GUANGDONG, China – In the economically struggling town of Dafen, Taishan, Tan Zhenlin, a dedicated preacher, continues to serve a small, aging congregation with steadfast commitment. Despite numerous challenges, including the town’s declining economy and a shrinking population of believers, Tan remains focused on enhancing his ministry and deepening his knowledge of worship. He was grateful to have participated in an equipping programme organised by the Guangdong Union Theological Seminary, with support from the United Bible Societies (UBS). This learning opportunity deepened his understanding of God’s Word and sparked fresh ideas for revitalising his ministry.
The Importance of Culturally Relevant Worship
Tan sees room for growth in worship and liturgy, particularly in integrating elements of Chinese culture. He notes that while worship services are central to church life, they often lack relevance to the local context. “There’s a valuable opportunity to incorporate more Chinese cultural elements into worship, especially during festivals like Mid-Autumn and Dragon Boat,” he explains. For him, this represents a key opportunity to better connect with his congregation, making worship services more relatable and meaningful.
(Tan) believes that with more training in this area, preachers like him could create worship experiences that resonate with local communities, fostering greater engagement with the church.
The training Tan attended emphasised the value of integrating cultural elements into worship, something that is currently rare but essential in a place like Dafen, where traditions run deep. He believes that with more training in this area, preachers like him could create worship experiences that resonate with local communities, fostering greater engagement with the church.
The Transformative Power of Theological Training
For Tan, theological and Bible training is not just beneficial, it is essential. He highlights that such training broadens perspectives and fosters creative thinking through the exchange of ideas. “The discussions with fellow preachers spark new inspiration,” he notes. This collaborative learning not only enhances his personal understanding but also strengthens his relationships with other church leaders, creating a shared vision for ministry.
A key takeaway from the equipping programme he attended was the importance of accurate exegesis. Tan realises that many Chinese preachers interpret Scripture through a modern Chinese lens, which can lead to misunderstanding. He offers an example: “The dragon in the Bible and the dragon in Chinese culture are completely different, yet they’re often conflated by believers.” This insight has motivated him to study the Bible more deeply in its original languages — Hebrew and Greek — and to consult multiple translations to ensure accuracy in his preaching.
Challenges and Creative Solutions in Ministry
In a town like Dafen, where economic hardships prevail, Tan faces additional difficulties in growing his congregation. With many young adults leaving for the cities for better opportunities, the town’s population is primarily elderly. This demographic shift has caused the church’s membership to dwindle, making it hard to sustain traditional ministries.
Undeterred, Tan has taken creative approaches to keep the congregation engaged. He organises worship services for both Christian festivals and Chinese cultural occasions These include Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, alongside Mid-Autumn Festival praise nights and Dragon Boat dumpling-making activities. Additionally, he hosts birthday celebrations for church members to strengthen fellowship among the elderly. These small but meaningful gestures help maintain the church's connection with its members.
Faith in the Face of Difficulty
Despite the challenges, Tan draws strength from the stories of faith in the Bible. He often reflects on the examples of the Canaanite woman, Jairus, and the woman with the issue of blood — all of whom demonstrated extraordinary faith in the face of adversity. These stories inspire him to press on, even when the future seems uncertain.
Tan is deeply grateful for the support of fellow believers, which enables him to grow in his ministry and God's calling. "Thank you for your love and support," he says to those who have contributed to his journey. UBS is privileged to support the equipping of preachers like Tan, witness inspiring stories like his, and see how God is using them to spread His Word and strengthen the faith of believers.
Story: May Ang
Photo: UBSCP
© 2024 UBS China Partnership
