Rev. Jon-Arne Hoppestad, head of the International Department, led a delegation from the Mission Covenant Church of Norway to Shaanxi churches.
During the meeting on October 18, Rev. Wang Jun, chairman and president of Shaanxi CC&TSPM, first reviewed the history of friendship and exchanges between the two sides and expressed his appreciation for DNM’s respect for the Chinese churches’ “three-self” principle (self-preaching, self-governing, and self-supporting), reported CCC&TSPM. Rev. Wang shared with the guests pastoral training, theological education, the sinicization of Christianity, and social services.
In response, the guests showed appreciation for Shanxi CC&TSPM’s explorations and practices on the path of localization of Christianity and provided a brief on recent pastoral ministry, church vision, and the development of churches under current circumstances.
Following these exchanges, the delegation extended their visit to Shaanxi Bible School in the afternoon, communicating with the school’s teachers and sending regards to the students. Subsequently, from October 19 to 22, they traveled to different churches in Shangluo City.
"This visit once again deepened the understanding among churches in China and Norway, strengthened this long-term friendship, and promoted further exchange and cooperation," said CCC&TSPM.
As an old friend of Shaanxi churches, the Mission Covenant Church of Norway (Norwegian: Misjonskirken Norge, formerly Det Norske Misjonsforbund, DNM) is a religious denomination in Norway with its roots in the dissident and free church tradition. It was established in 1884, and its formation was influenced by the Swedish-American evangelist Fredrik Franson.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
