Supporting Leaders, Growing Disciples

JILIN, China  -  At 55, Fan Xiaoyu wears many hats. A devoted Christian, a committed volunteer, and a Corporate Finance Officer, she balances her responsibilities with grace and faith. Her family and friends stand by her as she serves her church as a small group leader and mentor. For years, she had struggled with the weight of leadership in church, striving to guide others in their spiritual growth while grappling with the challenges of preparing discipleship lessons on her own. Then, everything changed, when she encountered The Abundant Life and The Abundant Grace, discipleship training manuals provided by Jilin Christian Council and Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China (CC/TSPM) with the support of United Bible Societies (UBS).

Before using these manuals, small group leaders like Fan, many of whom had no formal theological training, often faced significant pressure. They had to select Bible passages, prepare lessons, and answer questions, relying mostly on personal study, searching commentaries, and online resources to provide insights. While this approach worked to some extent, it was time-consuming and inconsistent. The arrival of structured discipleship training manuals lifted a heavy burden off their shoulders.

"These discipleship training manuals helped me gain a more detailed and systematic understanding of the Bible," Fan shared. "They not only strengthened my own faith but also made leading small groups easier. Before, I would spend hours researching a topic, gathering insights from different sources. Now, these manuals provide a clear roadmap, guiding both me and my group members through God’s Word in a structured and meaningful way."

Among the two manuals, The Abundant Grace stood out to Fan. It offers a comprehensive overview of the Old Testament, weaving together narratives and themes in a way that deepened her understanding. "Before, my knowledge of the Old Testament was fragmented," she explained. "This book helped me see the bigger picture and understand God’s redemptive plan more clearly."

The impact of these discipleship training manuals extended beyond Fan’s personal growth. In her church, members expressed immense appreciation for the structured learning. Many believers had longed for deeper biblical knowledge but felt overwhelmed by the complexity of God’s Word. With The Abundant Life and The Abundant Grace, they found clarity and confidence in their faith journey. "Our small groups are growing spiritually," Fan noted.

"Through these studies, we are learning how to be true disciples of Christ. The transformation is evident in the lives of people."

One heart-warming experience for Fan was witnessing the determination of elderly believers in her church. Some, aged 75 and above, struggled with literacy and found it difficult to read the manuals. However, their hunger for God’s Word remained strong. "It was inspiring to see younger members step in to help, reading aloud, explaining passages, and praying together," she recalled. "The atmosphere of mutual encouragement and support was a testament to the power of God’s love at work in our church."

Despite the many benefits of these discipleship training manuals, challenges remain. Fan acknowledges that deepening one’s biblical knowledge requires dedication and time. "Even with these excellent resources, I sometimes feel that my grasp of God’s Word is still too shallow," she shared. "Leading a group means constantly learning and growing alongside others. It pushes me to study the Bible more diligently and depend on God’s wisdom."

"These resources are a blessing, not just for small group leaders but for the entire church. A believer’s growth is the church’s growth. When we are equipped with God’s truth, we can stand firm in our faith, bear fruit, and bring glory to Him." - Fan Xiaoyu

Beyond biblical literacy, Fan also sees another pressing need among believers — spiritual resilience in the face of real-life challenges. Many small group members struggle with unbelieving spouses or unsupportive families. Some face opposition because their dedication to church is seen as a distraction from family responsibilities or business/work commitments. "I often encourage them with God’s Word," she said. "Verses like 2 Peter 1:3-4 remind us that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness through His divine power and precious promises. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reassures us that God is faithful and will not let us be tested beyond what we can bear."

As she continues to serve, Fan is grateful for the role these discipleship training manuals play in strengthening the faith of believers. She related, "These resources are a blessing, not just for small group leaders but for the entire church. A believer’s growth is the church’s growth. When we are equipped with God’s truth, we can stand firm in our faith, bear fruit, and bring glory to Him."

With the continued support of local partners and churches, The Abundant Life and The Abundant Grace will continue to transform lives, equip believers, and strengthen the Church in China for generations to come.