President’s Message: Staying Anchored When Leaders Fall

Paraphrased from Ps Wilson and Ps Lai Ling’s message for March 2026. For more, click the video above to watch them share their hearts on our YouTube channel.

Recently, we have been hearing news about high profile Christian leaders who have in some way fallen. News like this often bring a sense of confusion and disarray to the church and even our personal lives.

But, have you ever wondered why? Why do these things happen?

Ps Wilson believes that part of the reason behind instances like this is that God is cleaning up His house. Doesn’t that remind us of a specific incident in the Bible, where Jesus clears the Temple?

You see, some of these leaders have been elevated perhaps because of their charisma and personalities, instead of going through the furnace of godly life transformation and character building. This leads to them reaching positions of power that are beyond their character.  So when the time comes for their character to be tested, they fall short, not to dissimilar to the man who built his house on the sand!

Now, just because these leaders have built their houses on sand, doesn’t mean that we have to build ours the same way too. We can choose to build our house upon a rock, and these are the four key lessons Ps Wilson and Ps Lai Ling are sharing with us today to do exactly that!

Anchor your faith in Christ, not in personalities

Always remember, the leaders are here to inspire us, but Jesus alone should be our foundation. This is what Apostle Paul was sharing in his letter to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 3:5-9), saying that leaders are meant to be vessels. So let us not follow these personalities, but follow Christ instead. The first step of building our house upon the rock is to build it in faith. And who else is a better rock to build on than Christ himself?

People may fall, but Christ does not fail.
The Gospel does not fail.
Our God does not fail.

 

Guard your heart from cynicism and distractions

With all the news going around about these things, it opens the door to a lot of noise. It is in the midst of this noise that we find ourselves speculating, perhaps even overcome with rage and emotions. However, Ps Wilson urges us to be careful not to get caught up in these moments amidst the noise, for it is crucial to guard ourselves from cynicism and distractions.

It is understandable to have these emotions. After all, we may have invested into these ministries. Our time, our money, our lives… It is difficult to not get emotional. However, this is the time for us to decide on how we are going to respond, and what better way to respond than the way as Jesus taught us, with truth and grace.

Ps Wilson shares how his heart really grieves for those who have been hurt or wounded by these things that have happened especially in the church. But he also adds, that his grief extends to the leaders who have fallen, for they have fallen short of their calling. They have fallen short in the stewardship of the gifting that God has given them. Nevertheless, this opens the door to ponder about the lessons we need to learn, as individuals and as a church.

Let us not forget that we too are sinners, vulnerable just as much as the next person. So let us guard our hearts, and not condemn others for their failures. Instead, let us learn the lessons and watch our hearts. Use these moments to drive ourselves close to Christ even more.

Stay focused on the mission

Now, even in these trying times, Ps Wilson urges us to stay focused on our mission. Why? because lives still need the gospel!

Many often think that the church is crumbling when things like this happen, but nothing happens without God’s hand in it. This is a time of faith for us, that God knows what He is doing. He is cleaning up His house, He is putting things in order. As a result, flaws get exposed, but only so that it can be repaired and strengthened. 

With that in mind, let us continue to forge forward with the mission that He’s given to us. We are still to win souls, we are still to make disciples, and we are still to plant churches. Let us continue to build people who can grow in God as much as they can walk faithfully with God. Stay faithful to the mission that God has given us and God will show Himself  to be faithful to us.

Practice discernment in humility

The scriptures in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 says, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.” Ps Lai Ling continues this message with a call of us to exercise discernment as we test prophetic words and teachings against a benchmark of God’s infallible word. Nothing should contradict the Bible. And as we test, let’s not become critical of others, not be hardened in heart. We have to also wisely retain what is in line with the Word of God and what is good.

Discernment is not suspicion. It is staying sensitive to the Spirit of God while remaining anchored in the Word. Spiritual discernment develops out of the overflow of walking intimately with God and being strongly grounded in His infallible word. And the Holy Spirit illuminates God’s truth to us by granting us understanding of God’s timing, His seasons, His heart’s purposes.

Ps Lai Ling further encourages us to be prayerful, especially as a part of practicing discernment. She mentions that we should keep our “spiritual antennas” sharp, so that we are always tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. None of us are exempt from the temptations of popularity and excitement, vying for recognition and performance orientation. Therefore it is very important for us to pursue humility and holiness in our personal lives before God. We can even invite others who are more mature believers to come before God and speak into our lives as we walk in humility.

In conclusion

This is why we believe it’s so important to continue having a culture of disciple making and accountability in the local church. That is where life really happens, and how great it would be if it is done anchored in God, with a focus on His mission with discernment and humility.

So let us recenter our faith today and really look to Christ, not to the people who may be up there. All eyes on God. Let’s continue to honor God, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

God bless you all.

Search
Categories
Archives

Ps Brendan Kirby

Brendan and Helen Kirby are the founding pastors of Hope Church in Adelaide. Brendan became a Christian in 1984, and joined Hope Melbourne in 1991. In the 80’s Brendan trained in physics at The University Of Melbourne, and graduated with a PhD in 1989. Since then he has worked as a post doctoral fellow and research scientist for about 23 years in various government research organizations. He married Helen in 1994, and in early 1998 they moved to Adelaide plant the Hope Church together while they both were working. He resigned his job as a research scientist for the Australian Defence in 2012 to work full time as a pastor.  Brendan is passionate about building and planting churches, and oversees churches in Perth, West Africa, Central Africa and India.

Ps Lance Wolter

Ps Lance & Belle were married in 2006 while pioneering Hope Church Gold Coast. As time went on they began to also become more and more involved helping with other churches in Australia and missional work (especially in Africa). In late 2018, they both took a leap of faith and relocated to Southern Africa to help churches in that region to become more fruitful in discipleship and the multiplication of churches. They are currently serving over 180 churches in Southern and Eastern Africa as well as churches in Gold Coast, New South Wales and ACT (Australia). Lance and Belle are passionate about pioneering community empowerment and social justice projects for the poorest of the poor. The family is also blessed with two beautiful children, Michael and Hadessah.

Ps Chaiyapruck Pewruangnont

Pastor Chaiyapruck Pewruangnont came to know Jesus Christ in 1988 at Hope of Bangkok church when he was a high school student. After he graduated with a Bachelor Degree of Architecture from KMITL Bangkok, he was trained and sent out to be the pastor of Hope of Hatyai church in 1996. He then moved to be a regional pastor at Hope Nakornrachasima and oversaw the North East region of Thailand. In 2000, he moved to Hope Bangkok church to join the pastoral team and oversaw the North region of Bangkok. In 2002, he moved back to Hatyai again and oversaw the Southern and North East of Thailand. He is currently the Vice President of HIM Thailand. Pastor Chaiyapruck is married to Pastor Patcharee. They have 2 daughters.

Ps Chuchat Chaisombat

Pastor Chuchat Chaisombat grew up in Payao, Northern Thailand.  After graduating in Economics, he started to serve God as a full-time pastoral staff.  He now lives with his wife Siriphorn in Chiangmai. He graduated in Master of Ministry from Bangkok Bible Seminary (BBS). He is currently the President of HIM Thailand, and leads the HIM churches in Thailand. Chuchat enjoys pioneering churches and discipleship.  He has a deep desire to inspire and help Christ-followers to be passionate for God and to serve Him until their last breath.

Ps James Loke

James Loke graduated in economics and worked in the central bank in Singapore. He then received a sovereign call to serve God in the mission field whence he travelled widely to preach and teach the Word of God. He is based in Singapore, where he serves God with his wife Christine. He oversees HIM churches in Thailand and the Philippines.  James believes that God wants His people to know Him well and to have a close relationship with Him and with fellow believers.  James desires Christ-followers to be passionate for God, mature in Christ and live pragmatic lives honouring Him.

Ps Prakich Treetasayuth

Pastor Prakich Treetasayuth received a Bachelor’s Degree of Science, majoring in Biochemistry, from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. He was awarded a Master’s Degree of Philosophy in Theology from the Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society. After receiving Christ in Hope of Bangkok Church in 1988, he was committed to the church and its ministry in many areas including biblical studies. In 1995, he became a regional pastor and the Head of Publication, in charge of the church’s teaching materials. He was appointed as the Pastor over Student Ministry in 1999 until he relocated to Europe in 2004 in his new role as the Regional Pastor over Hope Europe. God called him back to Thailand in 2021 for an additional role as the General Secretary for Thailand Bible Society. Pastor Prakich is gifted in leadership, word of encouragement and as a shepherd and a teacher.

Ps Kwong Lie Ong

Pastor Ong Kwong Lie pioneered Hope Johor Bahru (in Malaysia) in the year 1993. With a humble beginning of 1 person, today the church consists of more than 200 members and is still growing. Besides pastoring Hope Johor Bahru, he also oversees daughter churches in the state of Johor and Malacca. God has also entrusted him to oversee churches in Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and India. Pastor Kwong Lie graduated from Harvest Bible College in Melbourne with Diploma in Christian Ministry in 1991. He is married to Pastor Swee Min and they have 2 sons. Pastor Swee Min supports him in his pastoral role locally and internationally.

Ps Denis Lu

Pastor Denis Lu was one of the pioneering members of Hope Kuching with Pastor Simon, in 1992. He is currently the Senior Pastor of Hope Kuching. He oversees HIM churches in Malaysia. Denis graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1991 from University Newcastle, Australia in 1991. He returned to Kuching, lectured at Stamford College and later became the College’s principal in 1995. He moved on to be an education counselor for Taylor’s College before entering full-time ministry in September 2001. Denis is married to Pastor Chong Hai Eng, who is also the Senior Manager in the HIM Elders’ Office. They have a son.

Follow Pastor Denis on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)

Ps Simon Eng

Pastor Simon Eng is a Civil Engineer by training. He has been ministering for over 30 years. His experiences include pioneering Hope Kuching, mentoring leaders and pastors, and ministering in cross-cultural Regional Conferences. Pastor Simon is married to Pastor Lai Eng and they have 3 wonderful children, who are active in their faith as well. Pastor Simon is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of Hope Kuala Lumpur and an Elder in Hope International Ministries. He loves to build God’s people and travels extensively to minister and care for God’s churches.

Follow Pastor Simon on Facebook!

Ps Wilson Lim

Wilson and Lai Ling are founding pastors of Hope Church, a thriving multi-site church with its headquarters in Brisbane. Wilson is currently serving as President of HIM and oversees Hope churches in Oceania and North America.  Wilson is known for his lively, engaging expositional preaching, theological and leadership insights as well as apostolic father’s heart.  His passion is teaching, equipping leaders and building the church.  Wilson holds a PhD in Civil Engineering (Monash University) and a MTh (The University of Manchester). He was a research scientist with CSIRO. He also formerly served as a Bible College director and is currently the chairman of Australian Care & Trauma Services.  Lai Ling complements him in ministry with her passion in the areas of prophetic, intercession, pastoral care and counselling.  Together, they minister widely around the world today and founded a ministry equipping website wilsonlailing.com.  They have three adult children and 1 daughter-in-law.

Follow Pastor Wilson and Lai Ling on Facebook and Instagram