Pastor Liu is the representative of the Three Self Patriotic Movement and the China Christian Council in Handan. He talked about the four current situations of Handan churches: the concept of "the poorer the more spiritual" does not suitable any more; cults cannot take root; the contents of the choir is becoming rich and colorful; the village churches need more pastoral staffs.
The concept of "the poorer the more spiritual" does not suitable any more
The pastoral staffs' life in 80s to 90s are very hard, forming a concept that "the poorer the more spiritual", which is not suitable for nowadays. The pastors serving in the downtown churches have not only salaries but also insurances. The pastors serving in the villages and smaller towns have no salaries, but they can take part time jobs to support themselves.
Cults cannot take root
Pastor Liu said that Handan churches are kind of conservative ones, particularly in the time of 80s to 90s, when hair perming, high-heeled shoes and watching TV were not suitable for the believers. Besides the outward things, Handan churches are also quite conservative in truth. The believers have a basic acknowledge about essential truths, the cults cannot take root in Handan churches. The churches will resist the cults.
The contents of the choir is becoming rich and colorful
You can find a choir in most towns of Handan from 80s. The choir will play at weddings and funerals. Choir is a good way of preaching, and also a window of the church. In order to use choir to its advantage, biblical dramas and dancing are involved.
The village churches need more pastoral staffs
Under the urbanization influence, too many people left villages to find jobs in the downtown, leading to the loss of the rural population, pastors in the villages becoming fewer at the same time. There’s no systematical biblical study in the villages and smaller towns. Believers just get together to read bible, share something touching them and sing some hymns. Pastor Liu said that raising in the villages and smaller towns is still a big problem they are facing.
