Dedicated to bringing the Word of God and other inspiring resources into the life of every believer, the bookstore ministry has served the CHC congregation since 1995.
Contributed By Venessa Thor
The bookstore caters to readers young and old. CN PHOTOS: Daniel Poh.
Week in and week out, members attending church services will see the bookstore ministry members working hard to bring books and music to enhance the congregation’s understanding of God’s Word and deepen their relationship with their Savior.
Attributes Pte Ltd handles the bookstore at City Harvest Church at Hall 603, Suntec Singapore, as well as the publication of materials—books, CD sermons and worship albums—for the church. Besides CHC materials, Attributes bookstore also carries a wide range of Christian resources from a variety of well-known international ministers such as Phil Pringle, John Bevere, Joyce Meyer and Rick Warren.
The bookstore ministry makes up the arms and legs that run the sales of these materials every weekend. From its humble beginnings consisting of only a handful of helpers, the bookstore ministry now has over 150 committed volunteers who work together to keep the bookstore running efficiently every weekend.
Sixteen years ago at the former Hollywood Theatre, the need arose for spiritual resources like books, music and sermons, for young members who wanted to build up their spiritual life and walk with God. Back then, the bookstore ministry was literally known as the “book table”: volunteers would create a makeshift area outside the church hall, selling products stacked on tables.
Book tables offer churchgoers great reads.
Starting a bookstore ministry from scratch was not an easy feat. Most of the helpers in the ministry were mostly young students, and had a lot to learn about running a business and promoting books to church members. Undeterred, the volunteers did all they could to make things work. For example, one young member was tasked with bringing bags of coins every weekend for the float, so that the cashiers could make transactions quickly and effectively.
Over the years, these volunteers did more than just man the book table; some began to help out in the various marketing and product campaigns, and others helped to design the bookshelves that are still being used today. Today, old and new volunteers continue to sow into the ministry in practical ways.
Outside the regular duties required on a weekly basis, the bookstore ministry also conducts activities to encourage members in the church to get more involved in the lives of one another. For instance in 2010, the bookstore ministry launched the Heroes of Faith campaign, which was extremely well-received by church members. Members nominated persons they felt deserved the title of “Hero of Faith.” The event saw more than one winner as various members were honored for their steadfast faith in God during tough times.
A busy day for the ministry.
Apart from this, the bookstore ministry also contributes to social causes. It has donated a portion of its sales to fund program by organizations such as K.I.T.E., an aid group for young children. The bookstore ministry also helped to raise funds through the sales of paper flowers hand-made by women from lower-income families from WEworkz, a cooperative of women.
What qualities are needed to serve in the bookstore ministry? A passion to serve, a willingness to learn and a readiness to step out of one’s comfort zone. Ministry head Robin Thor explains, “We always believe that God has placed different talents into every member, and it is our responsibility to help our members discover and develop their talents to reach their fullest potential. This way, we will make the bookstore ministry as colorful and as vibrant as it can be!”
Find out how you can serve in the bookstore ministry in production or retail operations like sales and marketing. Visit www.chc.org.sg for more details.
