English District Conference Formed
English congregation Churches entered a new era when the formation of an English District Conference (EDC) received overwhelming blessings at the 44th Annual Conference, with a large majority of 245 votes out of a total of 297.
The EDC will include 6 churches, 2 preaching centres and 2 churches with English service, namely:
Kuching – Faith (FMC), Tabuan Trinity (TTMC), Living Hope Preaching Centre (LHMPC)
Sibu – Wesley (WMC), Permai Preaching Centre (PMPC)
Bintulu – Emmanuel Methodist Church (EMC)
Miri – Grace (GMC), Agape Grace (AGMC), Senadin Preaching
Centre (SMPC)
Sarikei – Nyelong Park Methodist Church (NPMC)
All these churches have only English congregation except for FMC and WMC, which started as English ministry churches, and later added the Chinese service.
NPMC and SMPC are Chinese Churches having English service. They will continue to be under their respective present District Conference but join EDC as observers. Trinity Methodist Church will be invited as observer
too.
The English-speaking churches have been under their respective Chinese District Conferences (CDC) as well as the English Ministry Committee (EMC). Operationally speaking, both are weak links in terms of church growth and ministry. Formation of EDC is believed to bring great benefits for all the English-speaking churches
An EDC, headed by a District Superintendent, will provide a better platform for administrative, organizational and developmental effectiveness.
The initial formation of 7 District Commissions under EDC include: Ministry, Laity, Christian Education, Worship & Music, Evangelism, Missions and Christian Social Concerns.
BM Ministry Hive Off
Previously parked under Board of Evangelism, the fast growing BM Ministry
is ready to be an independent entity. It was thus unanimously agreed
at this 44th Annual Conference for the formation of the Board of BM Ministry
with its board members for year 2020 as follows:
Rev Nicholas Tan, Rev Lim Hock Sing, Rev Sency Ling, Rev Ling Biu,
Rev Tann Kedal, Pastor Susanty Kedal, Wong Kai Lim, Alex Wong,
James Wong, Yong Jing Jing, Susana Leong, Alex Ha.
New District Superintendents
With Rev Dr Lau Hui Ming of Kuching West District and Rev Tony Chieng of Bintangor District having served their full term as district superintendents for six years, the batons will be handed over to Rev Timothy Ling and Rev Margaret Wong respectively.
Meanwhile, Rev Lenita Tiong has been appointed as the District Superintendent of the newly formed English District Conference.