Proposal for Reconciliation and Unity in BPC Singapore

Below is a proposal to foster healing and refocus the church on its mission, grounded in Scripture and the urgency of Christ’s return:

1. Call for a Solemn Assembly of Prayer and Fasting

Organize a church-wide day of prayer and fasting, focusing on repentance, humility, and seeking God’s will (Joel 2:12–17). Encourage leaders and members to confess pride, ambition, or bitterness (James 5:16) and pray for the Spirit to soften hearts (Ezekiel 36:26).

2. Reconciliation Retreats with Neutral Mediators

Invite trusted, impartial Christian counselors or pastors from outside the conflict to facilitate dialogue between divided factions. Focus on: 

1. Listening without judgment (Proverbs 18:13).
2. Acknowledging shared beliefs (e.g., Christ’s Lordship, biblical inerrancy).
3. Identifying practical steps to coexist peacefully despite VPP disagreements (Romans 14:1–6).

3. Reaffirm Core Mission and Doctrine

Draft a joint statement affirming agreement on foundational truths (e.g., salvation through Christ, authority of Scripture) and recommitment to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). Temporarily set aside secondary doctrinal disputes (VPP) to prioritize love and witness (1 Corinthians 13:1–2; John 13:35).

4. Model Servant Leadership

Pastors and elders should publicly repent of any divisive behavior and commit to Philippians 2:3–4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… value others above yourselves.” Rotate preaching/leadership roles to emphasize shared ministry over individual influence.

5. Unified Worship Services

Host combined services with shared communion, hymns, and sermons on themes of unity (Psalm 133:1) and Christ’s return. Include testimonies of forgiveness to inspire healing.

6. Accountability Covenants

Leaders and members sign a covenant to:

1. Reject gossip/slander (Ephesians 4:29).
2. Address conflicts biblically (Matthew 18:15–17).
3. Submit to church discipline if fostering division (Titus 3:10–11).

7. Charitable Theological Dialogue

Organize moderated forums to discuss VPP, emphasizing understanding over persuasion. Frame differences as secondary to the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

8. Pastoral Letter of Appeal

1. The senior leadership issues a heartfelt letter:
2. Urges forgiveness (Colossians 3:13).
3. Warns against Satan’s schemes to divide (Ephesians 6:11–12).
4. Highlights the urgency of unity in light of Christ’s return (Revelation 22:12).

9. Joint Outreach Initiatives

Redirect energy toward shared projects (e.g., evangelism, serving the poor) to rebuild trust and refocus on God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

10. Eschatological Reminder

Regularly preach on the imminence of Christ’s return and the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), urging the church to live in readiness through love and holiness (1 Peter 4:7–8).

Conclusion

The unity of the church is a testimony to the power of the gospel (John 17:21). By prioritizing love over doctrinal disputes, humility over ambition, and mission over division, BPC Singapore can model Christ’s reconciling work to a watching world. As the Apostle Paul urges: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). May the Lord heal His church and use it mightily as the day of His return draws near.