Haha, this post is well, about 2 days late, but i guess some truths are universal and can be used anytime. Anyway, i was chatting with ps aaron, eunice and jerry that day. And, interestingly, ps aaron began to share about what he felt was lacking in our youth. Frankly, its always important to listen to the vision ur leaders have, esp. ur pastor. After all, it gives the dirn for the whole group, and well, as the verse goes; without a vision, the people will perish.
So yup, he mentioned a couple of things. But one thing that struck me the most was what he said about our leadership. In his words, as far as i can remember: "Bethel leaders are very good at shepherding our members, but we need to work on pastoring them." Woa.
That struck me. Firstly because the style of leadership i've been so immensely exposed to since coming to PL7 is pretty much shepherding. Hence, i guess over time, the need to shepherd, rather than pastor my flock has gotten so strong that their attendance mattered more than their problems and spiritual growth.
I remember telling my interns and Acl once during an evaluation that "the time you stop growing is the time you start becoming a leader, rather than a mentor"(quotes caijie, well, something to that extent) I cant remember the exact words, but its quite true lar, as leaders, at times we forget that our utmost priority is still to ensure our members(ourselves included) thrive spiritually. Its when they are able to grow spiritually and feel His tangible love in their lives when they will decide to be committed to come on a regular basis. Myself included, perhaps in the past weeks i've been so engrossed in keeping up the attendance that i've become myopic to the need to see them grow spiritually.

Anyway, on another note. Woohoo, today was farewell assembly. Finally school's over! Woohoo.. but crap, it also marks the end of ponning, hai. Truthfully, ponning was quite fun. According to bel, im the "pon star" Lol.. wad a flattering title....