Themed “Systematically Advancing the Sinicization of Christianity and Building a New-Era Shanghai Church,” a retreat was rolled out by Shanghai CC&TSPM on December 2-4 in Fengxian District, with the attendance of nearly 200 full-time pastoral staff.
Chairperson Rev. Xu Xiaohong of National TSPM was invited to give a keynote report titled "Outline of the Five-Year Work Plan for Deeply Advancing the Sinicization of Christianity (2023-2027)," exploring theological topics such as the doctrines of God, Christ, humanity, and the church, reported Shanghai CC&TSPM. Reverend Xu encouraged pastoral staff to explore pathways for the sinicization of biblical interpretation, theological education, and church ministry by integrating traditional Chinese culture into church practices.
Dr. Zhou Jiaqi, a lecturer at the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at East China Normal University, delivered a special lecture titled “The Application of Psychological Counseling Techniques in Pastoral Care for Believers and Self-Care for Ministers.”
Participants engaged in group discussions on topics related to the lectures and proposed revisions to the “Code of Conduct for Pastoral Personnel in Shanghai (Draft),” with outcomes of these discussions shared in a plenary session.
A thanksgiving communion service for Christmas was presided over by Rev. Yu Guangzhi, chairperson of the Shanghai Christian Council (CC), with a sermon titled “The Magi Worship Jesus” given by Vice Chairperson Rev. Chen Meijin of Shanghai CC.
The morning devotions were led by Rev. Chen Wei, with a sermon titled “The Servant's Responsibility” delivered by Rev. Xu Feixiang. These two pastors were newly ordained on October 18 at Hong'en Church in Pudong New Area.
