Invited by the Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church in the USA, a Chinese church delegation visited Charlotte, North Carolina.
On August 31, an 18-member Chinese delegation attended the China Ministry Forum, which was co-sponsored by the Outreach Foundation and the Westminster Presbyterian Church. On the second day, the delegates attended the Sunday service held in the Westminster Church.
This visit followed the China-US Christian Forum (2024), conducted at the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Chicago, Illinois, from August 28 to 29.
Led by Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council (CCC), the Chinese delegation was joined by over 50 American participants, including Presbyterian pastors, elders, co-workers, and lay leaders who have a deep interest in the church in China. Most of the American attendees came from the Outreach Foundation, Westminster Presbyterian Church, the North Carolina Presbytery, and Presbyterian churches in some other U.S. states. Additionally, leaders from some Chinese American ministries and representatives from other denominations' global mission division took part in the forum.
Rev. Owen Stepp, senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, delivered a welcome, offered prayers, and led a morning devotion during breakfast.
The opening addresses were given by Outreach’s Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Mark Mueller, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Rick Wesley. Mr. Wesley remarked, “You have crossed the ocean to see us. We have long hoped for this time of fellowship and exchange, and thanks be to God, the Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced… Many of us American Christians have heard much but understood little about the Christian churches in China, so we want to hear directly from you…”
He expressed his hopes for future annual reciprocal exchange visits to strengthen friendship and understanding, allowing U.S. and Chinese churches to serve as instruments of God's peace.
In his response, Rev. Wu Wei expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and active participation of the U.S. side. He introduced the Chinese delegates and expressed their desire to enhance communication and exchange between churches in both nations. He also extended an invitation to U.S. church friends to visit China.
Rev. Dr. Lin Manhong, vice president and general secretary of the CCC, delivered a keynote speech, providing a comprehensive and concise overview of the history, current state, features, and ministry highlights of churches in China. She also discussed the challenges and problems they face. Rev. Owen Stepp spoke on the mission and values of Westminster Presbyterian Church, emphasizing how collaboration in mission can enrich church spirituality and unity.
In the subsequent presentations, Rev. Xu Yulan, chairperson of Shanghai TSPM and chairperson of the board of directors of East China Theological Seminary, shared insights into the ministries of churches in Shanghai. Rev. Pan Xingwang, chairperson of Zhejiang TSPM and president of Zhejiang Theological Seminary, gave an overview of the seminary’s work. Ms. Zheng Wei, assistant to the secretary general of the Amity Foundation, discussed Christian social service in China. Dr. Meng Zhenua, director of the Institute for Jewish and Israel Studies of Nanjing University, presented research developments and future prospects for academic studies on Christianity in China.
It is worth mentioning that one of the focal points for the Chinese church is working to contextualize their theology and worship to be consistent with Chinese culture and relevant to the rapidly changing Chinese society while “submitting to a biblical and classical definition of the faith and embracing the great historical heritage of ancient catholic tradition and Protestant Reformation.”
The Chinese church delegates pointed out that to have real success in the broader population of China, the church would have to become the “Church of China” rather than merely a “Church in China.” The hymns' methods of worship and church architecture would need to reflect more of the Chinese culture rather than merely copy one of the Western cultures. They also put forward that they are living in a post-denominational period as they seek more unity in faith. The church must reflect and respond to the culture and society of China, including seriously engaging and critically embracing socialist values.
After the presentations, there was half an hour Q&A session. Rev. Geng Weizhong, CCC’s vice president, delivered the closing exhortation, calling on churches in both countries to seek new life rooted in Christ, mature in Him, and reach unity in faith.
At the Sunday service held at Westminster Church on September 1, Rev. Wu Wei addressed the congregation, while Rev. Lin Manhong presided over the communion service.
