When queried about the biggest challenge faced by the Church in China, Dr. Gene Wood, the founder of Word4Asia Asia Connect Consulting International in the United States, responded in a previous interview with China Christian Daily that rural grassroots church pastors primarily suffer from a lack of sufficient training and study.
The provision of Bible study materials to pastors in remote areas is a top priority for one of Dr. Wood’s clients. He emphasized the value of equipping pastors with resources such as a Bible atlas, enabling them to distinguish between Nazareth and Nineveh.
Pastors must prioritize learning
Wood’s assertion holds true. A significant number of grassroots pastors in China possess limited knowledge about geographical locations mentioned in the Bible. During a training course organized by an urban church in North China, a guest speaker, referred to as T (a pseudonym), elucidated the scriptures found in Galatians. Following the reading of verses, he encouraged students to consult the map provided in the appendix of the Bible to trace Paul's missionary journey.
T, in addition to interpreting the Bible, T also shared his own preaching experience as an example, guiding the students on how to prepare a sermon. As part of their homework, T asked the trainees to outline the scriptures, title, introduction, thesis (content), examples, and conclusions within his sermon.
Furthermore, T motivated the participants to develop a one-year preaching plan and disseminate the word of God comprehensively. He stressed the importance of teaching the complete Gospel, cautioning against a narrow focus that may lead believers towards extremes, such as extreme charisma, which has adversely impacted certain churches.
Church leaders who neglect education hinder church growth
Z, a pastor belonging to the post-90s generation, received theological training at an institute and furthered his studies at a seminary abroad. However, in the church where he serves, the leader is solely responsible for all decision-making and church affairs, giving pastors little autonomy. "It is best not to take any action or offer suggestions without proper authorization."
It is never too late to learn, regardless of age or experience. Learning is a continuous process, and it is especially important for church leaders to continuously improve their knowledge and skills in order to effectively lead and shepherd the congregation.
Church leaders, particularly those from grassroots churches, often possess a deep spiritual connection with God and have endured hardships for their faith. While they may be familiar with the Bible, they may lack comprehensive study and management experience. This can sometimes hinder their ability to run the church efficiently.
However, it is crucial for these leaders to recognize the importance of learning and not limit themselves based on age or preconceived notions. It is not enough to rely solely on existing experience and habits; they must be open to new methods, ideas, and technologies in order to lead the church effectively in the modern world.
For example, pastors can learn computer skills to write sermons, create presentations, and initiate online ministries. They can also explore new methods of Bible study and group models, search for discipleship materials that align with the needs of their congregation, and establish appropriate rules and regulations to structure the organization effectively.
Learning pastor brings revival to church
The experience of a church county in central China during the pandemic exemplifies the positive influence of the pastor's commitment to learning on the church.
Due to the suspension of in-person gatherings amid the epidemic, Pastor H implemented the "four-layer Bible study method." Following the resumption of on-site gatherings, the Bible study fellowship has become the most popular and highly acclaimed among believers. The four-level Bible study method comprises four components: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Specifically, believers jot down answers to the questions discussed during the Bible study, share their written responses on the designated day, listen to scriptural explanations, and finally read supplementary materials provided by the church to support the Bible study course.
After learning from experienced teachers, Pastor H made the rules for the Bible study fellowship. After strict implementation, believers finish talking about questions on time, finish their own affairs earlier before the study, and go online to learn on time. H said, "Leading a church requires a lot of learning, including details like this."
Drawing from the knowledge of experienced teachers, Pastor H established regulations for the Bible study fellowship. Through diligent enforcement, believers now complete discussions on time, attend to their personal matters before the study, and join online sessions punctually. H remarked, "Leading a church demands continuous learning, even in matters as intricate as these."
An old believer who has been following Christ for more than decade told H that though having believed for such a long time, he thought that he understood what he believed in after participating in the fellowship for a year.
"Do you have the desire to learn?" T asked during the training, "It's never too late if you are willing to learn."
- Translated by Abigail Wu
“中国教会最大的问题是什么？”被问到这个问题时，美国亚洲通国际咨询机构创始人金吾德博士在CCD的之前采访中表示，对于中国农村基层教会来说，主要问题是传道人受训不足。
他的客户其中一个工作重点是为偏远地区的传道人提供圣经学习资料。“传道人若是有一本圣经地图册，他们就能知道拿撒勒和尼尼微的区别，”他说到。
传道人需要学习
金博士所说并不夸张，中国很多基层传道人可能对圣经中提到的地名知之甚少。在华北一间城市教会为所带领的基层堂点传道人举办的培训上，讲员T老师正在讲解加拉太书1章13到24节的经文，读经之后他要求学员打开圣经附录中的地图，找到经文中提到的地名，大致描绘出保罗的踪迹。
在培训中，T老师不仅讲解圣经，也以他自己的讲道为例给学员讲解如何准备一篇讲道。在课后作业中，T老师要求学员列出他讲道的经文、题目、引言、本论（内容）、例证和结论。
此外，T老师还鼓励传道人做好一年的讲道计划，整全地讲神的道。教会要教导全备的福音，若偏重某个方面，容易把教会引向极端，给教会造成很大影响的极端灵恩就是如此。
不学习的教会负责人给教会发展带来阻力
Z弟兄是一名90后传道人，在神学院受训，后在国外的神学院进修。但所侍奉的教会，一切教会事务由负责人安排，传道人只能做给被安排的事情，“最好不要擅自做什么，或提什么建议”。
Z弟兄对教会负责人有着一种矛盾的情感。当地基层教会的负责人有着共同的特点：个人和神有亲密的关系，都曾为信仰吃苦。熟悉圣经但缺乏全备的学习，希望教会好但缺乏管理经验-很像金博士提到的基层传道人。不同地是，他们并不缺学习资料，而是学习的意识。这些负责人一方面认为自己年长很难学习新事物；一方面过分依赖已有的经验和习惯，不愿意重新学习。
T老师在培训上鼓励传道人，“你们还没有老到不能学习。电脑很难吗？认真学习的话，基本的操作，半个月就会了。”传道人可以尝试用电脑写讲章，做PPT；也可以尝试开展网络事工，学习新的查经方法、小组模式；使用新的门训材料，制定更适合本教会的规章制度，采用更合适的组织构架等。
Z弟兄已经失去老负责人能学习这种盼望，认为在当前环境中只能熬着，等到老一辈退下来，他才可以按着自己的设想带领教会。
学习的传道人给教会带来复兴
华中一间县城教会在疫情中的经历诠释了传道人的学习给教会带来的有益影响。
疫情期间教堂不能实地聚会，H传道用学习的“四层查经法”带领信徒线上查经。恢复实地聚会后，查经团契成为最“火爆”的团契，广受信徒好评。四层查经法包括“写、说、听、读”四个部分，具体是信徒写下查经讨论题目的回答，查经当天分享所写的答案，听经文讲解，最后读讲义。教会准备了配套资料辅助查经课程。
向有经验的老师学习后，Ｈ传道还为查经团契制定了规则。严格实施之后，信徒按时完成谈论问题，查经日早早忙完自己的事情，准时上线学习。H传道说，“带领教会需要学习很多，像这样的细节都要学习”。
一位信仰十几年的老信徒告诉Ｈ传道，信仰这么长时间，参加查经团契这一年感觉才明白了信的是什么。
“你们有没有追求学习的心？”Ｔ老师在培训中问道，“肯学就什么时候都不晚”。
教会发展，传道人主动学习至关重要
When queried about the biggest challenge faced by the Church in China, Dr. Gene Wood, the founder of Word4Asia Asia Connect Consulting International in the United States, responded in a previous interview with China Christian Daily that rural grassroots church pastors primarily suffer from a lack of sufficient training and study.
The provision of Bible study materials to pastors in remote areas is a top priority for one of Dr. Wood’s clients. He emphasized the value of equipping pastors with resources such as a Bible atlas, enabling them to distinguish between Nazareth and Nineveh.
Pastors must prioritize learning
Wood’s assertion holds true. A significant number of grassroots pastors in China possess limited knowledge about geographical locations mentioned in the Bible. During a training course organized by an urban church in North China, a guest speaker, referred to as T (a pseudonym), elucidated the scriptures found in Galatians. Following the reading of verses, he encouraged students to consult the map provided in the appendix of the Bible to trace Paul's missionary journey.
T, in addition to interpreting the Bible, T also shared his own preaching experience as an example, guiding the students on how to prepare a sermon. As part of their homework, T asked the trainees to outline the scriptures, title, introduction, thesis (content), examples, and conclusions within his sermon.
Furthermore, T motivated the participants to develop a one-year preaching plan and disseminate the word of God comprehensively. He stressed the importance of teaching the complete Gospel, cautioning against a narrow focus that may lead believers towards extremes, such as extreme charisma, which has adversely impacted certain churches.
Church leaders who neglect education hinder church growth
Z, a pastor belonging to the post-90s generation, received theological training at an institute and furthered his studies at a seminary abroad. However, in the church where he serves, the leader is solely responsible for all decision-making and church affairs, giving pastors little autonomy. "It is best not to take any action or offer suggestions without proper authorization."
It is never too late to learn, regardless of age or experience. Learning is a continuous process, and it is especially important for church leaders to continuously improve their knowledge and skills in order to effectively lead and shepherd the congregation.
Church leaders, particularly those from grassroots churches, often possess a deep spiritual connection with God and have endured hardships for their faith. While they may be familiar with the Bible, they may lack comprehensive study and management experience. This can sometimes hinder their ability to run the church efficiently.
However, it is crucial for these leaders to recognize the importance of learning and not limit themselves based on age or preconceived notions. It is not enough to rely solely on existing experience and habits; they must be open to new methods, ideas, and technologies in order to lead the church effectively in the modern world.
For example, pastors can learn computer skills to write sermons, create presentations, and initiate online ministries. They can also explore new methods of Bible study and group models, search for discipleship materials that align with the needs of their congregation, and establish appropriate rules and regulations to structure the organization effectively.
Learning pastor brings revival to church
The experience of a church county in central China during the pandemic exemplifies the positive influence of the pastor's commitment to learning on the church.
Due to the suspension of in-person gatherings amid the epidemic, Pastor H implemented the "four-layer Bible study method." Following the resumption of on-site gatherings, the Bible study fellowship has become the most popular and highly acclaimed among believers. The four-level Bible study method comprises four components: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Specifically, believers jot down answers to the questions discussed during the Bible study, share their written responses on the designated day, listen to scriptural explanations, and finally read supplementary materials provided by the church to support the Bible study course.
After learning from experienced teachers, Pastor H made the rules for the Bible study fellowship. After strict implementation, believers finish talking about questions on time, finish their own affairs earlier before the study, and go online to learn on time. H said, "Leading a church requires a lot of learning, including details like this."
Drawing from the knowledge of experienced teachers, Pastor H established regulations for the Bible study fellowship. Through diligent enforcement, believers now complete discussions on time, attend to their personal matters before the study, and join online sessions punctually. H remarked, "Leading a church demands continuous learning, even in matters as intricate as these."
An old believer who has been following Christ for more than decade told H that though having believed for such a long time, he thought that he understood what he believed in after participating in the fellowship for a year.
"Do you have the desire to learn?" T asked during the training, "It's never too late if you are willing to learn."
- Translated by Abigail Wu
Topic: Learning Pastors Are Vital to Church Growth
