Elliot Ku

Dear church and friends, it’s hard to believe that it is August already. We’re closer to the start of 2025 than we are to the beginning of 2024. And it is my final month at GracePoint.

There are so many mixed feelings. But one of the dominant emotions is gratitude.

I’m grateful for the past 9 years I’ve been at GracePoint. I’m grateful for the love and support that I’ve received from leaders, members, and brothers and sisters. I’m grateful that the church has been warm and receptive to our ministry. I’m grateful for their encouragement as we prepare to go.

I can now understand why Paul’s letters are always characterised by gratitude and thanks. It’s a fruit of the Gospel as we continue to realise the depths of God’s grace in our lives. But it is also a product of being dearly loved by brothers and sisters.

August is my final month for a few reasons.

First, I have quite a bit of annual leave accrued over the years and I’ve been advised that it is wise to take a bit of time off before starting at a new ministry. These few months will be time for refreshment.

Second, the church has kindly allowed me to accrue some study leave over the past few years. I plan on using that to make progress on my doctoral thesis. So, the next few months will also be (God-willing) time of research, writing, and progress.

Thirdly, I hope that this will create helpful space for GracePoint-Lidcombe to prepare for changes ahead as Pastor Eugene returns to lead the ministry. Ministry wisdom suggests that a bit of gap between the previous pastor and the new pastor can be helpful as a reset.

Fourth, I look forward to spending some time to visit churches in the area. I’m always encouraged to hear about what God is doing in different parts of Sydney. So, I’m excited about seeing all of that firsthand. It’ll also be great to sit with my family and worship God together – something I don’t often get to do on Sundays because I’m serving in some shape or form.

I wasn’t entirely sure when my last day would be when I announced that our family would be accepting a call elsewhere. But I’m thankful for the counsel of leaders and the permission of the elders to finish off at this point.

Speaking of which, I’m conscious that not everyone was at the combined ACM service in April. So below is a video of the announcement which you can now view.

I speak first. And I explain a bit about the background to my departure, a bit about the history of The Well, and some prayer points.

Pastor Eugene speaks next to address the church. He shares a bit about my training journey at GracePoint, the church’s affirmation of my call to ministry, and GracePoint’s history in sending people to different places across the world. I’ll never forget Pastor Eugene taking me under his wing back in 2012 and giving me my first copy of St Augustine’s Confessions. His impact will remain with me forever.

Elder Mark speaks next and shares my journey with the Session during this process. Mark and I spoke extensively in the lead up to my decision and he has been a very kind and gracious brother.

Elder Chong speaks last and ends with a prayer. Chong is a dear friend and has been a listening ear, voice of encouragement, and fellow battler for the Gospel.

At the leadership level, in addition to thanks to the CG leaders and Elders, I need to also thank Dr John McClean who is our current interim moderator. His wisdom, encouragement, and insight has been so valuable.

So, 3 more Sundays to go (one of the Sundays in August will be Church Retreat). Each of these will be so precious to me.