Words from the Senior Pastor

Rev Andrew Choy

Church Direction 

This year, our theme “Standing Firm in a Season of Change” has provided a direction across all congregations. Rooted in biblical mandate and shaped by global uncertainties alongside local ministry transitions, this theme has guided our ministries, planning and leadership discussions. It has been a continual point of focus in leadership team meetings, helping us navigate change with faith and purpose. 

To foster unity in prayer throughout this transitional season, the pastoral team introduced a monthly Prayer Calendar in February 2025. Each month’s themes have reflected our church’s priorities and broadened awareness of both local and global mission efforts. This calendar has become a vital tool for spiritual growth and corporate devotion across the entire church family. 

In April, the Combined Church Camp brought together brothers and sisters of all ages from every congregation. This special “family time” away from home strengthened bonds and deepened unity, equipping us to stand firm together amid change. 

Missions has remained at the heart of our direction. During the annual Missions Convention in August, we renewed our commitment by fixing our eyes on the Lord who sends labourers into the harvest. Looking ahead, we anticipate relaunching short-term mission exploration opportunities to further engage our church in God’s global work. 

Leadership and Staff Teams 

The Board of Elders (BoE) continued providing spiritual oversight, pastoral staffing and congregational development. The Think Tank and Church Development Committee set up under the BoE regularly focused on church growth, facility needs, service times, and long-term venue planning. In June, a well-attended Elders and Leaders Training Day led by former C&MA president Rev. Rod Russell-Brown offered valuable training for current and future leaders. A Planning Retreat is planned later this year to seek further guidance from God. 

The Board of Deacons was instrumental in operational matters, including coordinating church-wide events such as the combined Christmas Morning Tea in 2024, onboarding support for new staff, liaising on venue use applications, and renewing financial support for various Christian organisations and ministries. They also helped finalise the annual compliance report for the C&MA headquarters and resolved administrative issues such as banking signatories and improving information technology needs, including the Elvanto system. 

The 2025 Nominating Committee finalised elder and deacon nominees by July in preparation for the September AGM. Among numerous returning nominees, we are extremely grateful to see a number of new deacon nominees, particularly female, across all congregations. The BoE is preparing for the 2026 Nominating Committee, which will be elected at the AGM. 

At the pastoral team level, a major milestone was the successful onboarding of Pastor Arthur Leung in June 2025, following an extensive Cantonese pastoral search after Rev. Leo Kwan retired at the end of 2024. Pastor Arthur’s induction service at the end of June was a celebration of answered prayer. 

With the departure of Rev. Andrew Tibbs in September 2024, the English Ministry Pastor role was vacant while Pastor Eric Lai took on the responsibility as Acting English Pastor, concurrently serving as Youth Pastor. In the EGM in March 2025, the church gladly endorsed the calling of Pastor Eric as the English Ministry Pastor. Following Pastor Eric’s new appointment, the Youth Pastor Search Team was then set up by the BoE. The team met several times to refine the ministry scope and identify potential candidates. We continue to trust the Lord to provide a suitable candidate to minister to our youths. 

The pastoral team also coordinated major church events with the help of other leadership teams, including Christmas services in 2024, Good Friday and Easter celebrations, which saw strong attendance and meaningful participation. The team coordinated the Lent preaching series across congregations from March to April, as well as the Combined Church Prayer Meeting in July. 

All pastors have undertaken mandatory C&MA pastoral supervision since late last year and further training in ministry development through the regular C&MA Pastor’s Day in NSW. Both Pastor Brock Li and Pastor Eric Lai have been preparing diligently for ordination since September 2024. God willing, we look forward to their ordination sometime in 2026. We are also pleased to have two student pastors joining us to learn and serve God together.  

The administrative team has been invaluable in ensuring smooth ministry operations. The office supported baptism and membership services, the launch of the Prayer Calendar, and multiple congregational activities throughout the year. We are grateful to God for their faithful ministry. 

Other Ministries 

We are grateful to God that our English, Mandarin, and Cantonese congregations continue to thrive, with dedicated brothers and sisters passionately serving God and one another. This commitment is evident across a variety of ministries — from growth and fellowship groups to outreach visits, Bible study, discipleship training, prayer gatherings, and numerous church events — where the spirit of community shines brightly. 

In support of spiritual growth, we have hosted the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Mandarin-speaking ladies’ study group at our church since August 2024, with their ministry continuing into the new year. We are also pleased to welcome a new BSF Cantonese-speaking men’s group starting this August, reflecting our conviction that systematic study and relevant application of God’s word are essential for life transformation. 

Engagement with the wider community remains a priority. In September, the whole church joined the annual Murray Farm Public School Cracker Carnival as an outreach effort to connect with local families and neighbours. At the end of 2024, Epping West Public School made their hall available for use, which we initially saw as an opportunity to expand our ministries. Although this arrangement was cut short, we continue to trust God to open new pathways for growth. 

Within the church, membership and baptism services were thoughtfully prepared and joyfully celebrated across congregations in November 2024 and May 2025, welcoming over 30 new members into our church family. It has also been heartwarming to witness a wave of young people, particularly in the English congregation, preparing for and celebrating marriages during this season. In the Cantonese congregation, we rejoiced in the arrival of a couple of babies, along with several new young families who have recently made our church their home. These joyful milestones are a treasured part of our church life. 

Together, we remain steadfast in faith, united in ministry, and hopeful as we embrace God’s plans for the future. To learn more about our church’s other ministries, please continue reading with a grateful heart, recognizing God’s faithful guidance.