On June 14, Guangdong Union Theological Seminary organized a visit for 17 seminarians to Xiangmihu Church in Shenzhen as part of an "Urban Pastoral Practice Exchange Activity." The initiative aimed to bridge theological education with practical ministry experience, enabling students to gain deeper insight into the pastoral models employed by urban churches.
According to the host church, Senior Pastor Qiu Quan welcomed the delegation and guided them through the church's cultural exhibition wall and various functional areas. Rev. Qiu introduced the church's approach to urban pastoral care, highlighting several innovative ministries developed in recent years, such as small group fellowships, community outreach, and cultural lecture series, which strengthen ties between the church and the community. The students were interested in the church's modern management practices, diverse ministry formats, and its efforts in the sinicization of Christianity.
During the subsequent exchange session, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on the challenges and strategies related to urban pastoral care amid ongoing urbanization. Pastor Qiu shared his experiences ministering in first-tier cities like Shenzhen, offering insights on addressing the high mobility of congregants, the significance of cell group ministries in urban settings, and the integration of modern management principles in church operations.
