One pioneer member shares 27 very honest ways to fully benefit from your membership in CHC.
DO worship God as though there’s no-one around.
CN PHOTO: Gareth Gay
Having been in City Harvest Church for the past 27 years, I’ve seen our church go through ups and downs. I’ve seen how flawed our church has been, and I’ve also seen how God has used this great church, moved mightily among us with His power and anointing and caused CHC to impact a generation of believers, on our shores and beyond.
So here, on our 27th anniversary, my friends and I pulled together 27 tips (call it a cheat code if you like) on how to have longevity and be continually blessed in this house. Let’s break it down to three sections:
RELATIONSHIP WITH CHURCH
1. When you attend the weekend service, I’ve found that it’s always ideal to go with a friend. It enriches the church-going experience and you won’t feel lost and alone in the crowd.
2. It’s tough, but try your best to refrain from engaging in social media during the service. It’s disconcerting to see members browsing Facebook and Instagram while the preacher is delivering the Word of God. It’s disrespectful to God, to the preacher and chances are, you won’t have let the Word impact you.
3. I’m not against public display of affections (PDA), especially between a married couple. But I’ve seen inappropriate PDA take place in church during service that has made me blush. If you are unsure of what is deemed inappropriate PDA, just don’t do what you wouldn’t do if your mother was sitting right behind you.
DO have a quality cup of coffee at Hall 605 before or after service.
CN PHOTOS: Daniel Poh
4. Come early to church and get a quick pick-me-up of exceedingly good coffee from our Barista Ministry, proceeds go to City Harvest Community Services Association. Drink coffee and do good!
5. Whenever possible, come early for pre-service prayer meeting, which begins 45 minutes before the service starts. The prayer meeting prepares you to receive from the Lord during the service.
6. Snacks are not permitted during the service but if you’re feeling faint because you forgot to eat breakfast, eat discreetly and not like as though you are at the movies. True story: we’ve actually seen someone eat a packet of chicken rice during the service!
7. Unless you absolutely have to, don’t be part of the mass Exodus when the preacher ends the sermon. It’s disrespectful and distracting to others.
8. Some children attend the service with their parents, who occupy them with gadgets. We have an excellent Harvest Kidz that is fun and teaches children Godly values. It may take a bit of effort on your part to bring your child earlier to church, settle them in, or maybe sit in till they get used to the teachers, but we assure you it’s worth it! Once your child is integrated into Harvest Kidz and makes friends, not only will he or she grow in the Lord, you will finally be able to attend the service in peace.
9. The next time you are in service, look around you and take note of individuals who visit the church on their own. Find a chance to befriend them, bring them to the HotSpot after and help integrate them into a cell group.
DO catch Pokémons after service.
10. If you must fiddle with your gadget, take down sermon notes instead of surfing on social media. Studies have shown that people remember better when they take down notes. Better still, use a notebook and a pen.
11. Say “Amen” or “Hallelujah” in response when you agree with what the preacher is saying. This not only encourages those around you, it encourages the preacher too.
12. If you’re a Pokémon GO fan, first, do not play Pokémon GO during service, and two, if you have not been delivered from it, please do not get out of your seat to catch Dragonite or Jigglypuff. Especially not if it appears near stage.
13. When you wait for the elevator at Suntec (or anywhere, for that matter, not just in church), remember that there are those who need it more than you: the pregnant, the elderly, the physically disabled, as well as parents with very young children in strollers or out.
DO give the disabled and parents with babies priority at the elevators.
14. Due to long waits at the elevators, sometimes the above-mentioned have to use the escalators. Always keep a lookout for and give way to those who need special care and attention. Avoid being engrossed in conversation or glued to your gadget; instead, move along quickly and efficiently.
15. Be part of a cell group or ministry. Other than being an avenue for you to grow in the Lord and serve the body of Christ, there is a sense of belonging that enriches your walk with Jesus.
16. Sign up for the Churchwide Bible Study Classes. Our extensive Bible Study curriculum takes the believer from the very basics of Christianity, to the foundations of the Christian faith, and helps you grow to mature faith. Bible study classes are also a great way to get to know people, as well as the pastors in CHC.
17. If you are in a serious relationship and you are thinking of settling down with your better half in the near future, be sure to sign up for our Happily Ever After course, part of the Better Life courses held at CHC. The Better Life series covers marriage preparation, parenting as well as financial courses.
18. In the past few years, many single individuals have attended events hosted by City Connexions and have met their life partners. Today, many are happily married with kids. If you’re single and ready, what are you waiting for? Sign up for the next City Connexions event today!
19. Feel free to write in to the church (info@chc.org.sg) to offer your feedback, suggestions and even encouragement. CHC values our members’ feedback and takes suggestions into consideration.
20. Follow CHC on its social media applications (not during service) to stay updated on the latest happenings in church. Go a step further and log on to City News (citynews.sg) to keep abreast with what the various departments of the church are doing. There are interviews with guest speakers and stories that you will find meaningful.
21. If you are overseas, you can still join in service by watching the live webcasts. If you are unable to, you can still catch up later in the week. Webcasts of the previous week’s service are uploaded and remain on the website for one week.
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS
22. Be open with your cell group leader. If there is something bothering you, find an opportunity to share it with him or her. Being open in your communication helps him or her understand how you feel.
23. Don’t bear a grudge against someone in church. No one is perfect. Offenses will come. Someone will hurt you, but that someone is not God. Be like God: slow to anger, abounding in love.
24. Even in church, there will be differing opinions between people. It helps to bear in mind that there are always two sides to every story. Remembering this helps us to see things from the other party’s perspective, saves us the grief, and improves relations. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree.
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
25. While it’s good to hear from your cell group leader or from the preacher at the pulpit, all believers need to hear from the Lord themselves. Our walk with God is a personal one. When we spend our Quiet Time seeking the Lord, He will provide the answers we need in life.
26. Be faithful in your tithes and generous with your offerings. When you give, give heartily unto the Lord, for the work of His house.
27. Personal encounters with God are what keep us going. When you have a personal encounter with Jesus, no one can refute it. You will be unwavering in your faith and conviction. No offense can keep you away from Him. Personal encounters come when we are single-focused, hungry for God and longing for His presence.
