This is part of our bi-monthly interview series in 2025. Pastors of various churches will share spiritual reflections and insights on their journey with God and their role as shepherds of His people. This month, I have Reverend Bertram Cheong (“Revd Bertram”).
You might also like the interview series with various Christians sharing their past, present and future.
Who is Reverend Bertram Cheong?
Revd Bertram is the vicar of Chapel of Christ the King (“CCK”) and the chaplain for St Margaret’s School (Primary) (“SMSP”). According to collinsdictionary.com, “A chaplain is a member of the Christian clergy who does religious work in a place such as a hospital, school, prison, or the armed forces.” He has been in these roles for about five years since 2020, around the time when COVID struck Singapore.
He grew up as a Christian in St John’s Chapel and served in various ministries. Later in 2011, he transitioned into full-time ministry and was ordained as a deacon after graduating from Trinity Theological College. He was later ordained as a priest in 2013 and ran operational matters in St John’s Chapel. In 2016, The Diocese of Singapore (“Diocese”) posted him to Westside Anglican Church (“WAC”), where he became the Priest-in-charge for 4.5 years before being posted to CCK.
Revd Bertram and his wife, Cherlie, are proud parents of a 4-year-old daughter. He has a passion for anything military, especially nuclear submarines. He also enjoys thought-provoking shows, such as Crimson Tide, Mississippi Burning, and The Three-Body Problem, as well as movies from Pixar or DreamWorks.
* The Diocese of Singapore consists of 27 Anglican parishes in Singapore and 6 deaneries throughout Asia. (Source)
The Past
Looking back…
How did you come to accept Christ?
I was born into a Christian family that attended Grace Assembly of God. My family moved to St John’s, Jurong in 1989 when I was 10.
Fun History Fact about St John’s, Jurong
St John’s, Jurong is the second oldest Anglican parish in Singapore. Its original site had a cemetery beside it, similar to some older churches in Europe. The church was originally planted to reach out to farmers in the Hong Kah area. In 1993, it became a parish, which means it’s a self-supporting congregation, and was renamed St John’s Chapel. By then, the church had moved to Farrer Road and became part of St Margaret’s Secondary School.
How were you called to be a Pastor?
During the Early Years
I kind of grew in the role instead of suddenly waking up one day with that calling. I am thankful for pastors who believed in me along the way and gave me many opportunities to serve in the church, even as a youth. Ps Loon Fu-Man was my youth pastor then, and he took the chance with me, giving me roles and opportunities when there were other more promising youths around me.
I led my first youth camp when I was only 15 years old, followed by three children’s camps, and another youth camp when I was 18. Those years were tough because I was on a steep learning curve.
At around 18 years old, I went forward to one altar call, not knowing what to expect or say. However, as I stood there, I felt led to ask God to move me away from being a lukewarm Christian, which I was at that time. I didn’t want to be like that anymore.
I went on to serve in various ministries in the church since help was needed everywhere in a small church. That rotation in ministries gave me a glimpse of the workings of the church, something like a management trainee. I was also in the second batch of the Diocese’s SERVE programme after ‘A’ levels. Under the programme, I was a full-time intern in the church for a few months before I enlisted for National Service.
When I was in university at 21, Ps Barry Leong (“Ps Barry”), who later became the Vicar of St John’s Chapel, made me take charge of things usually done by adults in church. He also had me shadow him as he went around for church work and meetings. After making sure I was aware of the ugly side of the ministry and sharing some beautiful stories, he asked if I would still want to join the ministry. Before that, I never thought of becoming a pastor or being in the ministry. I was more interested in the military like my dad. But Ps Barry also asked, “What if God doesn’t want you to join the military?”
Taking the Step of Faith
After university, I did a one-year internship in St John’s Chapel under the Diocese’s Tribute programme, which was to challenge young people to offer the first fruits of their working life to God as a tribute. This predated the upcoming Diocese’s Vocare programme.
By the time I started the programme, it had become clear that I wanted to be a pastor. The call to be a pastor came gradually, a little like something that sneaked up on you when you were not paying full attention. However, I didn’t want to feel like I was entering full-time ministry because I could not find a job “outside” the church. Job offers soon came, and I knew they were to confirm that I was not going into full-time ministry as a second choice.
I was sent to study at Trinity Theological College to be equipped for the pastor’s role. I graduated in only seven years because I took the course part-time in the initial years while being a full-time staff member at St John’s Chapel. Six months after I graduated in 2011, I was ordained as a deacon.
In 2013, the Diocese moved Ps Barry to another church and appointed me to hold the fort at St John’s Chapel. Ps Barry was still managing both churches at the same time, but he chose to let go and allow me to step up to run the church on my own. Interestingly, he also introduced me to my wife, then a staff member at his other church. We got married in 2015 and moved to WAC together in 2016 before moving to CCK in 2020.
What are the most memorable lessons you had (as a pastor)?
My time at WAC taught me many lessons that grew me as a pastor. For one, it’s to abide in His plans and not mine. Even though I had hoped to make the church “independent” as a parish during my time there, I have come to realise that God’s core purpose for me in WAC was to minister to the people and present them mature in Christ to Him.
And I had to manage my emotions when the Diocese moved me to CCK because I had invested so much time and effort at WAC by then. I had to learn to let go of friendships I had built up. I had my desires for WAC, but God directs my path and theirs.
If given a chance to return in time, is there anything you would do differently?
In the initial years of ministry, I should have been more intentional in coaching the staff team, along with developing and mentoring the younger ones. I would also want to be a lot more chill and not be so uptight about how certain things should be done. I’m a lot better now!
Anything to make you say “God works all things good”?
Being a Chaplain
I was the Chaplain of six companies of Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade at St John’s Chapel, and the Chaplain of a mental rehabilitation centre, nursing home and a preschool at WAC. All these gave me the breadth of experience to be the Chaplain of a primary school, which might be harder for the church to navigate. God prepared me better than I would have planned.
One small example, since my name is hard for the preschool children to pronounce, I introduced myself as “Pastor B“. That name connected well with the children, hence I brought it to SMSP, and it seems good with the students there as well.
Provision
CCK is located within the premises of SMSP, so when MOE’s upgrading works took place at the school building in 2019, the church also underwent reconstruction. The initial quotation was S$1.3 million, but the initial contractor went down during COVID. Our construction cost went up to S$2.1 million with the new contractor. Adding our outfitting costs, the target amount was raised to S$3.1 million. We had already raised S$1.1 million at that time, and hence we only needed another S$2 million. With that, we set a fundraising goal of S$200,000 every year to meet this target.
It was a great test of faith for me and the church. But through it all, we saw the goodness of community and God. The church members gave generously of their own accord. Many Anglican churches also came together and gave very generously, and a few churches even gave above what they initially promised. When the final bill came, we were surprised it only amounted to a fraction of what we had projected and prepared. We had a huge surplus – God indeed provided more than enough. This excess was put into the Building Fund for future maintenance costs.
The Present
Looking at now…
What is the “job scope” of a school chaplain?
As a school chaplain, I oversee and am involved with the school’s chapel programme, recess ministry, P5/6 camps, Girls’ Brigade and camps.
Every Friday morning, CCK is in charge of an assembly slot. During that period, the team from CCK and/or I would share stories from the Bible with the students, along with a short sharing of the message. Other than that, I would also share a word with the parents during P1 Orientation and conduct Holy Communion for the Christian teachers in school once every term.
Is there anything you observe about today’s young generation?
Children in primary school are still generally curious about things around them, including religion. However, as they grow older, you will notice how different the youth are today from a generation ago. This big change is also because there’s a big change in society, just look at the rapid changes in technology and moral values.
Nowadays, youths are more confident and hence, for things they don’t agree with, they tend to be more argumentative with their mouth, or they just walk away in dismissal of you. So now a leader cannot just hide behind their title and exercise their authority to demand obedience. Now, one needs to be a true leader to inspire and lead the next generation.
What are the challenges of a school chaplain?
I see myself as a diplomat who is the bridge between the church and the school. Even though I represent the church, I also strive to understand the school’s constraints. I want the school to feel like we are labouring alongside them and not be seen as pushing the school’s boundaries all the time.
I don’t want to simply force the church’s way on them, and for the church to be out of sync with the school. During conflicts of interest, I have to communicate both positions clearly and tactfully to both sides without pushing the responsibility to the other party, especially if it has to do with unfavourable decisions. Finding that middle ground is important.
For example, I decided that the church would move into the new compound together with the school in December 2024 for the new academic year, even though the building was ready for move-in during mid-2024. Moving together with the school sends a powerful message of solidarity. I believe a good relationship between the church and the school goes a long way in the kingdom of God.
I am thankful that CCK has the opportunity to support the teachers and students of SMSP through chaplaincy work. Because of our unique position, I see this work as our church’s core mission. Hence, I am looking to recruit more staff to serve the school. That being said, CCK is a small church, and so the church staff is less likely to specialise but to help in all aspects of the church.
Were there moments that made you feel like giving up (on being a Pastor)?
Many times. Sometimes the challenges of ministry become overwhelming to the point where I feel like giving up. For example, being a pastor or leader means sometimes making tough choices that not everyone understands. Other challenges include dealing with my own sense of inadequacies, and a nagging suspicion that I could have done more, the proverbial “messiah complex“.
How do you deal with difficult people or people who don’t like you?
I used to stand firm on certain principles and not budge, and “shoot back”, leading to arguments. However, now I have learned to trade space for time. I wouldn’t fight for my stand first, but hear the other person’s point of view and back off. I will reply after giving each other some space and time to cool down and think things through.
What are the joys of being a Pastor?
To see people’s lives changed. It’s a joy to witness people discovering God for themselves, like lukewarm Christians touched by God and suddenly being passionate about God’s work.
It’s also knowing how I can make a difference and be part of someone’s faith journey. For example, recently I baptised someone at the eleventh hour before he passed away. I was told that his family was grateful as well.
In this season, what is God speaking to you about or teaching you?
Lead people, love them, and fight sin. God is teaching me that I am not responsible for the results, but I am to obey Him. And also a lesson to persevere. Because if I give up now, I will stumble those I am currently mentoring and shepherding and those I had in the past.
What fruit of the Spirit do you think God is growing in you?
Everything, especially self-control in managing my emotions and not overreacting towards people and situations. Also, God is growing my patience by having me take one step at a time and gritting my teeth to persevere.
What is your bible verse of the season?
This is also the bible verse of my life.
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2 Timothy 2:10 (ESV)
The Future
Look forward…
What’s one piece of advice for young pastors?
Mr Lee Kuan Yew has been quoted as saying, “I have no regrets. I have spent my life, so much of it, building this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.“
So when you choose to be a pastor, be prepared to give up your entire life to serve the people God has put under your care. Having said that, guard your Sabbath day and recharge. For me, Mondays will always be off unless it is an emergency.
As for the balance between family and duties, it would be hard to be in a continual balance. It is like a bank account. Sometimes, ministry might take precedence over family, and the “bank account” for family is being drawn down. But when the opportunity presents itself to put pastoral duties on a back burner to make time and top up that account, one must take every effort to do so. The Diocese may have many pastors, but the family only has one husband and father.
Where do you think God is leading you next – your purpose, dreams and visions?
I think it’s biblical to have ambitions. However, I have learned that many things and outcomes are out of my control, and thus, in this season, I decide to take one step at a time and flow with Him. I know I am on the right path, and God is proud of me because of His constant encouragement sent my way through various people.
Fun question: What would you be doing if you did not choose the path of a pastor?
I will be in the military, any unit that’s in combat and on the front line. In war, everyone has the chance to get shot at, but those on the front lines get to shoot back. 😉
Editor’s Note
We thank Revd Bertram for sharing his journey and insights into being a pastor. As I listened to his story, I saw how God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. God indeed equips those whom He calls. We can plan and prepare, but in the end, God knows how best to prepare us and put the right people in our lives. If this post speaks to you, leave a comment or send us a message to encourage Revd Bertram.
If you liked this, you may enjoy reading other interviews too: shema-rhema.com/blog/category/interviews
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