Two ordination ceremonies recently took place in Heilongjiang and Shandong Provinces, during which more than one hundred pastors were ordained.
From April 1 to 5, the 12th training session for pastors' ordination and the ordination ceremony in Heilongjiang Province were hosted at Heilongjiang Theological Seminary. Pastoral candidates from 13 cities and regions across the province received formal ordination following a period of training and assessment.
According to Heilongjiang TSPM, the event commenced with a service on April 1, during which Rev. Li Meilan, vice president of Heilongjiang CC, quoted John 10:11 to encourage candidates to become good pastors in the modern era. She emphasized the importance of family harmony and reminded the attendees that becoming a good pastor is not merely a change in status but a transformation of life.
Following this, a preaching examination was conducted simultaneously in three rooms, with a panel of seasoned pastors evaluating the candidates' preaching skills and theological literacy.
On the morning of April 2, Rev. Lu Dezhi, chairperson and president of Heilongjiang Provincial CC&TSPM, delivered a speech titled "Theology of Gratitude: Theoretical Exploration of Christianity in Chinese Culture and Practice in Heilongjiang." He highlighted that the sinicization of Christianity requires both theoretical exploration and practical implementation.
From the afternoon of April 2 to the morning of April 3, Rev. Geng Weizhong, vice president of the CCC, presented an interpretation of the "Church Order of Protestant Churches in China," offering insights into the history of the Church Order, the background of these regulations, their significance, and their specific contents.
On the afternoon of April 3, a written examination was conducted based on the training material.
On the morning of April 5, the ordination ceremony formally ordained the pastoral candidates from 13 cities and regions across the province. Rev. Liu Xiaolu, vice president of the provincial CC, delivered a speech titled "Walking with the Approachable God," encouraging the candidates to follow the example of Christ.
On March 30, the Shandong Provincial CC&TSPM held an ordination ceremony at Muen Church in Linqu County, Weifang City, where three pastors and three elders were formally ordained, according to the CCC&TSPM.
During the service, Rev. Huang Fengxiang, director of academic affairs at Shandong Theological Seminary, quoted 1 Peter 5:1-2 and delivered a message centered on the theme "Inheriting the Mission and Exemplifying Pastoral Leadership," urging the newly ordained individuals to embrace their calling.
The ceremony was attended by over 500 pastoral workers, representatives of believers, and members of Muen Church from across the city.
