Two kids spots from preaching Jonah

Over the summer, our church congregation (PCBC English) have been “on tour” – trialling a few different service times and formats to see what combination would serve our church’s mission in the future. Amidst the changes, it’s been nice to go back to a favourite book during the preaching time across all our congregations. I’ve …

Thoughts on preaching and teaching on mental health in our church

“I have mental health issues”, said no Asian parent ever. One of the most confronting and challenging aspects of pastoring in our immigrant church for the past few years has been the deluge of mental health issues we’ve had to navigate and walk alongside. Something that Radio New Zealand recently reported on as a “silent …

Bathtub filling thoughts on preaching 1 & 2 Timothy cross-culturally

Imagine being able to overhear a Jedi Master pass on to his young padawan all the skills of being a Jedi Knight. Or a violin virtuoso giving away playing tips to budding musician. At our church, we’ve just finished preaching through 1 & 2 Timothy – two letters that offer us a window into the …

Some initial thoughts on reading the UBS6 Greek New Testament

It’s been a busy and productive few months thesis writing. In the midst of family, church and study life, it was a blessing to receive in the mail two books hot off the press (Dankeschön Jotham!): It definitely can’t be overstated how much of a privilege and kindness from God it is that we have …

Thoughts on preaching Matthew’s Gospel over five years

It took nearly five years, 7 different series and over 50 sermons. Yet in God’s kindness, yesterday our English congregation at PCBC completed an expository preaching journey through the gospel of Matthew. Out of the dozen or so sermon series we’ve completed at PCBC English, this one has been the most meaningful to me personally …