Q: OK! I see my name there! So what is "3+9"?

A: 3+9 is an adaptation of Christ's model of discipleship. We can't refute that Jesus came to earth to give His life a ransom for MANY to become the Saviour of ALL mankind. We won't find in Scriptures that He spent all His time with those He ministered to. Instead, we find Him frequently with His original band of 12 in tow. Yet only 3 of the 12 found their way into His inner circle, viz., Peter, James and John. From this we infer that Jesus, while having "management" of 12, only paid special attention to the 3; and hence, the 3+9 principle.

Q: What are the objectives of "3+9"?

A: 1. Everyone in S12 is correctly identified and placed in the niche where he can contribute effectively to the overall growth of the Cells;

2. Everyone in S12 is being cared for and cares for someone return so that none will be without some "pastoral" oversight or accountability;

3. Everyone in S12 does what is reasonably expected of him to be done so that no one will be burnt out in the process of being involved in the Cells.

Q: What are the biblical contexts for "3+9"?

A: Let's look at some instances of caregiving in NT.

1. Jesus with the Three

Jesus spent the most time with Peter, James and John. Each of them was honoured in their time, and each is still known for the work and contribution to Church History,

2. Paul and Timothy

3+9 owes its origin to the pattern seen in Paul and his three closest proteges, viz. Timothy, Luke and Mark. In 2 Tim 2:7.2, we see Paul relating to Timothy in a very intimate way. He calls Timothy "my son". He charges Timothy with these words in v.2, "And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." This verse lays down the germinal concept of 3+9.

• Paul with his three "faithful men", viz. Timothy, Luke and Mark
• Timothy, Luke and Mark, as faithful men, with their three "others

Q: So tell me why our cell has to adopt "3+9"?

A: 1. It's Biblical

As shown, Jesus had His 12 but He concentrated His energies on the 3. Paul also had his three — Timothy, Titus and Silas.

2. It's Practical

Jesus was successful in not only caring for but also developing the 3 to become heroes of the NT Church. Each of them was honoured in his time; but each is still known for the work and contribution to Church History. Jesus — Peter, James & John.

3. It's Essential

We must provide pastoral care, and to provide it at the most effective level. We feel that, among the many options available, 3+9 is our preferred way of providing pastoral care. We opt for it because we believe sincerely that it's crucial for being accountable for those entrusted by God to our care.

Q: What must I do if there are other members entrusted with me?

A: First and foremost, 3+9 is not a family tree where the person at the top level is better than the one below, or those that you are entrusted with. It is a system where we can help and support each other in our walk in Christ. Those four that are under the cell leader in this context are those that are undergoing Assistant Cell Leader course, so it will be a good platform for them to take ownership of the cell as they learn how to execute pastoral care.

In summary, remember to be ready at all times to communicate, contact, provide pastoral care and impart spiritual life to your “3”. Communicate and contact involves passing down of information, pastoral care involves accountability of the well being of your "3" and impart spiritual life include many aspects including prayer support for your "3" and as well as the person that is looking after you.

Feel free to raise and questions to Kok Sheng or discuss it in this blog! :-)

The birthday surprise on our birthday boy!


Sabotaged to pick up the candle embedded deep in the cake.


The two good books that Alvin is blessed with to read. :-)


And finally a group photo!

All photos taken by Marilyn. Thks!

Remember during 12 June we had our first ever S12 cell meeting after the transition to Region 1. We came together to think about the directions that the cell should head towards by thinking about these two questions. Here are our responses.

1. What will my life be without church?

* less sense of achievement

* sad, weird, limited fellowship and life sharing

* boring, complacent, greater tendency to backslide.

* will have different goals and priorites in life, led away by worldly values

2. What are the needs that we hope that can be met.

* mutual bonding, fellowship, share sorrow and joy, encouragements, advice

* relationships that strengthens, mentor, people to guide, support, anchor

* example and models to follow, growth, maturity, sense of belonging

* deeper understanding of God's Word, relationship with God, serving God

* environment that is suitable to bring my friends to, witnessing together, follow up

In all, Paul has helped sumed up our thoughts into three directions and they were, praise the Lord, in line with what God has laid on my heart too (in brackets).

1. Friendship (inward: our relationships with fellow brothers and sisters)

2. Reaching out (outward: to witness to those who have yet to know Christ)

3. Maturity as a Christian (upward: our relationship with God and to be more like Him)

Kok Sheng :-)

Dear all, here's the latest update to our cell schedule for these two months. If there's any changes, I will update this post again. :-)

God bless,
Kok Sheng