A preacher from an ethnic minority region once remarked that their standard for preachers was the ability to "sing, dance, and preach." This description aptly fits Sister Wang, who grew up in Shanghai—she delivers sermons with power, sings with skill, and demonstrates remarkable gifts in teaching and worship. Trained in both sacred music and theology, her faith journey may not appear dramatic, yet it reflects a God-guided path: from her early faith nurtured by her mother to her present ministry, grounded in theological study and expressed through her service in the choir.
Encountering God in Mother's Shadow
"My mother is a preacher. As a child, I saw how busy she was, and I never imagined I would one day walk the same path," recalls Sister Wang, now in her thirties.
She notes that her own faith journey mirrors her mother's. Her mother, who endured discrimination because of Wang's grandparents' faith during the special time, was rebellious in her youth. At 18, after experiencing life and work, she came to genuine faith. Later, she married Wang's father, who shared her beliefs, and together, they entered ministry.
Raised by two devout Christian parents, Wang initially saw this "inherited faith" as a kind of burden. "In elementary school, I was very rebellious. My mother didn't care much about my academic performance, only my spiritual life." She said, "She always told me to pray, but I felt I was praying for her. Even my faith in the Lord seemed to be for her." Yet the love and care she received from her church family sowed the seeds of faith within her. "I grew up eating at many people's homes. The congregation always looked after me, so I've always had a cheerful, carefree personality."
In Youth Fellowship, "Mom's God" Became "My God"
It was during her college years that Sister Wang's faith shifted from passive acceptance to personal conviction. "When I first entered college, I finally left my parents and felt I could control my own life, believing I was free. But in reality, college life exposed how undisciplined I was. I spent entire days on the computer, my spiritual life was in disarray, and I didn't even attend fellowship gatherings," she recalled.
Weary of that aimless lifestyle, she joined a youth fellowship at the encouragement of a spiritual senior. "Seeing so many young people genuinely love the Lord, I suddenly realized their faith was not their parents' faith, but their own," she said. Witnessing senior believers remain steadfast despite illness also prompted her to re-examine her own faith. "I came to understand that faith is not about living up to my mother's expectations but about cultivating my own relationship with God."
The Path to Theology: "Experience First, Then Equip Yourself"
Before graduating from university, Wang considered pursuing theological studies but did not take immediate action. "A brother once took my mother and me to visit an elderly pastor. My mother asked him whether studying theology was a good idea. He replied, 'Don't rush. First, gain experience in the workplace. Then you will understand people better and be able to serve them.'"
Following this advice, she returned to Shanghai and, while working, joined the church's teacher training program, devoting her Saturdays to learning and practice. "During those times of practice, I always felt inadequate and knew I needed further preparation," she recalled. Two years later, an unexpected opportunity arose: "A pastor suddenly asked if I wanted to study theology and told me about the seminary interview."
Her years in seminary proved transformative. "There, I realized that faith is something lived out daily. Faced with different perspectives and voices, I gradually learned to discern that what truly matters is my relationship with Jesus." With this conviction, she embraced ministry, acknowledging that her time in seminary was also a season of "breaking and growing."
"As a child, I had a somewhat prickly personality and often hurt others unintentionally. Through ministry, I learned to repent in the lessons of relationships, and through reading the Bible, prayer, and daily reflection, I confronted my weaknesses. Even now, as a preacher, I recognize that I am still a sinner who must continually reflect and grow."
Using Gifts to Build Others, Pastoring Self Before Caring for Others
In ministry, Sister Wang emphasizes using her gifts to edify others. After studying sacred music in seminary, she gained a deeper perspective on service. "My choir teacher not only trained me in vocal technique and conducting but also taught me how to lead a choir—integrating sacred music with theology and using gifts to cultivate unity."
She recalled a lesson from her college years: during choir practice, her sharp musical ear easily detected mistakes in the lead singer. Convinced that the singer's skill level was inadequate, she pointed it out, which caused division within the choir. "Since then, I constantly remind myself: when gifts are used well, they glorify God; when used poorly, they cause harm." Now, she views human ability as a process of growth and approaches less experienced choir members with patience and encouragement. "The purpose of gifts," she affirmed, "is to build others up."
When preparing sermons, Wang follows the principle of "pastoring myself first, then caring for others." She shared, "Each time I prepare, I first seek God's word. As I review what I've learned and discover new insights, I must also reflect: What does this message mean to me personally? And what might it bring to my congregation?"
She explained her method of interpreting Scripture: begin by reading the text, then draw insights by considering context and reasoning, consult commentaries to resolve questions, and occasionally use tools to find fresh illustrations, yet always return to the word itself. "The context of Scripture must never be overlooked. A sermon should connect with life while remaining faithful to the original message of the Bible."
Raising up the Next Generation and Guiding Young People to "Experience First"
Today, Sister Wang's vision for ministry is both clear and purposeful. "I hope to impart my gifts to the choir members so they can one day lead independently. At the same time, I bear the responsibility of passing on the faith and nurturing a godly generation."
For young people who feel called to seminary, Wang offers counsel shaped by her own experience. "Don't rush into it too quickly, and don't begin with the mindset of being simply 'zealous for the Lord.' First, experience the challenges of life and grow in maturity." Reflecting on her seminary years, she added, "You must keep an open mind and not cling too tightly to what you previously thought was 'right,' or you'll struggle to grow in a new environment. Be humble, but not servile—even when learning from great scholars, remember that wisdom comes from God. Always maintain a heart of reverence toward both God and people."
In conclusion, Wang confessed, "This entire journey has been led by God."
Originally published by the Gospel Times
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
