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Information on International Pilgrimages with Youth
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China Pilgrimage Thursday, March 13, 2003 Scott Brown & George Dohm
Our Thursday began with what was advertised to be a “Western Breakfast” in the hotel restaurant (an announcement received with moans due to our growing love for Chinese food in all its glorious variety and our artistic use of chopsticks). Afterwards we headed to visit with Bishop K. H. Ting, Vice President of the National Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Following a warm reception and welcome by Bishop Ting, we were invited into a dialogue with this inspiring Christian leader.
When asked about the depth of influence religious leaders have on national policy, and if there were really any influence to be had by religious leaders, Bishop Ting informed us of meetings which he was in the midst of attending over the past two days in Beijing. He flew to the city (his home is in Nanjing, near Nanjing Seminary) for meetings to, in part, provide input toward the selection of China’s new Prime Minister. It was pointed out that China’s government listens equally to the various religious leaders when it comes to government affairs, valuing the input of all leaders.
As on other occasions, it was stated that the recent government convening was typical. What can be surprising to some is that in China when the leaders of the five official religions gather they are not concerned with the domestic affairs of individual religions; rather, they are united around what’s best for China.
Bishop Ting elaborated about the post denominational church in China, a movement which began in the early 1950’s. He sees the church continuing in this direction, yet is aware of future challenges to maintaining this reality. A few include: · The ongoing challenge of being a “Uniting” Church, · Finding a balance between preferred denominational liturgies (although there is a “rediscovering” of the value of liturgical worship as well as that of more frequently celebrating Holy Communion.
A challenge before Chinese pastors is the diversity of educational levels among their congregations. The education level of Chinese is steadily rising. However, there still are many with low or average educational levels who are flocking to the church and being “fed” by the preaching; but, it was shared that there is simultaneously an exodus of the “intellectuals” who are looking for more than just the basics of Christianity. Bishop Ting also felt many are being turned off by what some might call “scare tactics”, calling forth faith decisions based on fear of damnation versus expounding on the love of God - how to view it, claim it, live it and share it.
This tradition in China can be traced back to the 19th and 20th century missionaries. In the midst of planting the seeds of Christianity among those who were interested, many missionaries brought with them an overzealousness in seeking to convert ALL Chinese to Christianity. It has been said that these missionaries put a strong emphasis on conversion by fear (believe or else “you’ll go to hell”). Bishop Ting referred to China’s strong need to proclaim the God of the Bible who is the One who so loves the world (John 3:16), the One who sent Christ to save the world, not to condemn it (John 3:17).
The present movement is for the reconstruction of Chinese Theology, deepening and broadening the understanding of being “Christian”. The basis for this is not to instill fear in people to bring them to the faith, but to attract them through God’s love. Bishop Ting also said that, “Christianity itself contains enough truth to convince people.” God’s love extends to all people, not only those categorized as “believers”.
Presently there are only 18 theological schools in China seeking to meet the challenge of a better trained clergy for Chinese Churches. Therefore, laity serve a vital role in the church, particularly with the few clergy serving very large congregations. In fact, the laity have the best opportunity for evangelism as they collectively come into contact with more non-Christians than any pastor ever could. In the midst of the laity offering Christian care and concern, they share who Jesus is to them, explain what God has done in their life and invite those they serve to worship or other gatherings at their church to learn more about the Christian faith.
Conversations with Bishop Ting came to a close all too soon. This man of great compassion for people, and incredible passion for God and God’s love, was an inspiration to our pilgrimage. We collectively thanked God for Bishop Ting and his continuing work serving God whom he loves so deeply.
Much reflection over much food (lunch) was followed by a brief visit to one of the largest shopping plazas in Beijing.
Our afternoon visit to the Beijing Christian Council was facilitated by Rev. Yu Xinli, General Secretary of the Beijing Christian Council. Rev. Yu Xinli shared that approximately 1/3 of pastors are women, a trend which continues to grow in seminary enrollment as well as church attendance. Nevertheless, there continues to be a shortage of well trained clergy. This shortage of pastors places increased importance on laity.
Take Rev. Du Fengying, for instance, a pastor of one of the largest churches in Beijing who was in attendance with Rev. Yu Xinli. Rev. Du is the (Sr. / lead) Pastor and has 3 assistants serving a congregation of over 10,000 members. Although she identified as the most important responsibility she carries out to be evangelization, she also discussed the role she and the local seminary play in training lay leaders for service within the church. Because of her heavy schedule, one area of ministry in which she wishes she had time to expand is pastoral care. This is where an increasing number of trained laity are using their gifts to share compassion along with the love of God with members and inquirers alike. This expanding role of the laity is needed, especially since, on average, one million new Christians are baptized in China each year.
The day’s travels concluded with a visit to the government offices of the Chinese State Administration of Religious Affairs. Housed in this particularly ornate complex were offices which provide support and communication vehicles for each of the five recognized (official) religions – Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism.
Throughout today’s pilgrimage, as in recent days, our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ communicated their concern, as well as their prayers, for peace. We join so many across the world in likeminded prayer. May God, who loves the entire world, deliver all of creation into a time of everlasting peace. |
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