100 Days – The Journey into Uncharted Waters
Bishop Anthony Loh
1st October 2025 marks 100 days since my installation as Bishop on 21st June.
During these months, I have received many caring and thoughtful questions from LCS members, such as:
“How are you doing?” “How is your work?” “Are you getting enough sleep?” “You look slimmer!”
Others asked, “The LCS vision of 5 congregations and 3 outreach arms doesn’t mention Christ – why is that?” or “Which pastors will you be sending to our congregations to fill the gaps?” and so on.
I truly appreciate all these questions, which have encouraged me and helped me to better understand LCS over these few short months.
Recently, one remark particularly caught my attention:
“Your 100 days will be over soon.”
While I am not entirely sure of the intent behind the comment, my interpretation is: “The honeymoon is ending — the real work begins!”
Indeed, in the twinkling of an eye, I have crossed the 100-day mark.
Below are some questions that were sent to me for reflection. I believe the same editor who published my first document in June is now interested in hearing about my discoveries from these 100 days of journeying into uncharted waters.
1) What was the biggest surprise—positive or negative—in your first 100 days?
My greatest fulfilment in these first 100 days came during my roadshows—visiting the various LCS congregations, talking to council members over coffee, attending council meetings, and joining both online and onsite prayer gatherings. Through these encounters, I experienced new learning curves from many leaders, brothers, and sisters across LCS, LCCS, and ILSM. These interactions deepened my understanding of LCS—from a personal, ministry, and organisational perspective.
I was deeply amazed by the sheer number of talented people whom God has placed within LCS. Many possess great influence and strong competencies in their professional fields, yet they humbly serve the Lord, often wearing multiple hats despite their busy schedules. I have been especially impacted by their passion and willingness to serve—from retirees to the younger ones—all striving to play their part in God’s family.
It has also been encouraging to witness the dedication of our council members, who lead tirelessly to guide the congregations through both physical and spiritual challenges. Likewise, I’m grateful for the volunteers serving in ILSM and LCCS, as well as those involved in the outreach arms of our ministry. Many of these faithful servants serve quietly and often go unnoticed, yet their contribution is invaluable.
While we celebrate our strengths, we also cannot ignore certain gaps that need improvement. One area that continues to challenge us is the spiritual temperature of prayer and the momentum of outreach across LCS congregations. Prayer, though simple in concept, remains difficult to sustain in our fast-paced, results-driven society.
Nevertheless, I’m thankful for the various LCS committees and leaders who have begun rallying members to refocus and strengthen these two vital areas laid out in 2025—evangelism and prayer life.
For example:
•The LCS Youth Committee has gathered youth leaders to restart conversations and move forward together.
•Local prayer teams have begun collaborating with other prayer groups to intercede jointly.
•The Outreach Committee has identified weaker areas and is taking steps to address them.
We also need more young adults to rise up and serve the Lord, while the older generation takes on the vital role of mentoring them. This intergenerational partnership will ensure continued vitality and dynamism in our congregations. The experiences and faith journeys of our seniors are precious gems that can build and inspire the next generation.
Finally, as I attended various meetings, forums, and conferences, I was truly amazed at the vast resources—both financial and in leadership—that God has blessed Singapore with. We are indeed a richly blessed nation, and I am thankful to witness how these blessings can be harnessed for the growth of God’s Kingdom.
2) How did the reality of the role compare to your expectations coming in?
I was told there would be many meetings with different churches and organisations, both local and overseas. This would include engaging with issues beyond my immediate experience and learning to view things from a broader and longer-term missional perspective. That was the starting line.
However, it was only when the “rubber hit the road” that I began to truly feel the weight and impact of these expectations.
At the LCS level:
As LCS is in a period of transition, there are still several processes and gaps being worked out. I am thankful for Ex-Bishop Lu, who began addressing this by establishing various committees — such as the HR Committee, Finance Committee, and Development Committee — to bring greater order and stability to LCS. These foundations are essential for us to focus more fully on our collective calling: fulfilling the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
At the community level:
I am deeply grateful to God and continually amazed by the capability, tenacity, and strong leadership — both physical and spiritual — that God has blessed our nation with. The humility of those in positions of authority, coupled with their genuine willingness to serve the community through various charities and organisations, makes Singapore truly a blessed nation — one that blesses others in return.
3) What was the most challenging part of transitioning into the role of Bishop?
Personal:
Moving from being a pastor of one congregation to becoming a “pastor of pastors,” overseeing five congregations and three outreach arms, was an enormous and, at first, seemingly impossible task.
Organisational:
One of the key challenges has been to build upon and strengthen the existing processes (as mentioned earlier) so that we can devote more time to the main mission of the church. It is also vital to rally council members and leaders to work together with a common vision — preparing the church for Christ’s return. This includes breaking through geographical boundaries and encouraging greater collaboration in outreach ministries. For example, if one congregation is organising an outreach event, others should actively inform and invite their friends and loved ones who live nearby. This shared effort ensures that everyone has the opportunity to hear the Gospel.
Pastors and Councilmen:
Each congregation has its own unique culture, history, and journey that shape its identity — including past lessons and experiences that continue to influence it. Understanding these dynamics takes time and intentional investment to “know the ground” better.
Secondly, learning to be a good complement — a helper — to the LCS pastors and Councilmen as we lead the church forward is both a privilege and a challenge. Each pastor or councilmenhas different giftings, and none of us knows it all. Yet, our calling to work together in unity is crucial for LCS to grow in the direction God has set before us.
4) How have you connected with the LCS congregations?
As mentioned earlier (in Question 1), the first 100 days have been filled with various opportunities to connect with the congregations. I attended council meetings, Sunday services, and participated in prayer meetings across LCS. These gatherings provided meaningful touchpoints to observe, listen, and share in the life of each congregation.
In addition, one-to-one meet-ups have allowed me to build genuine relationships with many brothers and sisters in LCS. I also began a “roadshow” of one-to-one or one-to-two meetings with pastors. These sessions have helped me understand them better — their burdens, challenges, and dreams — and enabled me to support them in becoming “successful pastors” in their respective congregations.
5) What are some of the signs of spiritual or community growth you’ve observed?
There have been several encouraging signs of spiritual renewal and community growth. One of the most striking observations is how God’s people have begun to pray more earnestly and to step out in faith to share the Gospel in various ways.
The unity among leaders has also grown stronger, despite ongoing challenges such as limited resources and manpower. There is an increasing willingness to embrace the shared vision to reach out, and this momentum is building progressively.
Another source of encouragement has been the testimonies shared during outreach events, where lives have been touched and transformed. Furthermore, the revival of prayer meetings has been deeply heartening — seeing God’s children seeking Him together again in prayer is both inspiring and affirming.
6) What is a specific interaction or event that has been particularly meaningful to you during this time?
I have found deep joy in attending prayer meetings, engaging in one-to-one dialogues, and working alongside people who value relationships and share a common Kingdom goal.
One particularly memorable experience was the LCCS Golf Event, where I was amazed by the unity, teamwork, and family spirit among the LCCS staff. Their mutual support before, during, and after the event inspired me to go the extra mile with them.
Another meaningful encounter was with our ILSM staff. I was deeply moved by their focus, commitment, and willingness to reach out to seafarers — often in challenging conditions such as extreme heat and having to climb 80–90 steps just to bring the Good News to those God has brought to our shores.
Lastly, I must mention one staff member who has persevered faithfully in ministering to the Thai community through TGNC. Her steadfast dedication is a beautiful reminder of God’s grace at work through His people.
7) What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far, and how have you approached it?
The biggest personal challenge for me has been maintaining my personal time of prayer and worship. I used to spend 30 minutes to an hour each day in worship and prayer — often during a cycling retreat at the Chinese Garden. However, as meetings and responsibilities began to pile up, it has become increasingly difficult to preserve that sacred time.
Nevertheless, I continue to seek ways to protect and prioritise this spiritual rhythm, knowing that my strength and discernment must come from time spent with the Lord.
As for ministry challenges, these are part and parcel of leadership. My approach has been to address issues early — through honest, one-to-one dialogues or pre-meetings — before situations escalate. Open communication, prayer, and humility have proven vital in navigating these challenges together as a team.
8) What has been your proudest moment or greatest triumph in these first 100 days?
My greatest joy has been seeing the momentum of prayer and outreach growing steadily across LCS. It has been deeply encouraging to witness greater unity among pastors and leaders, a renewed commitment to the mission God has called us to, and the establishment of clearer processes that allow us to focus on His calling.
On a personal note, I am grateful for the joy and camaraderie shared with our LCCS and ILSM teams. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and faith continually inspire me to go the extra mile for the Lord.
9) How have you balanced the responsibilities of leadership with your personal spiritual life?
I have learned the importance of intentionality — setting aside time daily to read God’s Word and to pray before being overtaken by the demands of work. Guarding my time of communion with the Lord has become a sacred discipline.
Whenever possible, I step away from the office and take quiet walks through the Chinese Garden, using this time to reflect, pray, and listen to God. These moments of solitude are essential in keeping my heart centred and my spirit refreshed amid the responsibilities of leadership.
10) What is one key lesson you’ve learned that will guide your leadership moving forward?
A key lesson I have learned is to keep learning — and never stop learning. Growth in leadership comes through humility: intentionally choosing to listen, to receive wisdom from others, and to remain teachable in every season.
Most importantly, I have learned that walking with the Spirit is vital. Staying in step with the Lord — not running ahead of Him nor lagging behind — ensures that every decision and direction aligns with His will and timing.
11) What are the top one or two priorities you are setting for the next 100 days and beyond?
Looking ahead, my focus is on building upon the foundation laid in these first 100 days. The top priorities are:
1.Raising and equipping leaders (Youth and Young adult) — to grow both current and potential leaders who may one day explore full-time ministry.
2.Strengthening the pastoral team — to pioneer, model biblical leadership, and mentor a new generation of pastors for the future of LCS.
3) Preparing for Harvesting in the Coming Days
We should continue to seek every opportunity to bring the Good News wherever we are. Evangelism is a lifestyle, not a programme. It is the natural expression of a heart transformed by Christ — lived out through our words, actions, and relationships.
12) What message would you like to share with your congregations as you look to the future?
Let us be a praying people — intentionally and actively lifting up the entire LCS leadership: pastors, council members, ministry leaders, committees, and boards. When leaders walk in step with the Spirit, God’s work will advance mightily. We will not be easily distracted by the challenges of the world, but will stand as overcomers in Christ.
Let us also learn to forgive those who have hurt us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, for in forgiveness we ourselves are set free.
Love God passionately and serve Him fervently as we await His return. When our focus is rightly placed on Christ, moments of crisis can become opportunities for ministry — just as Joseph and the Israelites found in Goshen, Egypt.
Finally, let us seek to leave behind a biblical legacy for our children and future generations — that they may continue to follow Christ faithfully. As Paul said, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.”
So, have we begun to imitate Christ? Let us do so together!
The future of LCS depends on all of us — not just the person on our left or right, but every one of us. It is a privilege to serve God in these last days and to represent Him to the world today.
Don’t you think so?