For most Chinese, turning 35 feels like reaching a critical crossroads. A popular saying, "Chinese-style 35: too old to work, too young to retire," reveals the frustration and resignation of a generation. Yet, one 35-year-old "big boy" is rewriting this narrative through his faith journey.
Is the "Big Boy" Jumping onto the Pulpit Really a Pastor?
On a Sunday morning, the church was crowded with many young people, among whom some warmly welcomed newcomers, some were in silent prayer, some sang hymns attentively, and some whispered. Even for first-time visitors, the church's thriving vitality and lively spiritual atmosphere were apparent. Yet, the pastor was nowhere to be seen until the service began, and the congregation gradually settled into silence.
Suddenly, a tall, slender man in casual sportswear bounds up to the pulpit. Adjusting his glasses and flashing a gentle smile, he tilts his head slightly before standing straight at the center of the stage to greet the congregation. At 35, Pastor Shan is the senior pastor of a church in a northwestern Chinese city.
To Serve Full-Time or Not? "Three Mountains" in the Way
Before 25, Pastor Shan never envisioned becoming a pastor. He was a diligent student, majoring in law at a prestigious university. After earning his master's degree, he successfully became a lawyer.
Reflecting on his faith journey, from baptism to calling and eventually full-time ministry, Shan shared, "At that time, I hadn't yet received my master's degree, and I had only been a believer for three months. During a gathering, I started wondering if I would serve full-time in the church one day."
"I think I was a bit emotional at the time, so I responded to the call," he admitted. However, the initial move gradually faded.
Yet, one year later, Shan resigned from his legal career and committed to full-time ministry. But the decision cost him a full year of prayer and seeking.
"There were indeed some barriers," Shan admitted. "I call them the 'three mountains': the first was about income, the second was my parents' opinion, and the third was how my friends would think."
Mountains Can be Moved
At the time, Pastor Shan wrestled with the idea: "If I become a full-time church worker, my income will decrease; I'll need to study the Bible more diligently; I'll be expected to love others and preach the gospel…" But then, God reminded him that his concerns are not limited to the to-do lists of a full-time minister but for every Christian.
Shan realized that "the real question is not whether I should serve full-time, but whether I am committed to being a Christian and a disciple of God." He added, "God knows me deeply, and He wanted to address the issues within my heart."
"As a lawyer, could I spend 100,000 yuan a month at my will? No. Even if it's just 1,000 yuan, it belongs to God," he said. "Whose opinion should matter more to me, God's or people's? Of course, God's!"
A Test Amid Hesitation
But Shan remained torn. "Being a Christian lawyer isn't a bad path. It's also a way of pursuing justice on God's behalf."
For the next month, he poured his brain into analyzing his options, but no decision was made. Then, at the crucial moment, God gave him a question: "Do you choose to be a laywer or pastor? What will your life look like in 50 years? Will you have any regrets?" Shan reflected, "If I choose to be a lawyer, that's certainly a good life. I might become a wealthy and famous one, and I would still love the Lord and the church."
God asked deeper, "Will you regret not witnessing the revival of the gospel in China and the growth of the Church?" "A little," Shan admitted.
Then came another question: "If you become a pastor, and in 50 years you experience revival, preach the gospel to many, and lead people to Christ, will you regret not becoming a wealthy lawyer?" "Not at all," he answered.
In that moment, his decision became clear. He knew God's calling for him was to serve as a pastor. He was 26 years old.
The following year, he received his final year-end bonus from his law firm. With determination, he handed in his resignation and wrote two letters to his boss and colleagues, including a testimony of his faith and a testimony of his calling.
A few years later, a former colleague reached out, sharing that Shan's letter had inspired him to seek the truth and begin attending church.
Now 35, Pastor Shan has served in full-time ministry for a decade. He has offered a response to this generation on what it means to be 35 in the church: ongoing growth, yet never growing old.
(A pseudonym has been used in this article at the interviewee's request.)
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
