admin

The North Side Chinese Alliance Church was established in 1988 and has now reached its 35th anniversary. Under God’s guidance, and the recommendation of the senior pastor at that time, the invitation of of deacon board , and the acceptance of the congregation,  I served as Senior Pastor of the church at the end of 1998 until my retirement at the end of 2021. Altogether, my wife and I have served in pastoral ministry at our church for nearly a quarter of a century.

Over the past thirty and more years, there have been various upheavals in the world, including epidemic outbreaks and population dispersal and aggregation. In such a global situation, the Churches around the world has faced unprecedented challenges and opportunities, particularly for Chinese churches at overseas. Our church, of course, has not been exempt from these circumstances.

Reflect on history and remembrance of God’s grace.

Over more than three decades, our church experienced various ups and downs, including significant incidents such as:

1. Ten families collectively leaving the church due to dissatisfaction with its leadership.

2. Unexpected church planting or the establishment of new church due to different visions or church models.

3. Differences arising from debates over whether to rebuild the church on its current site or relocate.

4. The theological controversy surrounding women preaching/teaching sparked by ministry workers.

5. The complete upheaval of church life and ministry operations during the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenges and trials brought about by these incidents, our church under the grace and protection of God, has managed to stand firm and growth. Here is a brief summary:

• After the subsiding of the departure controversy, the English youth ministry was able to be established and carried out. The pastor who received the vision for church planting led over forty members to leave the mother church with its blessing and start a new church. At the same time, the church seized the opportunity to provide care and share the Gospel with Hong Kong students studying abroad. Consequently, worship services and fellowships for the students from Hong Kong were established, laying a foundation for the continued growth of the Cantonese-speaking congregation and Children Sunday School. It also became a vital force within the church’s ministry team.
• Upon confirming the decision to rebuild on the original site and the completion of the new church building, coupled with the resolution of the theological controversy, the issue gradually faded away. However, another challenge arose when the English-speaking congregation attending the evening worship service expressed their desire for independence. The church went through a painful process of deliberation, and eventually, with the consensus of the parents and the blessing of the church, this group became an independent church.
• Due to the continuous increase in the Mandarin-speaking population in the locality and neighboring areas, and coinciding with the revision of the church planting subsidy program by the denomination, the church took the opportunity to include the establishment of another language congregation. The church gradually established a Mandarin-speaking congregation, and to this day, the Mandarin-speaking community has steadily grown in both numbers and spiritual maturity.
• During the three years of the COVID-19 outbreak, fortunately, there was an epidemic monitoring group composed of young adults fluent in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. They formulated relevant guidelines based on the government’s established epidemic prevention measures, which were reviewed or slightly revised by the BOE and BOD before being announced for public compliance. During the most severe period of the epidemic, there were restrictions on gathering sizes, and even churches were closed. Sunday worship and various gatherings had to be held online. During this time,  the members who possessed IT knowledge and operational experience dedicated their efforts and services, enabling them to quickly  make contingency arrangements.

We have spent a considerable amount of time reviewing history, in order to give thanks for God’s grace and preservation. Throughout the past thirty and more years, He has been with us in various trials and tribulations, leading us through.  In accordance with God’s will, we have united our hearts and efforts to promote the gospel and establish the body of Christ – the church. On the other hand, we draw lessons and reflections from history. In times of disagreements, conflicts, or hardships, we see that the church is not a perfect place ; it consists of individuals with weaknesses and problems. This humbles us and prompts us to reflect  upon ourselves in the light of the Holy Spirit and the Bible. As Paul’s exhortation : “So, if you think you standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV).

Looking ahead and walk in Him.

The church discerns the visions that come from God and explores the direction of future development. This responsibility is undertaken by the leadership team composed of current pastors and elders. I would like to share just two aspects for mutual encouragement.

• Study the Bible, respond to God’s Word.

Evangelical churches teach believers to learn the Bible through reading,  studying, and listening to sermons, in order to know God and follow His will. This is absolutely correct, but it is not enough. If we only have knowledge of the Bible without allowing God’s Word to touch our lives, even if we know God’s will, we may lack of the motivation and strength to obey it wholeheartedly.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams,  once said that the accounts recorded in the Bible are not merely ordinary stories, but a sacred narrative that has the power to reshape human through responses to God. It is a story of the re-formation of human responses to God. Simply put, after properly understanding the Word of God, there should be corresponding actions and responses in our lives. Responding to God is the focal point of studying the Bible. Just as Paul prayed for the believers in the church of Colossae, saying, “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10, NIV)

•  Fulfill the Great Commission, completely and wholeheartly

The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) was originally a spiritual movement until it became a denomination in the 1970s. To avoid institutionalization, it is crucial to continue upholding the essence of this spiritual movement, which includes exalting Christ, evangelism and missions, and deepening spiritual life.

NACAC is also part of this legacy.  Dr. A. B. Simpson, the founder of C&MA advocated for this spiritual movement in  response to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. In practice, he emulated the example of the apostle Paul, demonstrating absolute obedience to the Lord regardless of the cost, and faithfully carrying it out. In his letter to the church in Colossae, Paul mentioned the fulfillment of the mission of the Gospel and shared the following teaching :

” We proclaim him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ. For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power, which works mightily within me.”(Colossians 1:28-29 NASB)

Let’s pay attention to the four verbs in the scripture: “proclaim,” “admonish,” “teach,” and “present.”  The first three verbs illustrate the comprehensiveness of the Great Commission. Evangelism and discipleship must go hand in hand, should not be focused on one aspect alone. Regarding the disciples’ growth, both “admonishment” and “teaching” should be emphasized.

Chinese churches generally excel in teaching but are weaker in admonishment. In other words, Chinese believers are willing to receive teaching but may be reluctant or resistant to admonishment.  If this is the case, how can we fulfill the ultimate goal of the Great Commission, which is to “present everyone fully mature in Christ”?

Carrying out the mission of the Gospel is a challenging task, as Paul said, “I strenuously contend with all the energy .”  However, he relied on the “all wisdom” that comes from above and the  “mighty power” of Christ working within him, and he exerted himself wholeheartedly.

Brothers and sisters of NSCAC, let us imitate Paul that rely on the wisdom that comes from above and the mighty power of the resurrected Christ Jesus. In this turbulent and unsettled world, let us fulfill the comprehensive mission of the Gospel and bring people fully and mature into the presence of God.  So that we may continue to be part of the movement of C&MA and faithful ambassadors of the Gospel!