Tim’s Reflections - Speaking My Mind, Speaking My Life

Leaders Planning Retreat (Chinese Church)

Last weekend, a group of about 25 of us from Chinese Church (inclusive of children) went for a Planning Retreat! It was truly a restful and encouraging time together as we spend time chatting, playing games and looking forward to 2009!!

I typically told the team that in all our Leaders Planning Retreat, we always focused on 3 things:

1. Leaders – zooming into Leaders life, upgrading skills, sharpening visions…etc
2. Planning – zooming into strategies, schedules, processes, dates….etc
3. Retreat – zooming into rest, laughter, chats, hang outs….etc

Over the years I have learned to make “Planning” the least, and “Retreat” the most!!
I have come to realized that our ability to relate and enjoy each other is KEY to building a long term vision and ministry together!!

Once we get the Relating part strong, the Planning part comes along easily!!

Most people get it the other way round … They worked through the Planning part and flop at the Relating part!!

So, we took time to fellowship, share our hearts, our fears; went for games, took our families for swimming, enjoy Satay together, poke fun at each other….etc!!

Somehow I am beginning to enjoy more of all our Leaders Planning Retreat nowadays!!

I want to thank Joseph Gan (we call him BIG BROTHER, the one that is in the picutre) that helps me to pastor the Chinese Church!! Functionally he plays the role more than me, positionally he prefers a lay leader; dependability he is the BEST!! I like his pastoral heart!!


I told him the way he’s going, I see no other door down the road except being a PASTOR!! So, let’s cheer him on!!