EDITORIAL
Raise the Future | Rob Hoskins
Heart of God Church in Singapore stands out as a beacon for a church model that illuminates a fresh way of reaching and discipling the next generation. Pastors How and Lia nurture a distinct community—a church run by youth, for youth.
I departed feeling reenergized about a young generation empowered and passionate about serving their community and seeing their peers experience the hope of the gospel.
While Singapore encompasses a unique global context, I believe we can all learn from the attributes cultivated by this groundbreaking church. Several distinctive features of Heart of God Church set this model apart.
1. It ministers to kids as full-on contributing congregants, rather than a segmented audience.
Every aspect of the church has kids leading, empowered and entrusted. Not just “kids” as in college students with completed degrees, but even creative 14- and 15-year-olds eagerly use their gifts of hospitality and media to foster a welcoming world-class environment.
For context, I was asked not to simplify or change my sermon to accommodate a younger age. I was instead met with hundreds of students ready to receive the Word and apply it to their lives. Their spiritual maturity shone through when I received several letters afterward, sharing how they acted on what they had heard.
2. It fosters intentional community.
Many in the Heart of God family are first-generation Christians and find the community to be a haven from broken homes. The church building serves as a place of fellowship throughout the week. After the final weekend service, the church family resets the seating arrangements to communal tables. This setup serves two purposes: shared mealtimes after the service, and throughout the week students could convene at the church for discipleship, fellowship and studying.
3. It is highly relational and values people being known.
How and Lia have seen Heart of God grow from just a handful of attendees to several thousand, but they haven’t abandoned their desire to know who attends their church. I saw their shepherding gifts in action several times. Once, after an individual gave a powerful testimony on stage, the pastors were waiting in the wings with arms open wide to encourage and thank this person for sharing how God is working in their life.
I was amazed by how many names and personal stories the pastors knew of their church family—not just a handful, but hundreds. It felt like a hub of edifying fellowship, with How and Lia as supportive “parents” humbly serving their community. This intentionality cascades into other leaders who volunteer and lead the discipleship care groups. It’s a churchwide culture of seeing and serving those who walk in the door.
Heart of God Church couldn’t be more aptly named. With churches like this, full of passionate young people, I believe the Great Commission doesn’t have to be the dream of a future generation, but it can be the reality of this generation.
Learn more about Heart of God Church at OutreachMagazine.com/heart-of-god-church.