"I will never retire on the path of service, though one's working years may end," remarked Elder Wang, who retired but was later reappointed.
Elder Wang, 50, has stepped down as the leader of Church L per the local CC&TSPM’s retirement policy. However, due to a shortage of church staff in the rural area where Church L is, she has been rehired to continue handling pastoral care and church management.
“If I had known how challenging this journey would be at the start, I might not work on the path to serve,” Wang reflected. However, looking back on the journey, she realized that God chooses not based on a person's excellence, but because of His love.
Thirty years ago, at the age of 20, Wang embraced Christianity and, within a year, became the leader of a meeting point. At that time, the congregation lacked a stable place to gather, thereby holding services in the homes of believers. As the number of followers grew, they needed to apply for official approval as a meeting point, one requirement being the involvement of a local. Wang, the only local at the time, had no choice but to take on the position as the one in charge, which was quite a burden for a young woman new to the faith.
Applying for approval as a meeting point required preparing documentation and dealing with various government departments. At the same time, she had to balance her job and practice preaching. Wang devoted most of her time to the church, though only being a church volunteer back then. Three years later, she resigned from her stable job to pursue theological studies but failed the entrance exam due to insufficient academic foundation and knowledge. Unaffected by this setback, she became even more determined to serve instead, starting her full-time ministry and diving into church administration.
Over the past 20 years, Wang has faced numerous challenges and endured various doubts. She once struggled with multiple personality flaws, social phobia, and a fear of communicating with others. However, if she refrained from visiting members, she would be criticized for lacking love. Reflecting on those early days, she admitted she had no idea how to lead or manage the church, nor did anyone guide her in serving. All she knew was to bring believers together for gatherings.
Occasionally, believers from other places attended the gatherings, and due to different leadership models, comparisons occurred among the members or some verbal hurt at her. Wang remarked that all she could do was pray. "I have been supported by prayer all this journey," she shared, recalling that prayer was the only thing she could rely on at the beginning of her service.
Through her prayers, Wang experienced the guidance and help of the holy spirit, which opened her eyes to see the needs of the congregation and provided her with ideas on how to shepherd and manage it. When not knowing how to engage with believers, she sought prayers for answers. "One has to focus on God," Wang emphasized. Despite the different tasks, she highlighted the importance of not neglecting one's spiritual life, with regular devotions being essential.
Wang once regretted not being admitted to the theological seminary, but this experience also strengthened her reliance on God. Although she is not a preacher, she has a deep desire to be cultivated and continuously trains and develops herself with the mindset of a leader. At the same time, she encourages church members to serve, saying, "As long as you are willing, God can use you."
She is grateful for getting the position and experience of serving, considering it a position to work alongside God. She reflected that from the early days, when there was no venue for gatherings, to the frequent renting of spaces, and now to the construction of a church, all of this is God's work and grace.
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
