Up Close and Personal with Pastor Loretta
When did you first sense God’s call and what led you into full-time ministry?
I entered pastoral ministry on 1 August 2007 and have just completed 18 years of service. But the journey really began much earlier, back in 1994. I had been working for nearly 20 years in the banking industry, assisting clients with estate planning. Life was comfortable and secure, the pay was good, and my career path was clear.
Yet in the midst of that comfort, God began to stir my heart. It wasn’t anything dramatic, more like quiet, persistent nudges. I didn’t respond with eager obedience, as I was wrestling with countless questions: Was this truly God’s voice? Why would He ask me to leave a secure life? Couldn’t I serve Him faithfully where I already was? I resisted for five long years.
It was only after much prayer and guidance from my spiritual director that I took my first step of faith. I joined Paya Lebar Methodist Church as Director of Administration, thinking I had answered the call. But God placed people in my path who encouraged me to consider pastoral ministry.
After yet another season of wrestling and prayer, I finally surrendered, began part-time studies at Trinity Theological College and the journey slowly unfolded from there. My struggles and fears then were very real, but what I once resisted has now become the greatest joy and privilege of my life: shepherding His people and serving His Church, walking in the purpose He had long prepared for me.
Tell us about your ministry in HVMC.
My first pastoral posting was at Living Waters Methodist Church, where I served, before being appointed to Holland Village Methodist Church (HVMC) in August 2016. These nine years at HVMC have been deeply meaningful, walking alongside this congregation. I have been continually inspired, seeing individuals and families deepen their faith, step courageously into God’s calling, and experience His transformative love.
Community outreach event for National Day & carolling at Christmas
Currently, I oversee several ministries: Missions, Outreach & Social Concerns, Filipino Fellowship, Witness & Evangelism, and Pastoral Care. Each area presents unique challenges, from coordinating volunteers to addressing the diverse needs of our congregation and community. I’ve learned that ministry is never about what one pastor can accomplish alone. True ministry happens when God works through His people, through the gifts, prayers, and dedication of every member.
I recall when I first entered the pastoral ministry, my Pastor-in-Charge drew my attention to Matthew 20:28, reminding me that even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Those words have shaped the way I approach ministry, that leadership in God’s kingdom is about humility, selfless service, and reflecting Christ’s love in every act, every decision and every interaction.
What advice would you give to those considering full-time ministry or becoming pastors?
Ministry is about obedience to God’s call, even when the path is uncertain or challenging. Personally, I have learned that He does not call us and then leave us to figure it all out on our own; He equips and empowers us, especially when we feel inadequate, introverted or unsure.
For anyone considering full-time ministry, cultivate a heart of trust and surrender. Surround yourself with mentors, spiritual guides and fellow believers who can offer encouragement, correction and guidance along the way. Remember: the impact of your ministry is not measured solely by programmes run, sermons preached, or numbers reached. It is measured by faithfulness, your willingness to say “yes” to God, day by day, and to allow Him to work through you in ways you may never fully see.
Ultimately, ministry is a journey of partnership with God. He invites us to participate in His work of transforming lives, hearts and communities. There is an incomparable joy in walking alongside someone as he grows in faith, seeing a family discover God’s love, or witnessing a heart healed through His grace. These moments remind us that every act of service, every prayer offered, and every word of encouragement can ripple into eternity.
How do you handle stress in your pastoral work and what keeps you going?
Ministry is deeply rewarding, yet it is also demanding. I have faced moments of self-doubt, exhaustion and fear, but what sustains me through these seasons is a combination of intentional spiritual practices and a constant reliance on God’s presence.
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is a constant reminder that I am not carrying these responsibilities on my own. It encourages me to depend fully on Christ’s strength. and to trust that what I do in His power has lasting significance.
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways I stay grounded is to listen to Christian hymns. Their lyrics and melodies gently redirect my focus to God. Ministry work can become draining, so the silent retreats that I attend, at least twice a year, offer space and time to rest and listen deeply to God without distraction.
I am particularly looking forward to my upcoming six-month sabbatical from January to June 2026. As I approach the later stages of my ministry journey, I pray that this time will allow me to pause, recalibrate, and discern where God is leading me next. It will be an opportunity to reflect deeply on the past years of service - the joys, the challenges, the lessons learned - and to seek renewed clarity, direction and focus for the path ahead.
Interviewed by Low Yee Lan
MOSAIC Team
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