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(edited)

@via CNA forums:

 

 

 

Its founder has taken a backseat while two pastors, Derek Dunn and Aries Zulkarnain, have been put in charge of running the church. This arrangement will continue until the current investigations are completed.

 

The founder, Pastor Kong Hee, will however remain the president and chairman of the City Harvest board. He is among the 20-odd church members summoned by the Commercial Affairs Department as part of the probe.

 

Meanwhile, City Harvest has appointed auditors from RSM Chio Lim to conduct an independent review, Pastor Dunn told The Business Times yesterday.

 

The independent review will examine the church's corporate governance structure and internal control processes.

'If the review identifies lapses, the church will take necessary corrective measures recommended by the adviser to prevent such lapses in the future,' said Pastor Dunn. 'The church is fully committed to accountability and integrity in the church's dealings and has taken steps to protect its interest and that of its members.'

 

He broke the church's silence for the first time since the probe began.

At the start of this month, the police and the Commissioner of Charities said that they were investigating 'financial transactions involving several individuals and companies, related or connected to the City Harvest Church', after the Commissioner's office received complaints of misuse of church funds.

 

These related companies under probe include those that are not charities or subsidiaries of the church, the Commissioner's office said.

These objections were apart from complaints over the church's purchase of a minority stake in Suntec Singapore. The acquisition would cost the church $310 million, including expected renovation and equipment expenses, City Harvest announced in March.

 

Pastor Dunn declined comment on the ongoing police investigations. 'We are very grateful for and deeply appreciate the strong love, concern and support demonstrated by all of our members as well as those from the Christian community here in Singapore and abroad, during this challenging period,' he said.

 

'The authorities have been more than professional and have extended their utmost courtesy to our members in the investigative process.'

While the two pastors will take charge of ministerial duties at City Harvest, the 10-strong board will continue taking on the management role. The church created a deeper separation between the executive and board roles after a review by the Commissioner of Charities some two years ago, said Pastor Dunn.

 

Recommendations from the review on City Harvest and six other religious organisations - which were mostly kept private - included cutting the number of pastoral members sitting on the church board. The church currently has 24 pastors.

 

'Following the review, the church has reduced the number of pastoral members on the board to three. This allows a greater degree of independence of the board from the church's spiritual and pastoral leaders,' said Pastor Dunn.

Previously, pastoral members made up a majority of the board.

 

'There is no doubt, however, that it is not practical for a church to effect a complete separation of the leadership of the governing board from its pastoral leadership,' he added.

 

The board looks at the daily operations of City Harvest, which entails ensuring that the accounts of the church are properly audited and recorded, as well as managing its investments.

 

Its other duties extend to administrative matters, which were previously under the purview of the pastoral department.

The board members are nominated by an executive member and voted in by a simple majority. They serve for a year, before being put up for re-election at the church's annual general meeting (AGM) the next year.

 

BT understands that there are 750 voting members of the church, who are eligible to vote in board members. These include ordinary members who take on more responsibilities, having been with the church for a longer time and receiving training.

 

As part of the 2008 review, the Commissioner also asked the church to consider a strategy for board renewal, with 'particular attention' to the roles of the chairman and the treasurer, said Pastor Dunn, adding that the plan was put in place by the 2009 AGM.

 

Investigations into the church and its financial dealings have flung the door open to debate over the segregation of commercial and religious pursuits of the church, which had total funds of $103 million, including a $65 million building fund, for its fiscal 2009.

 

And what are the church's views on the comfortable lifestyle enjoyed by Pastor Kong and his wife, Ho Yeow Sun?

Pastor Dunn stressed that claims of extravagance have been exaggerated.

 

'Concerning the lifestyle of Rev Kong and his wife, we know them well. Rev Kong is a dedicated and motivated senior pastor of the church. He has been working hard for the past 20 over years and is a renowned and recognised personality on the speaking circuit. His wife is a successful singer,' he said.

 

'While their lifestyle reflects their own accomplishments, we do not see it as lavish or excessive.'

 

 

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Edited by Mockngbrd
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It is on purpose. You still want a kid to make a decision but make it harder.

 

That which is denied becomes that which is most desired, and that which is hidden becomes that which is most interesting. Consequently, a great deal of time and energy is spent trying to get at what is being kept from you.

- John Denver

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Nice poem.

I always believe that many good people enter to serve in Charities and Religious places or even Garment with a Good Heart.

It is along the way they lose it esp alot of money pass by their hands.

NKF, RenCi, even small charities, Big or small money, still kena tempted and fallen from grace.

 

Funny how money can change the character of a person once you have more than not enough.

I've seen friends, relatives who start from humble beginnings and when they have "arrived" they tend to be snobbish, arrogant, talk big, talk around money stuff, can't keep a conversation without admiring at his expensive watch.

In short HOWLIAN ..

 

Yup, I believe they did start out with good intentions but $$$ must have dragged them to the Dark side.

 

You don't know the POWER of the Dark side! Or in every known cases, money.

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Yup, I believe they did start out with good intentions but $$$ must have dragged them to the Dark side.

 

You don't know the POWER of the Dark side! Or in every known cases, money.

 

 

Huuuurrrrrwwooooooaaaaaa.

 

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(edited)

Nice poem.

I always believe that many good people enter to serve in Charities and Religious places or even Garment with a Good Heart.

It is along the way they lose it esp alot of money pass by their hands.

NKF, RenCi, even small charities, Big or small money, still kena tempted and fallen from grace.

 

Funny how money can change the character of a person once you have more than not enough.

I've seen friends, relatives who start from humble beginnings and when they have "arrived" they tend to be snobbish, arrogant, talk big, talk around money stuff, can't keep a conversation without admiring at his expensive watch.

In short HOWLIAN ..

 

We are human afterall. Who don't enjoy being envy by everyone? If religious leader can also fall into temptation of material procession, what more can we say about normal folks like u and me. We are all born to be sinner.

Edited by Roh96
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(edited)

We are human afterall. Who don't enjoy being envy by everyone? If religious leader can also fall into temptation of material procession, what more can we say about normal folks like u and me. We are all born to be sinner.

 

"We are human afterall" is an excuse use for ppls who wish to be the leader in a religon. Ppls like them is striking to reach the level of a saint

 

In current situation, pastor is trying to be the messager of the God himself. So, someone is trying to reach that level, we still want to compare him with a normal human being like us?

 

For those religon leader who cant forgone luxury, enjoying other ppls to envy, how to be qualified as the leader?

 

Seem to me like is the other "ex angel" pathway instead. If know what I mean.

Edited by Axela72
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sudden change of leadership, means something is gonna to happen liao.... high chance CAD and police are going to charge some people in court liao

it's probably the right to do, not for KH or TYP sake, but for the church. In case they are guilty, and by then, KH is still preaching and leading them, it could cause a massive fall in membership.

 

but now, to do damage control, change leadership, so if the worst happens, by then, ppl have got used to the new leadership and may not leave. This may not entirely solve the problem but it's probably the best way to solve the problem.

 

My guess is as long as KH is guilty, ppl will leave. It's just a question of how to minimise that number. And as a church depends on members to survive, any significant drop will result in devastating consequences. I've seen this happen in US. A drop of even 10 to 20% will lead to retrenchment of staff. Members is like 'business' in church for obvious reasons.

 

But one thing i can conclude from the news is those 2 fellows leading the new team are not guilty.

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how come mr and mrs pastor

initially so clean

now appears so less clean

 

if they were preaching

it should get re-inforce

 

somewhere along the line

their own message got lost

 

but the funny thing is that some of the followers

are still "blinded" by the awe of their pastors

 

what will happen next is unlike the previous

because these pastors have backing with deep pockets and so the fight with the authorities may be so long drawn that cobwebs are just begining to form

 

keep us posted

thanks

yea, don't think it will be easy for the prosecution in the event of one. wonder if prosecution can hire Davinder. he did an awesome job for SPH.

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@via CNA forums:

 

And what are the church's views on the comfortable lifestyle enjoyed by Pastor Kong and his wife, Ho Yeow Sun?

Pastor Dunn stressed that claims of extravagance have been exaggerated.

 

'Concerning the lifestyle of Rev Kong and his wife, we know them well. Rev Kong is a dedicated and motivated senior pastor of the church. He has been working hard for the past 20 over years and is a renowned and recognised personality on the speaking circuit. His wife is a successful singer,' he said.

 

'While their lifestyle reflects their own accomplishments, we do not see it as lavish or excessive.'

 

 

Edit Post

 

basically trying to say, they work hard, so can play hard too.

 

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Neutral Newbie

Top Print Edition Stories

Published June 25, 2010

 

Leadership change at City Harvest Church

2 pastors at helm in place of founder; processes reviewed

 

 

By JAMIE LEE

 

 

(SINGAPORE) There has been a leadership change at City Harvest Church, which is under investigation by the police.

 

 

 

Sharing views: Pastor Derek Dunn (second from right) and Pastor Aries Zulkarnain in a discussion with lawyers representing the church - Senior Counsel Michael Hwang (extreme right) and Desmond Ong (extreme left)

Its founder has taken a backseat while two pastors, Derek Dunn and Aries Zulkarnain, have been put in charge of running the church. This arrangement will continue until the current investigations are completed.

 

The founder, Pastor Kong Hee, will however remain the president and chairman of the City Harvest board. He is among the 20-odd church members summoned by the Commercial Affairs Department as part of the probe.

 

Meanwhile, City Harvest has appointed auditors from RSM Chio Lim to conduct an independent review, Pastor Dunn told The Business Times yesterday.

 

The independent review will examine the church's corporate governance structure and internal control processes.

 

'If the review identifies lapses, the church will take necessary corrective measures recommended by the adviser to prevent such lapses in the future,' said Pastor Dunn. 'The church is fully committed to accountability and integrity in the church's dealings and has taken steps to protect its interest and that of its members.'

 

He broke the church's silence for the first time since the probe began.

 

At the start of this month, the police and the Commissioner of Charities said that they were investigating 'financial transactions involving several individuals and companies, related or connected to the City Harvest Church', after the Commissioner's office received complaints of misuse of church funds.

 

These related companies under probe include those that are not charities or subsidiaries of the church, the Commissioner's office said.

 

These objections were apart from complaints over the church's purchase of a minority stake in Suntec Singapore. The acquisition would cost the church $310 million, including expected renovation and equipment expenses, City Harvest announced in March.

 

Pastor Dunn declined comment on the ongoing police investigations. 'We are very grateful for and deeply appreciate the strong love, concern and support demonstrated by all of our members as well as those from the Christian community here in Singapore and abroad, during this challenging period,' he said.

 

'The authorities have been more than professional and have extended their utmost courtesy to our members in the investigative process.'

 

While the two pastors will take charge of ministerial duties at City Harvest, the 10-strong board will continue taking on the management role. The church created a deeper separation between the executive and board roles after a review by the Commissioner of Charities some two years ago, said Pastor Dunn.

 

Recommendations from the review on City Harvest and six other religious organisations - which were mostly kept private - included cutting the number of pastoral members sitting on the church board. The church currently has 24 pastors.

 

'Following the review, the church has reduced the number of pastoral members on the board to three. This allows a greater degree of independence of the board from the church's spiritual and pastoral leaders,' said Pastor Dunn.

 

Previously, pastoral members made up a majority of the board.

 

'There is no doubt, however, that it is not practical for a church to effect a complete separation of the leadership of the governing board from its pastoral leadership,' he added.

 

The board looks at the daily operations of City Harvest, which entails ensuring that the accounts of the church are properly audited and recorded, as well as managing its investments.

 

Its other duties extend to administrative matters, which were previously under the purview of the pastoral department.

 

The board members are nominated by an executive member and voted in by a simple majority. They serve for a year, before being put up for re-election at the church's annual general meeting (AGM) the next year.

 

BT understands that there are 750 voting members of the church, who are eligible to vote in board members. These include ordinary members who take on more responsibilities, having been with the church for a longer time and receiving training.

 

As part of the 2008 review, the Commissioner also asked the church to consider a strategy for board renewal, with 'particular attention' to the roles of the chairman and the treasurer, said Pastor Dunn, adding that the plan was put in place by the 2009 AGM.

 

Investigations into the church and its financial dealings have flung the door open to debate over the segregation of commercial and religious pursuits of the church, which had total funds of $103 million, including a $65 million building fund, for its fiscal 2009.

 

And what are the church's views on the comfortable lifestyle enjoyed by Pastor Kong and his wife, Ho Yeow Sun?

 

Pastor Dunn stressed that claims of extravagance have been exaggerated.

 

'Concerning the lifestyle of Rev Kong and his wife, we know them well. Rev Kong is a dedicated and motivated senior pastor of the church. He has been working hard for the past 20 over years and is a renowned and recognised personality on the speaking circuit. His wife is a successful singer,' he said.

 

'While their lifestyle reflects their own accomplishments, we do not see it as lavish or excessive.'

 

 

 

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Neutral Newbie

actually quite tire of CHC and Pastor this and that

within such a short time

kena left right and centre

 

cant wait for all these to finish

and I can get back my life

 

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s--t, Freeze the church fund. let the government handle the money flow totally like NKF etc... If they really using their money to live that life. They will surely no complaint about it and all the member will also be happy about it.

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Wah ! MCF 4 Star General ! Th best is when you got 5-Star you have to retire immediately...

I respect you General Blackseal ! [wave]

 

he's the only 4 star general ever in SG! respect! [rolleyes]

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he's the only 4 star general ever in SG! respect! [rolleyes]

 

I thought there is Ahgong Wolve or something like that that has more star?

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http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase.php?cat=church&id=2547

 

Pastor Calls for Biblical and Serious Preaching

 

Wednesday, Jun. 23, 2010 Posted: 11:15:53AM HKT

 

The pastor who warned that much of what is seen as Christianity today is false has taken some preachers to task for misusing and abandoning Scripture.

 

Anglican priest Ng Koon Sheng opposed preachers using the Bible to justify lavish living.

 

 

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Hypersonic

Finally a traditional Christian speaking against the prosperity gospel. The NCCS(National Council of Churches of Singapore) should review their members of their christian doctrine, especially those from independent churches preaching about "Jesus is rich".

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http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase.php?cat=church&id=2547

 

Pastor Calls for Biblical and Serious Preaching

 

Wednesday, Jun. 23, 2010 Posted: 11:15:53AM HKT

 

The pastor who warned that much of what is seen as Christianity today is false has taken some preachers to task for misusing and abandoning Scripture.

 

Anglican priest Ng Koon Sheng opposed preachers using the Bible to justify lavish living.

 

 

Edmond Chua

[email protected]

 

E/N: Partial quote removed to reduce length

 

Anyway, I've got more respect for this dude.

 

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E/N: Partial quote removed to reduce length

 

Anyway, I've got more respect for this dude.

Yeah! I hope there will be others to correct the twisted messages from CHC...

I respect this guy too.

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