FAQ
Why do we need to have an English Ministry in a Chinese Church?
There are many English speaking churches in Charlottesville, why start a new one? In few simple words, a sense of belonging. As much as the Bible tells us that we are One in the Lord, this does not mean that our culture is irrelevant and all the believers’ experiences are homogenous. It is to address this sense of culture belonging that we want to start an English Ministry in a Chinese church.
How did you get the notion to start this?
I think this notion has been percolating for a while. Over the years, we seen many youth go in and out of our church, they sometime join the English service of the host church, but they do not stay. One of the often cited reason is “I don’t know anyone”. They become the perpetual “guests” of the our host church. For them, there is no sense of a spiritual home. In the past 6-8 months, some in the church feel now is a good time to address this demographic by starting an English Ministry, to create a spiritual home for our English speaking population.
Do you have a full scale English Ministry?
Are you kidding?! Compare to some large Chinese church with a full English Ministry, we are just a sprouting seedling. Nevertheless, we believe all big oak trees begin with some nuts, with sunshine, rain and tender care, trees will grow. As of now, we offer an English language Sunday worship service. In addition, we offer youth fellowship group and have plans to add additional ministry pieces in the future.
How can I help?
Well, God does not need any help, however, he desires servants who are fully committed to serve His purpose and interests. Apostle Paul remind us that it is more blessed to give then to receive. If you have receive much blessings from your home church, you may want to consider give of your time, your gifts and talents to this new ministry and grow with it.
Below is what we aim to do in this new English Ministry
A. Purpose (Vision Statement)
Through the work of the Holy Spirit to transform the lives of English speaking students on UVA campus (with the emphasis on the students of Asian heritage) and the larger bilingual Asian community of Charlottesville, by acknowledging and committing to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
B. to achieve this purpose we are committed to (Mission Statement)
Disciple the congregation to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to equip them to serve in the local church.
C. There are 4 areas of English Ministry related to this vision
1. Ministry of worship (Ready to move in 8/29/21)
a. Regular English Sunday morning Praise and worship service
b. Weekly Sunday communion
c. Regular English prayer meeting
2. Ministry of the Words (under construction)
a. Regular English adult and youth bible study
b. Encourage and establish fund for further studying of the Words of God through seminary training and on-line courses.
3. Ministry of Fellowship (partially complete)
a. Establish youth fellowship groups.
b. Establish adult/young adults home fellowship group
c. Regular Sunday luncheon after church service
d. Seasonal fellowship with Chinese congregation.
4. Ministry to the community and to the World (under construction)
a. Regular community service to the poor and underserve of Charlottesville.
b. Join with other churches for summer and short term mission opportunities
c. Encourage/promote/support congregation to consider long term missionary call.
