Welcoming Bishop Anthony Loh Kah Choon
This article builds upon our previous report about the installation of Bishop Anthony Loh as the fourth bishop of the Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS).
The Rt. Rev. Anthony Loh’s journey from a dedicated pastor to this significant leadership role is a testament to God’s grace and his unwavering commitment to serving the congregation. The LCS community extends a warm welcome to the new bishop, pledging their support as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In a recent interview, Bishop Loh shared inspiring insights into his calling, past experiences, and vision for the LCS.
A Call Accepted with Privilege and Humility
Bishop Loh revealed his initial hesitation when nominated for the bishop position, feeling others might be more suitable. He shared, “Initially, I said no, as I felt there were others more suitable than me.” However, through prayer, his heart shifted “from a firm ‘no’ to a willing ‘yes’ if God opens the door for me.” To his surprise, he became the sole candidate, accepting the role with “a deep sense of privilege—and with fear and trembling—as I step into the big shoes of my predecessors.” He acknowledged the faithful leadership of his predecessors: Bishop Emeritus John Tan, Ex-Bishop Rev. Terry Kee, and Ex-Bishop Rev. Lu.
Early Ministry: Learning Beyond Books
Bishop Anthony Loh’s journey into ministry wasn’t just about studying theology at Singapore Bible College. His practical experiences during his early years were just as important in shaping him. He gained invaluable hands-on training through his time with Cru Singapore and as a parish worker at Jurong Christian Church (JCC).
His years with Cru Singapore were a “rich season of growth.” Here, he didn’t just learn theories; he led spiritual groups, organized events, and teamed up with various churches. This helped him understand ministry from a wider angle and become a more practical and adaptable leader.
Following his training with Cru Singapore, he served at JCC, first as a parish worker. This period provided invaluable learning experiences, offering him the privilege of gaining insights from seasoned pastors who shepherded the church. Their guidance significantly deepened his understanding of the pastoral role. Subsequently, he transitioned into serving as a pastor at JCC, and then as senior pastor. His nearly twenty years in pastoral roles allowed him to work closely with numerous batches of council members. This collaborative experience provided him with valuable insights into the perspectives of lay leaders and taught him how to effectively lead the church in partnership with them.
His involvement in Love Singapore initiatives, such as the annual “Day of His Power” prayer event, also brought valuable insights into the importance of collaboration and unified prayer. He emphasized the need for churches to work together in harmony and demonstrated the powerful impact of collective prayer on the Christian community and beyond. Through these efforts, he encouraged believers to look beyond their own ministries and contribute to advancing God’s Kingdom.
He noted:
“Knowing God’s heartbeat for the nations reminds us that His Kingdom is far greater than just JCC alone. It compels us to look beyond ourselves and to see His global mission.
Knowing that God’s resources are available when we work together encourages us to collaborate—not in isolation, but in unity with the wider Body of Christ. When we choose to walk together, God provides more than enough.
Our lives become a living testimony when we, as God’s children, learn to work with and love one another. Despite our weaknesses and personal preferences, this unity becomes the strongest witness to the world—that Jesus is a loving God who is actively transforming lives.
Ultimately, the greatest miracle is this: moving from a self-centred life to a Christ-centred life. When that transformation happens, it changes everything.”
These early experiences, combining his theological studies with real-world ministry, gave Bishop Loh a well-rounded preparation. They ignited his passion for sharing the faith, taught him to rely on the Holy Spirit, and showed him the importance of churches working together—all crucial for his role as Bishop.
Still, he acknowledges he remains a work in progress. There are many new things he needs to learn, especially as the role of a bishop will thrust him into uncharted waters in the days ahead.
Outreach and Engaging the Next Generation
Bishop Loh outlined his core principles for guiding LCS’s outreach:
- Recognize God’s Desire for All to Be Saved: Emphasizing that evangelism is a command, not an option.
- Step Out in Faith When God Opens a Door: Encouraging action beyond comfort zones.
- Seize the Opportunities While They Are Open: Urging timely engagement in God’s plans.
He especially enjoyed working with the youth and young adults at JCC, loving “journeying with them through different seasons of their lives” and building real relationships. This taught him that showing up, being genuine, and investing in people are key to ministry. For engaging younger generations, his strategy is simple: “Love them through action. Love them by looking to Jesus.” He stressed the importance of presence, authenticity, humility, and empowering youth to own their ministry.
Meeting Challenges as a Bishop
Assuming the role of a bishop will undoubtedly present formidable challenges. It’s akin to facing towering mountains, where aspirations for service and spiritual leadership will inevitably butt heads with the practical difficulties and complexities of the role. In this respect, I posed some tough questions to Bishop Loh. Even if no perfect answers should be expected, he handled the questions with equanimity.
For instance, he was asked:
- How do you plan to navigate inter-faith relations as Bishop, promoting dialogue while accurately representing the Christian faith?
- Leadership succession is a vital challenge for the Church. With many pastors nearing retirement, what are your plans for raising and equipping new leaders, both ordained and lay?
As Bishop, navigating inter-faith relations in Singapore’s multi-religious society is vital. He believes serving one another testifies to faith and helps preserve harmony, enabling Singapore to bless other nations.
Leadership succession is a pressing challenge with many pastors nearing retirement. Bishop Loh plans to address this by:
- Raising a life of prayer and intercession: Trusting God to provide labourers.
- Casting the vision of God’s work: Emphasizing that everyone has a divine calling.
- Modelling a life of obedience and faithful service: Teaching the next generation to finish well and leave a rich spiritual legacy.
Balancing administrative and representational duties with spiritual leadership requires walking with and listening to the Holy Spirit, with the Bible as a constant guide. He stressed the importance of a “heart that is willing to learn and relearn,” guarding against pride.
The most pressing challenges for LCS specifically, and many churches in Singapore, include an aging congregation, declining offerings, members leaving, and lease renewals for church land, in addition to the retirement of pastors. Bishop Loh pleads for two urgent actions from all five LCS congregations starting in 2025:
- Strengthen and increase the life of prayer and intercession.
- Be active in evangelism.
Looking Ahead
Bishop Loh’s greatest desire is “to discern what God is doing in these last days and to faithfully play my part in His divine plan before Christ returns.” He longs to work closely with all LCS congregations, seeking a fresh outpouring and a reigniting of His fire.
His message to the members of LCS is a call to perseverance: “Give yourself another chance to serve and encounter God more deeply… Don’t give up.” He encourages unity and trusting God for surprises.
Finally, Bishop Loh shared his overarching aspiration: “Loving God and loving people—this is the essence of both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.” He challenges the church not to turn them into the “Great Convenience,” and to intentionally model a biblical and spiritual legacy for the next generation, striving to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The LCS congregation welcomes Bishop Loh’s leadership, committed to walking alongside him in faith and service as they embark on this new and exciting journey together.
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