We are incredibly grateful for God's grace in allowing us to partner in ministry with Pastors Ava Lee, Carson Li, Gabriel Chan, and Sherrien Sze.

 

They are God-honoring, Christ-centered leaders who faithfully follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. Over the years, they have poured their hearts into serving the church. They have leveraged their unique, God-given gifts to significantly shape KEC's growth and future direction.

 

To honor their deep commitment to ministry and affirm God's calling on their lives to shepherd the church, KEC will ordain these four pastors on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

 

We warmly invite you to join us in witnessing this significant milestone for both the candidates and our church family.

 

Ordination Council: Rev. Francis Choi, Rev. Samuel Wong, Rev. Xavier Law, Rev. Joshua Chow, Rev. Wilbur Fong 

Ordination Candidates

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Qualifications and Process for Ordination

Ordaining a pastor is a significant and solemn milestone in the life and spiritual growth of a church. As 1 Timothy 3:1 says, "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task."

This passage reminds us that shepherding God's flock is a holy calling. Those who embrace this call must be tested by time, ministry experience, and character. Koinonia Evangelical Church takes the ordination process very seriously. To be ordained as a reverend, a pastor must meet five foundational requirements, each rigorously verified by the Lead Pastoral Team and the KEC Church Council:

  • Experience: The pastor must have at least five years of pastoral ministry experience. Spiritual maturity takes time and testing, making hands-on pastoral experience essential to effectively lead and care for the church according to God's will.
  • Faithfulness: The pastor must demonstrate unwavering reliability over the long haul. This goes beyond simply doing church work well; it means consistently following and submitting to God in everyday life.
  • Commitment: The pastor must be fully invested in KEC's ministry, building deep relationships with the congregation and journeying with them through life and faith.
  • A Servant's Heart: The pastor must serve the congregation with a genuine desire to shepherd lives, maintaining a humble attitude and personal integrity. Strong spiritual character is the bedrock of pastoral ministry and sets a vital example for the flock.
  • Gifts and Skills: The pastor must possess the appropriate spiritual gifts, relevant skills, and biblical knowledge for their specific ministry area, equipping them to faithfully teach God's word and build up the church.

Ordination is not the finish line; it is the beginning of shouldering a greater spiritual responsibility. By requiring these five markers—experience, faithfulness, commitment, a servant's heart, and gifts and skills—alongside the confirmation of our leadership, we hope to ensure our church is guided by a faithful, reliable team of servants after God's own heart.

Ordination is a journey of prayer, waiting, and earnestly seeking God's will. KEC's pastoral team and Deacon Board have carefully and prudently navigated this through a five-step process:

1. Recommended by the Lead Pastoral Team 

In early 2025, the Lead Pastoral Team began preparing the candidates for the ordination track based on their respective ministry areas, ultimately recommending them to the Church Council. 

2. Confirmed by the Church Council 

In April 2026, the Church Council interviewed each candidate and their spouse. They confirmed that the candidates met all established qualifications and were ready to be ordained.

3. Supported by the Church Leaders 

In May 2026, the pastoral team presented the ordination timeline to church leadership, and the candidates personally shared their calling with the leaders. After receiving full support and confirmation from the leadership, the church officially announced the process to the congregation.

4. Process Verified by the Officiants 

In June 2026, the Officiants interviewed the candidates and their spouses to verify that their faith, qualifications, and calling met the requirements of the process. The officiants concluded by praying for and spiritually encouraging each candidate.

5. Ordained in the Ordination Ceremony 

The ceremony is scheduled for October 10, 2026. At this event, the candidates will be officially ordained as reverends through the laying on of hands and prayer by the officiants in the presence of the KEC congregation.

 

Ordination is far more than an administrative procedure; it is the passing of a spiritual baton and the solemn entrusting of ministry responsibility.

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