City Harvest Church experienced a spiritual refreshening last weekend with preacher Steve Munsey and Indonesian band 3PM.
Contributed By Jeremy Chua
Steve Munsey inspired the congregation with his creative preaching ministry. CN PHOTO: Tan Song Kow.
Author, scientist, inventor, and one of the founding fathers of the United States of America Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
On the weekend of Dec. 3 and 4, City Harvest Church was engaged in the unique preaching style of Steve Munsey, a time that left an indelible impression on everyone. A one-man storytelling whirlwind of passion and fervor, Munsey, the pastor of Family Christian Center in Munster, Indiana, spun enrapturing biblical tales that were equally dramatic, relevant and spiritual. Preaching for the second time in CHC, Munsey inspired, encouraged and uplifted the congregation.
The 3PM band led the English congregation in worship. CN PHOTOS: June Yong & Tan Song Kow.
Those who witnessed Munsey’s unconventional preaching for the first time were also in for a time of worship led by CHC’s Indonesian service band, 3PM. The team was launching their sophomore album, Holdin’ On that same weekend.
Looking confident before the large crowd, 3PM brought down the presence of God at both the Saturday and Sunday services with familiar praise and worship songs such as “Friend Of God,” “Nothing Is impossible” and “You Are My Father.” They also introduced two of the five English songs from their album entitled “All The Praise” and “Hallelujah.”
With its rock-tinged sensibilities, 3PM played with a reassuring desire to enter into God’s presence. Charis Low, 22, a flight attendant, said, “3PM is so full of vibrancy! Praise and worship led by them was simply awesome—I felt totally soaked in the presence of God.”
Hearts were open and the stage was set for Munsey, with his unique brand of exhortation via entertainment. Munsey reminded the congregation of a powerful truth in the kingdom of God on Saturday night. Prefacing his message with Romans 4:17, Munsey said, “God is saying to us that we have the power to speak into our future!”
With the lights in the auditorium dimmed, and background music playing, Munsey illustrated the power of speaking into the future with the story of Jacob. The congregation was transported into a different era as Munsey acted out Jacob’s journey, triumphing over the obstacles set in his way by his uncle Laban, and how he overcame every time by speaking into his future.
With adroit use of multimedia, music, popular culture references, and props such as a tree branch and a knife, Munsey had the crowd on the edge of their seats one moment, and guffawing in laughter the next.
KNOWING OUR POSITION IN CHRIST
Sunday morning’s message was equally memorable. Speaking of the Word of God as a mirror for the believer, as taught in James 1, there were full-length mirrors placed on stage as a constant emphasis for believers to never forget who they are in God. “Do not forget the promises of God in the Bible, and how God sees us. If you forget, you will start listening to other people, and they will tell you who you are and what you are,” Munsey explained.
Depicting Samson’s life as told in the Book of Judges, Munsey gave credit to the amazing feats of Samson as he was constantly reminded of who he was in God. Munsey then conveyed a sobering message through the loss of consecration and strength of Samson when he succumbed to the wiles of Delilah, and his subsequent capture by his enemies: “We need to discern in life what is good and what is bad; don’t forget that the enemy wants to get you into a position of believing his lies.”
Likening Samson’s loss of his physical eyes to the loss of spiritual vision, the message climaxed with Samson’s redemption at the end of his life when his spiritual sight was restored. Munsey toppled “pillars” that were set up on stage, concluding his sermon with a fitting flourish.
Hundreds flocked to the front during the altar call.
STRENGTHENED AND ENCOURAGED
Beyond the immense entertainment value of his preaching, at the very heart of Munsey’s messages were deep spiritual truths and timely encouragement both for the church and for individuals, evident from the crowds of people who thronged the front of the auditorium during altar call.
For Joelynn Tan, 19, a student at Republic Polytechnic, it was her first time hearing Munsey speak. “It is very unexpected that a pastor could be this dynamic!” she said. “His preaching was impactful and very dramatic, but most importantly it was sincere and touched my heart.”
Leon Wen, 27, an administrative executive shared her sentiments. “I feel so revitalized. I thoroughly enjoyed Steve Munsey’s style of conveying a message; it’s such a breath of fresh air! It was engaging and dramatic, yet still very spiritual.”
