From July 14 to 19, Yongji CC&TSPM in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, conducted a pastoral volunteer training workshop at Yongji Church with the participation of over 200 attendees, including members of the municipal CC&TSPM, church leaders, and pastoral workers.
According to Yongji Church, the training featured lectures by Rev. Li Yuefeng, instructor at the Shanxi Christian Training Center, and Rev. Luo Hexiang, deputy secretary general of the Shanxi TSPM. Centered on the theme of "workers," Rev. Li provided systematic instruction on the cultivation, deployment, and management of pastoral workers. His sessions addressed topics such as the use, guidance, growth, and training of workers, grounding the teaching in biblical principles and practical pastoral experience. The goal was to help attendees gain a clearer understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and authority.
Rev. Luo Hexiang led a deep study of 1 Peter 1- 3, encouraging participants to remember their identity as servants of God. He emphasized obedience to authority, holiness in conduct, and hope in the midst of suffering. His teaching also addressed how Christians should navigate relationships with spouses, neighbors, and superiors, offering insights into their identity, mission, and approach to adversity.
Founded in 1875, Yongji Church was originally established in Puzhou Fu (now Yongji) by Xi Shengmo and fellow believers from Pingyang Fu, who also built a facility to treat opium addiction. In its early years, the congregation grew to hundreds of believers. During the Republic of China period, Swedish missionaries supported the development of public welfare services such as schools, literacy programs, and hospitals. In 1916, a chapel was built, and 512 believers were baptized. Following the reform and opening up, church activities were revived. Today, Yongji is home to one church, 15 fixed meeting points, and four temporary venues for Christian activities, with approximately 4,000 registered believers.
