After his first trip to China last year since the pandemic, Dr. Gene Wood, founder and president of Word4Asia Consulting International, embarked on a long trip to China in March, from Shanghai to Beijing, Nanjing, Kunming, and then back to Shanghai. The trip was coordinated and hosted by the National CCC. In an exclusive interview with China Christian Daily, Dr. Wood recounted the highlights of his trip, his observations about churches in China, and his future plans.
Invited by the China Christian Council, Dr. Wood led a delegation of evangelical leaders from the United States on a visit to China. They renewed relationships with old friends throughout these locations, feeling immense warmth and receptivity.
One focal point of Dr. Wood's attention during his visit was to gain a better understanding of the concept of “Sinicization" (see the previous interview here), since the topic is pervasive everywhere and at every level, from the city to the provincial, national in CCC&TSPM and the United Front. Everyone whom he and his team visited admits to being involved in the process of deciding what Sinicization is going to look like and what it will mean in China. As a consulting company, Word4Asia’s current primary role is helping groups, mostly in the U.S., understand the Sinicization process that China is going through.
Back home in the USA Word4Asia has studied written documents including the changes in religious policy as well as the Shorter Catechism (or Yao Dao Wen Da《要道问答》) . Recently, their team reviewed the new edition and the older edition. This study shows the China Christian Council is adhering to their traditional faith, doctrine, and tenets of scripture. Compared with the older version there are few substantive changes. The additional 20 statements is an attempt to deal with the sinicization emphasis. However, for a thorough understanding of the policy's implementation, he needs to visit China to listen and learn from those responsible for alterations and implementation.
During the trip, Dr. Wood and his delegation were thrilled to hear the innovative approaches adopted by Chinese churches in response to the emphasis on sinicization, viewing it as an opportunity to share the gospel with the community.
Dr. Wood mentioned the museum he visited in Kunming; the charts and timeline on the wall show the history of China and gospel history in Yunnan in a parallel way. Also in the sinicization room in Kunming, they observed the integration of Chinese art and music into church life, alongside unique presentations of the comparison of the Beatitudes with a traditional Chinese tea service.
Concerning the sinicization of Christianity, one major concern of the West revolves around whether the churches in China will alter their Bible and fundamental beliefs. Dr. Wood received encouraging responses from his friend: “We have no intention of changing the fundamentals of our faith.” They acknowledged the possibility of introducing a new Chinese Study Bible. If the aim is to present the Chinese script in a language accessible and understandable to young people instead of the old Chinese Union Version Bible, Dr. Wood expressed his openness to such developments.
Likewise, reflecting on visits to newly constructed museums in Beijing, Dr. Wood said, “It's educational because it shows us the perspective of the government on the development of China.”
Regarding the needs of churches in China, Dr. Wood reiterated their historic W4A policy: “We are not to help but to serve churches in China; only Chinese churches can help themselves,” as he told CCD in the last interview. “When you wish to hear our opinion, ask. If you have a need and wish us to help, ask. We wish to be good guests. You do not enter another person’s home and take over. You appreciate whatever hospitality is offered and the do as you are requested.”
As expected from their name, "Word4Asia," Dr. Wood emphasized the importance of Bibles. He believes there is still a need for Bibles, which he saw as a testament to the continued growth of the church. While viewing Bibles as central for all Christian churches world-wide, there are many other needs. Churches face the challenge of raising funds for the construction of church buildings, even when the government provides land to pastors congregations must still raise the money for construction. Also, finding money for staff salaries so they do not need to work a second job is difficult for all churches.
Another noteworthy shift, Dr. Wood observes is that pastors are increasingly prioritizing the deepening of believers' faith and understanding over merely increasing numbers. So from the national level down to the grassroots, churches have a great deal of work to be done in discipleship and leadership training.
An integral part of their visit involved interactions with non-governmental organizations in China and the United States.
A significant meeting with Ai Ping, Vice President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU), and leaders from the China NGO Network for International Exchanges and the Amity Foundation centered on enhancing Sino-American relations through people-to-people exchanges. The focus of their conversation was the fifth "Amity Cup" International Table Tennis Philanthropic Tournament, scheduled for October 19-20 in Nanjing. Word4Asia was invited to co-chair the event. Liping Martinez, executive director of Word4Asia Consulting International, was appointed as the general secretary.
This event is a focal point of Word4Asia for the year. They aim to attract over 1,000 players. "As one of the first international tournaments we are confident we will have a great response. I believe this will open some relationships in a way that could be quite unique even historic." Dr. Wood believes “music and sports are things that all of us can just enjoy—the camaraderie and the competition.” He envisioned the event's success paving the way for similar gatherings in other cities. People to people and cultural exchanges are important for building bridges of understanding.
Word4Asia aspires to serve as a bridge between the West and the East, a mission exemplified by partnering with Amity Foundation for this diplomacy event.
During his visit to Nanjing, Reverend Kong, the senior pastor of Saint Paul’s church graciously invited his old friend, Dr. Wood to preach on Palm Sunday. “There's a common misconception among those who have never seen a Chinese church that believers in registered churches lack a genuine love for God and interest in the Bible. Well, that's not what I see. I see people that are responsive, visibly touched when God's word is preached.”
Word4Asia has previously showcased images of thousands of believers gathering in registered churches to worship God on their website. The impact of these visuals has been profound, often leaving readers amazed and prompting them to reconsider their thoughts and uninformed perceptions.
In addition to the church visits, Dr. Wood engaged in open dialogue with leaders of the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) during his last trip, clarifying that his delegation was comprised of evangelical leaders. He clarified that being “evangelical” doesn't imply any intention to be sneaky or cause problems for China but rather is a term used by Christians who believe all of God’s Word is accurate and trustworthy and are convicted Jesus is the pathway to heaven.
“Sometimes we fear what we don't understand,” remarked Dr. Wood, and Word4Asia endeavors to bridge the gap of misinformation and foster understanding.
经中国基督教协会邀请和协调，亚洲通国际咨询机构的创始人金吾德（Gene Wood）博士带领美国福音派领袖代表团于今年三月访问中国，途经上海、北京、南京、昆明，最后由上海返回。在采访中，金博士分享了此次访问的亮点，对中国教会的观察以及未来的计划。
金博士此行的一个重点是更好地了解“基督教中国化”，因其涵盖范围广泛，涉及国家宗教部门、全国基督教两会、神学院校、地方基督教两会以及各地教堂。作为一家咨询公司，亚洲通当前的主要任务是帮助他们的客户了解中国正在经历的中国化过程。
金博士及其同事研究了中国化相关的政策法规，对比了新旧版本的《要道问答》。与旧版相比，新版本并无实质性变化，新增的20条都是和中国化相关的论述。从这一情况来看，中国教会依然坚持传统的圣经、信仰和教义。尽管他们已初步了解了政策法规上的中国化，但要了解政策的实施情况，他们需要亲自来到中国，向负责编制和实施政策的人员做具体了解。
访问期间，金博士看到一些教会以创新的方法响应基督教中国化，将其视为和社区见证福音的机会。云南省基督教两会的中国化展览馆以并行的时间轴展示了中国的历史以及福音传入云南的历史。在昆明的展馆中，他们看到中国传统艺术和音乐与教会生活的融合，以及茶文化和八福的联系。
在关于基督教中国化的讨论中，西方关注的焦点是中国教会是否会改变圣经和基本信仰。金博士从他的朋友那里得到了令人鼓舞的回应：“我们没有改变信仰的意图。”金博士了解到，中国有可能出版新的中文圣经。考虑到传统和合本圣经的语言表述与现行汉语的差异，如果新圣经的出版旨在以年轻人易于理解和接受的语言呈现中文圣经，金博士对此持开放态度。
金博士在参观北京近年新建的博物馆时，产生了与“基督教中国化”问题相似的感受：“这些博物馆非常具有教育意义，它们展示了中国政府对中国发展的解读。”
对于中国教会当前的需求，金博士重申了亚洲通的宗旨：“我们不是来帮助中国教会，而是服务中国教会；只有中国教会能够帮助自己。”他强调：“如果中国教会希望听取我们的意见，请随时询问；如果有需要并期望我们提供帮助，请随时联系。我们希望作个好客人，感谢所得到的款待，依照主人的要求行事，而非越俎代庖。”
正如“亚洲通（Word4Asia，word意思是话语，指代圣经）”的名字所示，金博士强调了圣经的重要性，认为中国教会仍然需要圣经，这也表明了教会的持续增长。此外，教会需要筹集建堂资金，也有教会因资金短缺而难以支付专职同工的工资，同工们不得不寻找兼职以缓解经济压力。
金博士观察到的另一个变化是，牧师们越来越注重信徒的灵命成长，而不仅仅是关注信徒数量的增长。相应地，从全国基督教两会到地方基督教两会、堂会，有大量门徒培训和领导力培训的工作要做。
中美两国之间民间机构的互动也是此次访问的一个重要组成部分。
金博士一行会见了中国国际交流协会（CAFIU）副会长艾平，陪同会见的还有中国民间组织国际交流促进会和爱德基金会的领导们，会议主要讨论通过民间交流促进中美关系的途径。讨论的焦点是即将于10月19日至20日在南京举办的第五届“爱德杯”国际乒乓球慈善赛。亚洲通被邀请共同主持这一活动，该机构的执行董事丽萍（Liping Martinez）被任命为赛事总干事。
这场赛事是亚洲通今年工作的重点之一，他们的目标是吸引超过1000名选手。“作为首届国际赛事，我们相信会受到广泛关注。我相信通过这场比赛，可以建立一些非常独特甚至具有历史意义的关系。”金博士表示，“音乐和体育是让每个人都能参与其中的领域，既有合作又有竞争。”他期待这一活动的成功为其他城市举办类似活动铺平道路。民间交流和文化交流对于构建理解的桥梁至关重要。
亚洲通希望成为东西方之间的桥梁，金博士提到的两个例子生动地体现了这一使命。
在访问南京期间，圣保罗教堂的主任牧师阚仁平牧师亲切地邀请金博士于棕枝主日在圣保罗教堂讲道。“在西方世界从未到过中国体制内教会的人当中存在一个普遍误解，他们认为体制内教会的信徒不读圣经，也不敬拜上帝。然后我所看到的并非如此。当我讲道时，明显地看到信徒回应上帝的话语，被上帝的话语感动。”
亚洲通在其网站上展示过中国体制内教会上千信徒聚会的照片，这些照片常使他们的读者感到惊讶，促使他们重新考虑他们的看法。
类似地，金博士在去年访问中国期间与国家宗教事务局的领导进行了对话，开诚布公地讲他的访问团由福音派领袖组成。他澄清说：“‘福音派’并不意味着有对中国不利或制造麻烦的意图，而是代表一群人，他们相信上帝的一切话都是准确和可信的，并且相信耶稣是通向天国的道路。”
“有时候我们会对自己不了解的事物感到害怕，”金博士说道，而亚洲通致力于弥合错误的信息，促进理解。
亚洲通国际咨询机构创始人：在东西方之间搭建理解的桥梁
After his first trip to China last year since the pandemic, Dr. Gene Wood, founder and president of Word4Asia Consulting International, embarked on a long trip to China in March, from Shanghai to Beijing, Nanjing, Kunming, and then back to Shanghai. The trip was coordinated and hosted by the National CCC. In an exclusive interview with China Christian Daily, Dr. Wood recounted the highlights of his trip, his observations about churches in China, and his future plans.
Invited by the China Christian Council, Dr. Wood led a delegation of evangelical leaders from the United States on a visit to China. They renewed relationships with old friends throughout these locations, feeling immense warmth and receptivity.
One focal point of Dr. Wood's attention during his visit was to gain a better understanding of the concept of “Sinicization" (see the previous interview here), since the topic is pervasive everywhere and at every level, from the city to the provincial, national in CCC&TSPM and the United Front. Everyone whom he and his team visited admits to being involved in the process of deciding what Sinicization is going to look like and what it will mean in China. As a consulting company, Word4Asia’s current primary role is helping groups, mostly in the U.S., understand the Sinicization process that China is going through.
Back home in the USA Word4Asia has studied written documents including the changes in religious policy as well as the Shorter Catechism (or Yao Dao Wen Da《要道问答》) . Recently, their team reviewed the new edition and the older edition. This study shows the China Christian Council is adhering to their traditional faith, doctrine, and tenets of scripture. Compared with the older version there are few substantive changes. The additional 20 statements is an attempt to deal with the sinicization emphasis. However, for a thorough understanding of the policy's implementation, he needs to visit China to listen and learn from those responsible for alterations and implementation.
During the trip, Dr. Wood and his delegation were thrilled to hear the innovative approaches adopted by Chinese churches in response to the emphasis on sinicization, viewing it as an opportunity to share the gospel with the community.
Dr. Wood mentioned the museum he visited in Kunming; the charts and timeline on the wall show the history of China and gospel history in Yunnan in a parallel way. Also in the sinicization room in Kunming, they observed the integration of Chinese art and music into church life, alongside unique presentations of the comparison of the Beatitudes with a traditional Chinese tea service.
Concerning the sinicization of Christianity, one major concern of the West revolves around whether the churches in China will alter their Bible and fundamental beliefs. Dr. Wood received encouraging responses from his friend: “We have no intention of changing the fundamentals of our faith.” They acknowledged the possibility of introducing a new Chinese Study Bible. If the aim is to present the Chinese script in a language accessible and understandable to young people instead of the old Chinese Union Version Bible, Dr. Wood expressed his openness to such developments.
Likewise, reflecting on visits to newly constructed museums in Beijing, Dr. Wood said, “It's educational because it shows us the perspective of the government on the development of China.”
Regarding the needs of churches in China, Dr. Wood reiterated their historic W4A policy: “We are not to help but to serve churches in China; only Chinese churches can help themselves,” as he told CCD in the last interview. “When you wish to hear our opinion, ask. If you have a need and wish us to help, ask. We wish to be good guests. You do not enter another person’s home and take over. You appreciate whatever hospitality is offered and the do as you are requested.”
As expected from their name, "Word4Asia," Dr. Wood emphasized the importance of Bibles. He believes there is still a need for Bibles, which he saw as a testament to the continued growth of the church. While viewing Bibles as central for all Christian churches world-wide, there are many other needs. Churches face the challenge of raising funds for the construction of church buildings, even when the government provides land to pastors congregations must still raise the money for construction. Also, finding money for staff salaries so they do not need to work a second job is difficult for all churches.
Another noteworthy shift, Dr. Wood observes is that pastors are increasingly prioritizing the deepening of believers' faith and understanding over merely increasing numbers. So from the national level down to the grassroots, churches have a great deal of work to be done in discipleship and leadership training.
An integral part of their visit involved interactions with non-governmental organizations in China and the United States.
A significant meeting with Ai Ping, Vice President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU), and leaders from the China NGO Network for International Exchanges and the Amity Foundation centered on enhancing Sino-American relations through people-to-people exchanges. The focus of their conversation was the fifth "Amity Cup" International Table Tennis Philanthropic Tournament, scheduled for October 19-20 in Nanjing. Word4Asia was invited to co-chair the event. Liping Martinez, executive director of Word4Asia Consulting International, was appointed as the general secretary.
This event is a focal point of Word4Asia for the year. They aim to attract over 1,000 players. "As one of the first international tournaments we are confident we will have a great response. I believe this will open some relationships in a way that could be quite unique even historic." Dr. Wood believes “music and sports are things that all of us can just enjoy—the camaraderie and the competition.” He envisioned the event's success paving the way for similar gatherings in other cities. People to people and cultural exchanges are important for building bridges of understanding.
Word4Asia aspires to serve as a bridge between the West and the East, a mission exemplified by partnering with Amity Foundation for this diplomacy event.
During his visit to Nanjing, Reverend Kong, the senior pastor of Saint Paul’s church graciously invited his old friend, Dr. Wood to preach on Palm Sunday. “There's a common misconception among those who have never seen a Chinese church that believers in registered churches lack a genuine love for God and interest in the Bible. Well, that's not what I see. I see people that are responsive, visibly touched when God's word is preached.”
Word4Asia has previously showcased images of thousands of believers gathering in registered churches to worship God on their website. The impact of these visuals has been profound, often leaving readers amazed and prompting them to reconsider their thoughts and uninformed perceptions.
In addition to the church visits, Dr. Wood engaged in open dialogue with leaders of the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) during his last trip, clarifying that his delegation was comprised of evangelical leaders. He clarified that being “evangelical” doesn't imply any intention to be sneaky or cause problems for China but rather is a term used by Christians who believe all of God’s Word is accurate and trustworthy and are convicted Jesus is the pathway to heaven.
“Sometimes we fear what we don't understand,” remarked Dr. Wood, and Word4Asia endeavors to bridge the gap of misinformation and foster understanding.
Word4Asia Consulting International Founder: Building Bridges for Understanding Between the West and the East
