On March 15, Zhejiang Provincial CC&TSPM ordained 10 pastors and two elders, while also providing training for 38 "Honorary Elders" who were ineligible for formal ordination.
According to the host, over 300 individuals participated in the ordination ceremony held at Tianmen Church in Aojiang, Pingyang County, Wenzhou City, including pastoral workers and believers from Wenzhou and Pingyang.
Before the ordination, Rev. Zhang Yaofa, president of the provincial CC, exhorted the clergy to be ordained to remain steadfast in faith, shepherd the congregation, and serve humbly.
During the ceremony, Rev. Chen Zhihua, general secretary of the provincial CC, delivered a sermon on "Faithful Service." The pastorate then performed the laying on of hands and presented the 12 newly ordained with holy belts, Bibles, and clergy certificates.
On the afternoon of the same day, Rev. Zhang Yaofa visited Pingyang County CC&TSPM to provide instruction for the "Honorary Elders."
In January 2025, Pingyang County CC&TSPM, in collaboration with the county's Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau, officially approved the appointment of 38 "Honorary Elders" to prevent unauthorized ordinations.
According to the "Measures for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications of Christian Clergy in China," elders are required to hold a high school diploma (or equivalent), have at least five years of church work experience, and have completed a certain level of formal theological education or at least one year of training recognized by the provincial (autonomous region, municipal) CC&TSPM. Furthermore, the newly revised Article 33 of the "Church Order of Protestant Churches in Zhejiang Province" stipulates that clergy ordination must comply with the relevant provisions of both the "Measures for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications of Christian Clergy in China" and the "Regulations on the Ordination of Christian Clergy in Zhejiang Province."
Known for their sincere faith and devout lives, these individuals are over 65 years old and do not meet the academic and theological education requirements for formal ordination. To recognize their continued contributions and address the needs of grassroots churches, the county CC&TSPM and the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau organized short-term training sessions and issued certificates.
The initiative has drawn significant attention from Zhejiang Provincial CC&TSPM. Rev. Zhang Yaofa provided supplementary training for the "Honorary Elders." Rev. Zhang underscored the importance of strict and comprehensive governance of religious affairs, urging attendees to be both patriotic and faithful, comply with laws and regulations, pursue self-improvement, and diligently fulfill their pastoral duties.
