的近期护照相片。
f. 婴儿/儿童和父母须出席思珍堂洗礼与入会仪式。
成人在思珍堂洗礼的必要条件是什么？
a. 截至洗礼仪式当天，受洗人必须年满16岁或以上。
b. 相信耶稣基督为个人的救主与生命的主。
c. 填妥洗礼报名表格并附上一篇个人见证和一张近期护照相片。
d. 出席由牧师教导有关救恩和洗礼的重要性的集会。
e. 与教牧同工进行对话会。
f. 出席思珍堂洗礼仪式。
g. 报名费：$30（如果同时报名入会，只需付一次费用）。
成为思珍堂会友的必要条件是什么？
a. 截至入会仪式当天，入会人必须年满16岁或以上。
b. 已受洗基督徒（若未受洗，在符合必要条件后，可在同个仪式上受洗与入会）。
c. 与教牧同工进行对话会。
d. 截至入会仪式当天，须参与思珍堂的小组至少6个月。
e. 得到小组组长的支持（请参阅以下“h”列出所需的表格）。
f. 完成所有的入会课程。
g. 出席思珍堂入会仪式。
h. 填妥入会报名表格并附上一篇个人见证、近期护照相片和小组组长签署的赞助表格。
i. 转会可能附加额外条件，请参阅下列第4与5题。
j. 报名费：$30（如果同时报名洗礼，只需付一次费用）。
如果我是新加坡卫理公会另一间教堂的会友，现在有意将会籍转到卫理公会思珍堂，应该怎么办？
您须符合以上第3题所列出的必要条件。当您完成入会报名后，请通知您的教会有关您有意转会的打算。在收到您教会的转会证书后，我们就会办理您的转会手续。
如果我是另一间（非卫理公会）教堂的会友，现在有意将会籍转到卫理公会思珍堂，应该怎么办？
您须符合以上第3题所列出的必要条件。当您完成入会报名后，请书面通知您的教会有关您有意转会的打算，并把信函的副本提交给卫理公会思珍堂。在收到信函的副本后，我们就会办理您的转会手续。
我可到哪里取得洗礼/入会/转会报名表格？
a. 您可上网到我们的教会网站faithmc.sg 报名；或
b. 您可在办公时间内到教会办事处索取表格：
星期一至五：上午8点30分 – 傍晚5点30分、星期六：上午8点30分 – 下午12点30分（公定假日除外）
为遵守冠病-19的防疫措施，请拨电64719420预约时间索取/提交表格。
如果我需要更多资料，应该怎么办？
电邮 BaptismMembership@faithmc.sg、查阅教会网站或在办公时间内致电给教会办事处（参阅第6题）。
ARE THERE WHEELCHAIR FACILITIES FOR THE MOBILITY-CHALLENGED
Our Faith church building at 400 Commonwealth Drive is equipped with lifts and ramps for the mobility-challenged. Our premises at Anglo-Chinese Junior College is also wheelchair-friendly.
IS THERE A PLACE AT FAITH WHERE I CAN PRAY ON WEEKDAYS?
Yes, our Prayer Chapel on Level 1 (beside the pantry) is open from 7am – 10pm daily!
ARE THERE TWO CHURCHES IN THE SAME CHURCH BUILDING?
You’re right! The church building at 400 Commonwealth Drive is home to Faith Methodist Church (that’s us!) and our sister church Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church. We are two different churches under The Methodist Church in Singapore.
How to set up Standing Instructions (SI) for Electronic Pledging
E-Pledging facilities are available via internet banking for those who wish to make their pledges via this method. If you would like to utilize our e-pledging facilities, below are directions for setting up Standing Instructions with your bank.
How to set up Standing Instructions (SI) for Electronic Pledging
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICE?
The Sunday Celebration Service is a celebration time! We celebrate God’s grace, love and worship Him for who He is and what He has done in our lives every time we gather as a church family.
A typical Celebration Service in Faith will include choir presentations, singing of hymns or worship songs (depending on the worship style in each Service), prayers, exchange of greetings, silent prayer and meditation, sharing of church family news, an offering time, reciting of the Lord’s Prayer, the sermon, and a closing prayer, also called the Benediction.
Don’t worry, on your way into the Service, you will be given a bulletin where the Order of Worship is printed. You can refer to the Order of Worship to follow along what is happening.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE FOR THE SERVICE?
There is no dress code for the Services – we celebrate diversity in fashion sense! Generally, the Faith church family dresses casually, so feel free to come in your most comfortable garb, though we do ask that you refrain from wearing revealing clothes, shorts and slippers as an act of respect for God and other worshippers.
WHY DO YOU SING IN THE CHURCH?
Isn’t the church one of the most melodious places?! Yes, songs and music are very much part of the Christian life, especially for the Methodists, for we are also known as the “singing people”!
Generally, Christians sing to remember God’s Word through the lyrics in age-old hymns passed down from the generations. We also sing to express our praise and worship to God as an act of responding to His grace. Singing also expresses our unity as the family of God – imagine the sound of sweet music when we sing as one people!
I DON'T BELIEVE IN JESUS YET. CAN I STILL COME TO CHURCH?
Yes, all are welcome to our worship services! Feel free to come and explore what the Christian faith is all about. There will be no obligations or coercion and we promise we won’t make you stand up! When you are ready, approach any of our Greeters or Ushers at the service. For now, please visit our visitors’ section to find out more!
WHY DO YOU RECEIVE AN OFFERING DURING SERVICE? MUST I GIVE AND HOW MUCH DO I GIVE?
We believe in giving as an act of worship. The Bible tells us that the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). Therefore, when we give, we are in fact giving Him what He first gave us. When we ask Jesus to be the Lord of our lives, He is the Lord of everything we have, including our time, energy, family, and finances. By giving, we express our gratitude that He is our Provider.
God said in the Bible that He loves a cheerful giver, therefore giving should be from a cheerful heart, not grudgingly, or out of duty or coercion. Christians are also encouraged to tithe one-tenth of their income, as per God’s command in the Bible. If you wish to tithe, you can request a pledge card from the Info Counter or Church Office. You can also visit our e-pledging page for directions on pledging electronically. If you wish to give an offering apart from your tithes, just drop the cash or cheque into the offering bag during worship services.
If you are a visitor, please do not feel obliged to give an offering – we are glad to be blessed by your presence! Just pass the offering bag along when it reaches you.
WHAT IS HOLY COMMUNION?
Like baptism, Holy Communion is regarded by Methodists as a sacrament – an act of worship instituted by Christ and a means of grace. As with baptism, we believe that God administers His divine grace through the elements of bread and grape juice. All Christians are welcome at the table, regardless of denominational affiliation. When we celebrate Holy Communion, we partake of God’s grace as a family of God.
HOW OFTEN IS HOLY COMMUNION?
At Faith, we celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month for the English Services at 8am, 10am and 11am, for both adults and children. For the youth Service at 9am, Holy Communion is celebrated every third Sunday and for the Mandarin Service at 10.15am, every fourth Sunday.
Holy Communion is also celebrated on special Sundays, such as Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) and the Wesleyan Covenant Renewal and Watchnight Service (on 31 December of every year).
I AM NOT BAPTISED – CAN I TAKE HOLY COMMUNION?
We welcome all who loves the Lord Jesus Christ to participate in the Lord’s Supper. As long as you are a Christian, please feel free to join us!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING HOLY COMMUNION?
Generally, during Holy Communion, there is a ritual whereby the entire congregation is led by the Pastor to confess our sins and receive forgiveness, remember Christ’s sacrifice for us, and affirm our faith. Members of the congregation are then invited to the front to receive the elements of bread and grape juice. At this moment, believers are encouraged to reflect before God, before they are prayed for. After the prayer, they will return to their seats and continue in a time of worship and reflection.
The Communion elements will be brought to members who are unable to walk to the front.
WHY DO METHODIST CHURCHES USE GRAPE JUICE INSTEAD OF WINE DURING HOLY COMMUNION?
That’s a good question! The answer is found in the historical context of society during the 19th century, when there was rampant abuse of beverage alcohol. To support the church’s witness of abstinence, as well as to express pastoral care for recovering alcoholics, grape juice was used instead of wine, and the practice continues till today. By using grape juice, we also enable children and youth to participate in Holy Communion.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TRADITIONAL SERVICE AND CONTEMPORARY SERVICE? WHICH ONE SHOULD I ATTEND?
You’re welcome to whichever suits your preference! We have various worship services and fellowship gatherings for people to worship God in ways most suited to them, with other Christian brothers and sisters.
The Traditional Service uses hymns with beautifully rich organ music accompaniment to draw people into the presence of God. Generally, the mood is more contemplative. Contemporary Services use upbeat choruses and full band accompaniment to usher worshippers into a time of delightful praise and adoration. The mood is celebratory and lively.
IS THE WORSHIP SERVICE AT ANGLO-CHINESE JUNIOR COLLEGE THE SAME AS AT THE FAITH METHODIST CHURCH BUILDING (400 COMMONWEALTH DRIVE)?
The 10.30am Service at ACJC and the 9am & 11am Services at Commonwealth (CW) are all contemporary in nature, using choruses and upbeat songs to lead the people in worship. The 8am Service at CW is Traditional. The sermon at all 4 services is almost always the same and delivered by the same preacher.
The main difference is that the Order of Worship is usually different at our 10.30am Service compared to the 9am & 11am Services. This is to allow the preacher sufficient time to travel between both locations to preach at all the services. Don’t worry, you will get the hang of it soon enough if you join us regularly, and the Order of Worship can be found in the bulletin!
DO YOU HAVE WORSHIP SERVICES IN OTHER LANGUAGES BESIDES ENGLISH?
Yes we do! We believe that people should be able to hear the message of Jesus’ love in the language they’re most comfortable with, and do our best to cater to this. We have a Mandarin Service every Sunday, as well as Indonesian and Filipino Fellowship gatherings. Please click here for details on all our Sunday worship services.
I'M A YOUTH (13 – 18 YEARS OLD). IS THERE A PLACE FOR ME IN YOUR CHURCH?
You will love The TackleBox (TTB) Youth Service! Held every Sunday, 10.30am at Anglo-Chinese Junior College, LT4 (L3), our TTB Youth Service is for young people like you. Our TTB Youths also hold Small Group meetings before the service, where they learn and fellowship together.
I'M A FOREIGNER. HOW CAN I FIT IN?
Welcome to Singapore! If you have not found a church yet, we welcome you to join our Faith church family! Faith is a multiethnic, multinational family church. There are Malaysians, Chinese, Indians, Filipinos, Indonesians, Vietnamese, and Americans among others in our congregation. You’ll fit right in!
For details on all our Sunday worship services including our Mandarin Service and Indonesian and Filipino Fellowship gatherings, please click here.
CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN TO CHURCH?
Yes, please feel free to bring your children along! We run SUN JAM children’s programmes (for 2 – 12 year-olds) concurrent to our 9am, 10.30am, and 11am Services (please click here for details). For nursing mothers and parents with toddlers, cry rooms are available for your use. You will be able to follow the worship services through glass windows and speakers installed in the rooms.
CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN TO CHURCH?
Yes, please feel free to bring your children along! We run SUN JAM children’s programmes (for 2 – 12 year-olds) concurrent to our 9am, 10.30am, and 11am Services (please click here for details). For nursing mothers and parents with toddlers, cry rooms are available for your use. You will be able to follow the worship services through glass windows and speakers installed in the rooms.
WHAT CHILDREN PROGRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MY KIDS?
We make church fun! Our Children’s Ministry, ONE JAM (ONE Jesus And Me) and their team of committed, dedicated teachers provide an environment for your child to know God, love His Word, and learn Godly values in creative, engaging, and relevant ways. They’ll see to it that your child has the best hour of the week every Sunday!
WHAT TAKES PLACE DURING JOLLY & KINDY CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMES (2-6 YEAR OLDS)?
Your child will be taken care of by experienced and caring helpers, many of whom are mothers themselves! They will enjoy listening to amazing Bible stories with visual impact, learning action songs, and having fun doing colouring or crafts.
WHAT TAKES PLACE DURING PRIMARY CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMES (7-12 YEAR OLDS)?
We aim to look at everything we do through the eyes of a child, and help every child learn and apply God’s Word. Teachers employ creative teaching styles using object lessons, gospel illusions, skits, puppets, videos, and other tools. The children also play games to bond and have fun.
Children then attend “pod time”, when they can learn in smaller groups, about topics related to the large group teaching.
WHAT IS THE GEMS (GOD ENABLES ME) PROGRAMME?
Our GEMs programme is designed for children with special needs. Every child is a gem in God’s eyes! For details, please contact Pearly Sim, Pastoral Team Member for Children, at pearlysim@faithmc.sg.
ARE THERE OTHER FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN IN THE CHURCH?
Faith is a place for families and that includes your children! As you attend our worship services, be assured that there are conducive facilities for your young ones.
Cry Rooms (at 400 Commonwealth Drive premises)
There are Cry Rooms at both the Sanctuary and Worship Hall for parents with babies and toddlers. Parents can follow the service through the glass windows and speakers installed in the rooms.
Children’s Corner @ Attic Library
The little ones have their own corner at the Attic Library! There they can relax and enjoy a cartoon or two, and explore the ample materials and resources for children such as books, CDs and DVDs.
Playground
A place suitable for children aged 1 – 12 to have moments of fun. This playground is located at the Attic Level.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT ALPHA AND RUNNING ALPHA IN MY OWN LIFE GROUP?
1. What is Alpha?
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each session looks at a different question and is designed to create conversations. The following are the topics covered:
- Is there more to life than this? (Intro Session)
- Who is Jesus?
- Why did Jesus die?
- How can I have faith?
- Why and how should I pray?
- Why and How should I read the bible?
- How does God guide us?
- Why and how should I tell others?
- How can I resist evil?
- Does God heal today?
- What about the church?
In addition, there will be an Alpha Weekend Away, typically a day’s programme, which is conducted at a fixed schedule in a year.
2. What is SG Alpha?
Life Group (LG) Alpha is basically conducting Alpha sessions in a LG setting. This can be during regular LG meetings, or additional organised sessions, either at home or in church. Each LG will organise, plan and determine the pace Alpha sessions are conducted.
3. What are the benefits of LG Alpha?
There are many benefits to run Alpha at the LG level, such as: flexibility in scheduling the Alpha sessions; conducive environment for pre-believers to discuss about Christianity in the comfort of a close-knitted group; good platform for LG members to serve as one family, while refreshing their faith journey; helpful to pre-believers’ integration into LGs, and the church.
4. How different is it from Alpha Together? Is Alpha Together more complete compared to LG Alpha?
Both Alpha Together and LG Alpha are using exactly the same curriculum, and facilitators (host and helper) receive the same training to conduct the Alpha sessions. Alpha Together is organised on a larger scale with a few LG Alphas running concurrently on a fixed schedule. This has the benefits of pooling logistical resources with a few LGs.
5. Why LG Alpha when there is Corporate Alpha?
As a church of LGs, it is a natural extension for Alpha to be incorporated into individual LGs as a means to serve as one family, to reach out and make Christ known. With this vision, the Witness & Evangelism (W&E) ministry is moving towards conducting Alpha through LGs. Corporate Alpha will be revamped into a new LG-led format, i.e. a larger scale LG Alpha jointly run by a few LGs concurrently (named Alpha Together).
HOW DO WE GET EQUIPPED FOR LG ALPHA?
1. If our LG is interested in running LG Alpha, what must we do?
Please indicate your interest by sending an email to alpha@faithmc.sg, the Alpha Team will get in touch with you asap.
2. What is the manpower requirement to conduct LG Alpha?
Minimally, you will need a trained facilitator and helper to run the LG Alpha.
3. Who can help our LG to plan for LG Alpha? Where do we receive equipping/training for LG Alpha?
The Alpha Team will provide the necessary training/resources for your LG to conduct LG Alpha, such as facilitator training, follow-up training, etc. Please lookout for the announcement on details for the upcoming training sessions.
4. What is the commitment for LG Alpha?
Complete the facilitator and Nurturing and Seeker Trainings; organise and attend to ALL the sessions including the Alpha Weekend Away with your pre-believer guests (organized by Alpha Team).
5. How long does it take to prepare for LG Alpha before it commences?
It can be as soon as the Alpha facilitator and helper have completed their facilitator training. With committed pre-believers, you’re ready to start the LG Alpha!
6. Can the Church appoint someone to journey with our LG while the Alpha sessions are running?
Yes, depending on availability, the Alpha Team will provide support upon request by the LGs in need of help.
HOW DO WE PROCEED WHEN OUR SGS ARE READY FOR SG ALPHA?
1. How can our LG be involved in LG Alpha?
Firstly, sign up for Alpha Facilitator Training to equip yourselves. Invite our pre-believer friends/ family members to join LG Alpha. Do indicate your interest by sending an email to alpha@faithmc.sg; Alpha Team is also available to share their experiences at your LG if required.
2. How do we invite our pre-believing family members or friends?
Start by praying to ask God whom you should invite. Alpha Team will provide an invitation card for LG members to invite their guests individually or as a group with information on the course, its duration and meeting place.
SCHEDULING AND PLANNING SG ALPHA SESSIONS
1. Does our SG decide on our own dates to run LG Alpha?
Yes, Your group can decide on dates as well as frequency of meetings/ sessions, while taking into consideration the planned Alpha Weekend Away.
2. If our LG is running Alpha, does it mean our LSG needs to cancel our regular meetings?
We would encourage LG Alpha to be held in place of “regular” LG meetings as a platform for LGs to engage pre-believing family and friends.
3. How many seekers do we need in order to start LG Alpha in our LG?
As a guide, we recommend each LG Alpha group not to exceed 12 people, including 4 (one-third) to 8 (two-thirds) seekers in the group.
A larger LG can split itself into mutually-supporting sub-groups, each with a minimum of 6 people. Each sub-group will need at least 1 facilitator and 1 helper who are both trained. Each LG needs to have members who are trained to follow up and nurture new believers.
4. What do we do if our LG size is very small?
A LG Alpha group with a minimum size of 6 people (including 2 to 4 seekers) will be sufficient.
5. Must our LG run LG Alpha by ourselves or can we combine with other LGs to do it together?
LG Alpha can be conducted as individual LG or concurrently with a few other LG Alpha groups to optimize logistical resources.
6. Should our LG be open to walk-ins?
Yes, generally we should allow walk-ins. The decision can be made at the discretion of the Alpha facilitators.
MATERIALS FOR RUNNING SG ALPHA
1. What materials are required to start the LG Alpha?
Once the LG is registered to run Alpha, the church will loan you a USB drive containing the Alpha video series. The USB should be returned after used.
2. Are there guidelines for running LG Alpha? Where can we get more information on LG Alpha?
Yes. There will be guidelines for running Alpha that will be provided during the facilitator training.
3. Can our Life Group change/tweak the Alpha sessions?
The curriculum of Alpha is thoughtfully designed and any changes to its content/ sequences of content is discouraged. However, the LG may decide to hold sessions at the convenience of its members i.e. weekly or fortnightly.
LOGISTICS SUPPORT FOR LG ALPHA
1. Where will be the best venue to conduct LG Alpha?
LSG Alpha can be conducted at your regular LG meeting locations e.g. at home or in church. Find a place where you can show Alpha videos in a conducive environment for discussions.
2. If our LG encounters problems finding a venue to hold LG Alpha, what are the alternatives?
Your LG may book a room in church, please call church office @ 64719420 during office hours.
3. Do we need to provide meals for LG Alpha?
Each Alpha session starts with a meal or tea refreshment, followed by a talk and then discussion in LGs. Food is a great way of bringing people together and get to know each other.
4. Is there a subsidy from the church for meals or tea refreshments?
Yes. LGs who are registered to conduct LG Alpha will be subsidised on the food expenses. LG Alpha will be advised on the use of the subsidy.
HOW ABOUT ALPHA INTRO SESSION AND ALPHA WEEKEND AWAY?
1. Does a Life Group need to host an Alpha Intro Session before the first session?
The Intro session is actually the first session which is the topic on ‘Is there more than life to this?’. Ice breakers / simple get to know each other activities are encouraged during the first session for pre-believers to feel welcomed.
2. How does a LG run the Alpha Weekend Away (AWA)?
The Alpha Weekend Away will be organised by the Alpha Team in conjunction with LGs who are running Alpha in their groups. AWAs are to be held on dates preset by the Alpha Team, ideally after Session 7. LG may look out for AWA dates to plan the Alpha sessions for your groups.
3. Do we do Altar Call in LG Alpha? How do we do it?
We do altar call during Alpha weekend. Alpha Team will work with LG Alpha for the altar call during Alpha Weekend Away.
However, if there is anyone would like to accept Christ during LG Alpha sessions, you are more than welcomed to lead them to pray the sinner’s prayer only after you have discern that the seeker has a good understanding of his/her decision. After that, please contact Alpha Team (or your Community Leader) for follow up arrangements.
HANDLING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
1. During the Alpha run, if our LG needs help, whom can we approach?
At the onset of starting LG Alpha, LGs would be trained on how to conduct the sessions through the facilitator training. LGs could discuss with Alpha Team regarding the support and resources they need to run the sessions. Generally, assistance rendered by the Alpha Team would not replace the hosting and leading roles of the Life Groups.
2. How do we handle seekers who drop out during the sessions?
Pre-believers who are welcomed and accepted into a LG are likely to continue through the whole series of Alpha sessions or even becoming a member of the LG.
While genuine care and encouragement helps, pre-believers are not obliged to attend all the sessions.
Alpha Team will reach out to the Life Groups to provide guidance and assistance while LG Alpha is on-going. LGs should take note of the needs from pre-believers who joined them and raise it to the Alpha Team early for any follow up.
3. If our LG cannot answer some tough questions from seekers, to whom shall we approach?
Alpha facilitator training will provide relevant details on how to handle tough questions. For specific burning questions, Alpha Team can provide guidelines on how to handle them. However, you may contact Alpha Team for guidance.
4. Is there any resource for LGs to answer difficult questions?
Yes, there is an Alpha discussion guide booklet that can help answer some commonly encountered difficult questions.
WHAT’S AFTER ALPHA?
1. What will happen after all the Alpha sessions are completed?
After an Alpha run, your group is to nurture the pre-believers/ new believers – this is in fact the desired outcome for LG Alpha. Pre-believers should be settled into your group by then. You may approach Alpha Team for more details on nurturing or post Alpha follow up materials.
2. Do we invite these pre-believers or new converts to join our LG after LG Alpha?
Pre-believers or new converts who have completed LG Alpha are encouraged to join a LG. Pre-believers should be introduced into a LG who is starting LG Alpha in the group in order to benefit them the most. When the Alpha run is completed, pre-believers are encouraged to join in as a member of your LG.
LGs who have established relationships with pre-believers and new converts can invite them to join the LG as well as other programmes such as Baptism classes. LGs should partner with the Alpha Team for any follow up coordination.
3. After LG Alpha has completed the Alpha Sessions, will there be follow-up? Who does it?
LG Alpha can be a part of LG’s strategy to multiply and grow deep in their Christian journeys. Depending on individuals and needs, follow up programmes such as baptism class can be introduced to them. SGs should partner with the Alpha Team for any follow up coordination.
4. What can we do for pre-believers who have attended LG Alpha but have not yet receive Christ?
There are pre-believers who are not ready to receive Christ by the end of LG Alpha. This does not mean they will not do so in the future. As relationships are formed, SGs can encourage pre-believers to continue joining your LG meetings.
5. What do we do when someone receives Christ?
When someone receives Christ during Alpha, LGs should complete the remaining Alpha sessions. LGs’ affirmation would be crucial support to his/her Christian journey. Follow up programmes such as faith foundations follow up lessons, baptism class can be introduced to them. LGs should partner with the Alpha Team for any follow up coordination.
6. What do we do if the seeker or new convert does not wish to join my LG?
Though encouraged, pre-believers are not obliged to stay in the LGs after LG Alpha. LGs should work with the Alpha Team for further follow up and coordination.
7. If our LG has no one to do follow-up with the new converts, who should I approach for help?
LGs should continue to care for the new converts. They could work with the Alpha Team for further follow up and coordination for more resources such as nurturing follow-up, baptism classes etc.
W&E will also provide nurturer training for LG, with this LG members should be able to do nurturing follow up.
8. After LG Alpha, who will take care of the new convert if there is any?
New believers are encouraged to join a LG after LG Alpha. SGs could consult among themselves and work with the Alpha Team for further follow up and coordination.
I NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE (LIKE A COUNSELLOR OR PASTOR)
We care for our flock. Please contact our Church Office at 6471 9420. You can also contact our Counsellor directly at 6471 9414, or via this form.
For urgent pastoral assistance after office hours, please call 8125 7277.
I NEED SOMEONE TO PRAY FOR ME
If you require pastoral care and assistance, do feel free to contact our pastoral staff. You can also contact our Church Office at 6471 9420 or submit your prayer request via this form.
For urgent pastoral assistance after office hours, please call 8125 7277.
Aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt augue interdum velit. Amet tellus cras adipiscing enim. Urna cursus eget tincidunt augue interdum velit