Keep Close, Keep Tight
By Roger Chan
Outgoing Chairperson (2021-2025), Small Group Ministry
When I first stepped into the role of Chairperson of the Small Group Ministry (SGM), I honestly did not feel ready. We were in the middle of COVID-19, and everything was happening online. I was not sure what I could offer or how things would unfold. I just knew that small groups were important—especially when people were feeling isolated and disconnected.
Somewhere along the way, a phrase came to mind: Keep Close, Keep Tight. It stayed with me. That became something I held on to throughout these years. It reminded me what truly matters—not having all the answers but being present. Keeping rooted in God. Keeping connected with one another.
Over the years, I have come to see more clearly how Small Groups have been a space where people can grow, support one another and walk in faith together. Every group is different, and not every season is easy, but when people are willing to show up and stay committed, something meaningful happens.
One thing I have grown to deeply respect is the role of leadership. From the SGM Core Leadership Team to our Zone Leaders and every Small Group Leader — each one plays a part in helping others grow in Christ. It is not always visible work, but it is sacred. Whether it is organising ministry events or quietly checking in on a group member, I have seen leaders serve with humility, consistency and care. That is something I have been deeply grateful for.
I have also never felt like I was doing this alone. There were conversations, encouragement, advice and simple moments of kindness that kept me going. I am grateful for the people who walked this with me.
Looking back, what stays with me most is not a list of events or achievements — it is the people and the way God has been present amongst us. I think of the quiet faithfulness, the conversations that brought encouragement, the small steps people took to care for one another. None of it was loud or dramatic, but through it all, I could see God’s grace at work — in others, and also in me.
As I step down as chairperson, I have been thinking about the bigger picture. This year marks the 40th anniversary of SGM. I know Small Groups have probably been happening even before that, but this milestone is a good reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. I am just thankful to have played a small part in the journey.
I have learned a lot along the way — about trusting God, about what it means to serve, and about how important it is to lead with open hearts: to give space, to let go and to let God move in this ministry.
And if there is one thing I hope we keep holding on to, it is still this: Keep Close. Keep Tight.
Keep close to God. Keep tight as a community walking together, always ready to welcome another.
Thank you for the privilege of walking this journey with you.
One Heart, One Mind and One Spirit in Christ
By Alex Seow
Incoming Chairperson, Small Group Ministry
I’ve always loved working with people – that’s something God instilled in me from my earliest days, drawing me to teach in Sunday school, then to Youth Ministry, and now into the heart of the SGM. When Pastor Clement Ong first asked me to be a Zone Leader back in 2017, I said “yes”, but honestly, a big part of me felt more like a reluctant leader than a ready one! At the time, I was already happily serving as an assistant Small Group leader with the Elim Small Group and was comfortable right where I was. I remember thinking, “Do I really need to do more? More meetings? More responsibilities?”
But as I started serving my zone, God began shaping my heart, showing me the real weight and importance of what it means to shepherd leaders and help build a Christ-centred community. God reminded me through Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 2 that for a true community to thrive, we need to have one heart, one mind and one spirit in Jesus. To do nothing out of selfish ambition but rather in humility to have an “others first” posture always.
As time went on and my journey with SGM continued, I was invited to step into the role of chairperson after Brother Roger’s term ends in 2025. This time, I wasn’t dragging my feet nor was I jumping at it. I had seen over the years how the Lord had constantly guided me each step of my journey – always calming the storms and showing me He is in control. Thus, my response was simple: “God, I’m here. Use me however You want.”
As I humbly step into this new role to serve all of you at Wesley, my heart is filled with both gratitude and anticipation. It is my fervent hope and prayer that together, we will seek to follow the inspiring example of the early church as described in Acts 2. Just as the first believers gathered in unity, supporting one another in faith and fellowship, may we too find our place in vibrant Small Group Communities – places where we can truly belong and be transformed for Christ.
Let us be a people who are united in Christ, loving one another deeply and caring for each other’s needs as a family. May our circle of care not end with ourselves but extend outward, reaching with compassion to the least, the last and the lost in our midst and beyond.
Finally, with upcoming changes to our Small Group leadership team and pastoral staff, I ask for your prayers for wisdom and discernment as I begin this new phase of ministry.
Thank you for your support, cooperation and patience with all of us at SGM.
May the Lord keep us united in Him always!
A Season of Growth: Reflections on Seven Years in Small Group Ministry
By Gerhardine Foo
Outgoing Pastoral Team Member, Small Group Ministry
When I first graduated from seminary, I was asked which ministry I was interested in, and I confessed that SGM was not the one I mentioned! However, I was thankful to be assigned to it nonetheless, as it has been an incredible learning experience.
I first joined SGM as staff in July 2018, and since then I have seen the ministry go through multiple changes in leadership, staff and volunteers. Initially, we had the privilege of a full and mature team, and a well-thought-out ministry structure already in place. I remember the many church campaigns we used to run – those were exciting times – and the number of Small Groups grew by leaps and bounds.
Then came one of the biggest challenges I had to face in ministry: when Covid hit us. We were in the midst of a church-wide Alpha programme and had to pivot quickly to move everything online. Thankfully, our leaders were incredibly resilient and adapted well, with many elderly Small Groups still going strong thanks to the option of meeting online. However, Covid-19 definitely took its toll on some of our SGs, and in the last couple of years we had to do a clean-up of sorts, closing down groups that had stopped meeting.
Despite that, the number of people looking to join SGs over the years has increased manifold. To me, this shows we have been successful in highlighting the importance of being in community, like a Small Group, especially in a large church like Wesley Methodist Church.
I must confess that SGM is not an easy ministry. Constant challenges include raising leaders, rallying people and, in recent times, staffing issues. The leanness of the team has meant that work can feel crushing at times.
However, as I reflect on the past seven years, I am overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness and the beauty of community that each and every SGL has helped build. Small Group is never just about Bible study, nor is it a social club. It is a place where people come to do life together, spurring one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). In SGs, I have seen lives changed, leaders rise and friendships forged that will last a lifetime.
I am most thankful for the staff team, especially the longest-serving staff member, Benny Ong, who has truly been a rock and pillar in the ministry. I am also privileged to have worked with the previous, current and future Chairpersons – all godly men who love the Lord and seek to do what is best for the ministry. I am extremely thankful for the many lay leaders in CLT as well as the Zone Leaders.
After seven deeply meaningful years in SGM, the time has come for me to step into a new season. I believe it may also be time for SGM to grow into its next season with the upcoming changes in leadership. I look forward with excitement to how God will continue to show His faithfulness to SGM in the future!
(Photos courtesy of Small Group Ministry)
