I saw a clip on RazorTV (you can see it here) and saw some of the questions the journalist asked… honestly I was quite taken aback that they secretly filmed part of the service (I though they were professional journalists). I’m quite concerned because there were Christians speaking in tongues which the public from other religion or denominational background may not understand the purpose and as a result create a wrong impression of the religion.

Also, I’m shocked that they cut a clip out of Pastor Kong’s sermon and took it out of context. In a seperate 2 part video I saw, they went to ask the public for their opinion – based on a 20 sec clip taken out of context.

I hope this does not constitute to infringement of privacy (secretly filming the church service), infringement of copyright (by using a clip without permission), and disturbing religious harmony (by seeking public opinion and critic of a religious practice from a copyrighted clip taken out of context).

The journalist asked a few members the following few questions. I thought I should share my views:

1) Do you feel that the way he asked for money is correct?

Firstly, based on the short 20sec clip shown, it is totally unacceptable. I see it as purely manipulative and placing pressure on the people to give. Nobody would like to be treated this way. If this sermon is only this 20 sec long clip.

But, if you sat through the entire 1 hour of this sermon and viewed this clip in its original context, then there is nothing wrong in the clip because he is not asking for our money. The first segment of the 20 sec clip shown is merely a review of how much different categories of the membership has given over the past 2 years (e.g. full time NSmen, retirees, etc). The main context of the sermon was omitted.

In an offering, this is a key to free-willed giving whereby each Christian gives in the way he can. It is biblical – Abraham gave of his only son, the widow of Zerephath gave her last morsel of bread, God gave his only Son Jesus, the widow gave her mite, the people of Mecedonian church gave of their very best in their poverty, etc. There is no pressure to give. Every believer gives in a manner he can without pressure. But everyone gave of their very best to a point of tears, because we had to part with our “precious”. “Unequal amount. Equal sacrifice”

As a Christian, Jesus Christ gave His life for our sins. What is it that as a Christian we cannot even give a portion of our finances willingly? Christianity is about giving. It need not be finances. It can be our time, energy, talents, etc. We believe in Jesus and so we give. We give our best, until our heart is broken, to a point there’s tears in our eyes.

As a pastor with the responsibility of teaching the right Christian values, he did the right thing, compared to a pastor who preach only what people like to hear. Because giving is a large part of Christianity. God love so God gave, Jesus gave, the disciples gave, the early Christians gave, people in the old testament gave. Giving is an important theme. We can give without loving, but we can never love without giving. Sometimes it is even a test of our faith.

2) How do you feel about Rev Kong not showing up today?

From my understanding, I don’t see why he should show up today. As a matter of fact, he is supposed to be preaching in CHCKL and not supposed to be in Singapore today. However, as he needs to assist in the ongoing investigations, the schedule was cancelled and he stayed in Singapore. He deserves to rest himself so that he can assist the ongoing investigations to the best of his abilities.

3) Do you feel that the church needs to give you all more answers about the situation?

Definitely. As a member of this family, I expect to be informed about the happenings. However, with the investigations ongoing, I can understand why details cannot yet be revealed. But the details do not matter at this point in time. I am glad to know from the church that Pastor Kong and the others are well now.

4) Do you feel that the money is put into good use?

Yes. The church congregation is regularly updated about its spending. For example, in the recent Haiti relief efforts, the congregation was kept in the know weekly of the amount of money spent on medial supplies, aid, manpower and the tents and lamps we bought over to help the Haitians.

5) What do you feel about the $310 million investment in suntec?

I am excited about it because we are finally moving to a centralized and convenient location and not another end of Singapore. The business model is also attractive.

6) There were no answers today. So do you feel lost about it?

Lost about? The only answer I need at this point in time is that my pastor is well. The other answers will come in due time when the investigations are complete.

7) Do you feel that your money is justified and do you see where it is going?

Yes. I know where my tithe goes to, I know where my offering goes to and I know where my building fund pledge goes to. Do you feel that my money given to the church need to be justified?

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