Following his recent ordination as an Elder, Rev Clement Ong is embarking on a new season of ministry at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church. Formerly an outdoor adventure and corporate trainer, Pastor Clement answered the call to full-time ministry in 2004. After graduating from Trinity Theological College and serving in a Presbyterian church, Pastor Clement joined Wesley Methodist Church in 2015 and has faithfully shepherded the congregation here for 10 years. Wesley TIDINGS has the privilege of connecting with Pastor Clement to reflect on his time at Wesley and his anticipation for what lies ahead.
Congratulations on your ordination as an Elder! This is a momentous occasion, marking a deepening of your commitment to God’s service. As you embark on this new chapter at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church, we at Wesley rejoice with you while also feeling a sense of loss. Which ministries did you oversee during your 10 years at Wesley?
It has been an incredible privilege to serve at Wesley Methodist Church. I have been serving as a Pastoral Team Member for the Small Group Ministry (SGM), the Family Life Ministry church camp committee & Men-in-Christ, Wesley@Cathay and Prayer & Praise (P&P). Since 2020, I have overseen the P&P contemporary worship ministry as a Pastor, where I began volunteering as a worship leader and musician in 2016.
(Photo: Henry Lim)
You have a unique gift for leading worship and ushering us into the presence of God through music. How did this passion for worship and music develop in your life? Was this a calling you sensed from a young age?
I was never trained as a musician. I was discipled in the area of Worship and Music quite literally by my youth pastor, who used the discipline to nurture a youth worship band and encouraged discipleship, bonding, and even missions through it. I started playing the guitar when I was in Primary 5 because there was a need for music accompaniment in our fellowship, and I discovered that music could be a powerful way to express my love for God. However, it was not until I was 16, while serving in my church’s worship ministry, that I truly sensed God calling me to use music to glorify Him and draw others into His presence. That calling grew deeper over the years, and it continues to shape my ministry to this day.
It’s always interesting to learn about the spiritual journeys of our pastors. Did your faith journey begin in the Methodist Church?
Although I was raised in a Christian family, it was my “missionary” uncle who brought me to my first Sunday service at Ang Mo Kio Bethany Church. After a couple of years, I joined the sponsoring church of the Boys’ Brigade (BB) 24th Company. I received Christ through the programme when I was in Primary 5. The BB programme and the sponsoring church’s emphasis on grace, disciplined discipleship and community laid a solid foundation for my faith. However, my relationship with Christ became more personal and transformative towards the end of my secondary years, when I joined a youth group gathering at Presbyterian High School and the chaplaincy church. It was there that the youth group leaders helped me see the depth of God’s love and the call to live for Him. Over the last 10 years at Wesley, the pastors, staff team, leadership and active volunteer members have been pivotal in affirming and strengthening my pastoral call. As I continue my journey as a Methodist, I reflect with thanksgiving on serving as a full-time church worker over the last 20 years.
Over the years, you’ve dedicated yourself to various ministries here at Wesley. Could you tell us more about the areas where you’ve served and shepherded our congregation?
Beyond P&P and SGM, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in pastoral care, particularly in helping members navigate challenging seasons of life. I’ve also worked with our church camp committee, encouraging the church to come together across generations, especially during our building community church direction. If there is a ministry that I hold closer to heart, it is our Strangely Warmed Retreat (SWR), where we step away from our daily routines to refocus on God and His plans for our lives. It is also in SWR that P&P collaborates in a wider church effort of spiritual formation.
Wesley holds a special place in the hearts of many, and we’re sure it does in yours as well. As you reflect on your time here, what are three memories that you will cherish most?
There are so many memories, but three stand out. First, our Christmas projects such as Celebrate Christmas in Singapore (CCIS), Christmas at the Fort in 2019, where we brought the gospel story to the streets. Those spontaneous yet inspiring moments of sharing the true Christmas story together with various ministries and with our volunteers through song performances, booth engagement and hospitality, were so powerful.
Second, it’s the SWR, as I mentioned earlier, where I witnessed Wesleyans step into greater pursuit and passion for spiritual disciplines and Christian formation.
And finally, seeing families worship together during our intergenerational services last year and at The Saturday Service (TSS) services. It’s a glimpse of heaven when all generations come together to lift the name of Jesus.
What are you looking forward to as you prepare to go to Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church?
I’m looking forward to meeting another faith community in our wider church congregation and learning about their stories, hopes and challenges. Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church has active ministries in the community, and I’m excited to see how God will work in and through this church in the coming season. I hope to build relationships, inspire a deeper passion for worship and journey alongside the members as we grow to serve our Master with a mission.
As you prepare to bid Wesley farewell this season, what are your hopes and dreams for Wesley? What words of encouragement or exhortation would you like to leave with your fellow Wesleyans?
My hope for Wesley is that it continues to be a beacon of light in Singapore—a church in the city where people encounter the love of God, grow as disciples and impact the community.
To my fellow Wesleyans: remain sure and steadfast in your walk with Christ.
Hold fast to God’s Word, stay committed in prayer and in praise and continue to serve one another with humility and love.
Please remember, the church isn’t just a building or a programme – it is the people, united in Christ, working together for His kingdom.Pastor Clement
Finally, Pastor Clement, are you a coffee or tea person? (A hint for those of you in Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church 😊).
(Laughs) I am a yuan yang (coffee and tea combo) person! And I’m convinced my wife makes the best mix.
Thank you, Pastor Clement, for your faithful service and the indelible mark you’ve left on Wesley Methodist Church. You have blessed us immeasurably through your obedience to God’s call and your reflection of His grace and love.
Thank you for the opportunity to share the love I have received at Wesley and to serve this wonderful congregation. Wesley will always hold a special place in my heart. I leave with deep gratitude and anticipation for all that God will continue to do here. May we keep pressing on together in faith, hope and love.
Wesley TIDINGS would like to thank Pastor Clement for his faithful service at Wesley Methodist Church. We wish him God’s blessings and continued fruitfulness in the new season of ministry at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church.
Read also: ‘Wesley Will Always Have a Special Place in My Heart’: An Interview with Rev David Ho
