Recently, I had the honor to have an in-depth study and exchange at a church in Ningbo. During this time, I felt the charm of honor, joy, love, and servant leadership culture. All of these helped me strengthen my faith as a disciple of the Lord.
I experienced the connotation of honor here. People respect and fear the word of God. A solemn atmosphere can be felt, whether in prayer, Bible reading, or preaching. At the same time, it is also reflected in how we treat every believer, where every person is respected and every voice is heard.
I also felt the magic of the culture of joy. Believers keep an optimistic attitude no matter what difficulties and challenges they encounter. They believe that God will give them strength and guidance, so they are joyful to overcome all difficulties.
What touched me most here was the love. They embrace and accept everyone with love, no matter where they come from or what their faith status is. Such selfless and inclusive love makes me feel the beauty of humanity and the power of faith.
Besides, I also learned the importance of being a servant. People are willing to serve others and the church. They practiced the servant spirit with their actions, which made me deeply appreciate the power of humanity and service.
Through this series of studies, I have become even more determined to become a great disciple of the Lord. I realized that as the Lord's disciples, we cannot be confused, and even more so, we must not betray him. We should not only have clear goals but also always stay alert and humble. What’s more, we are supposed to continue to study and grow, striving for the Lord throughout our lives.
In the meantime, I deeply felt the value of unity. A healthy church requires the joint efforts and dedication of all believers. Everyone needs to accept and respect each other with love and tolerance.
(This is a freelance article written by a pastor in Guangdong and originally published by the Gospel Times.)
- Translated by Olinda Wang
近日，我有幸在宁波教会进行了一次深入的学习和交流。在这里，我感受到了尊荣、喜乐、爱和仆人文化的魅力，也更加坚定了自己作为主门徒的信念。
在宁波的教会中，我 体会到了尊荣（honor）文化的内涵。这里的人们对神的话语保持着一种尊重和敬畏的态度，无论是在祈祷、读经还是讲道中，都能感受到一种庄严肃穆的氛围。同时，这种尊荣文化也体现在对待每一位信徒上，每个人都被尊重，每个声音都被倾听。
在该教会，我还感受到了喜乐文化的魅力。这里的信徒们无论遇到什么困难和挑战，都能保持一种积极乐观的态度。他们相信，喜乐是战胜一切困难的力量。面对困境时，相信神会给予我们力量和指引。
在这里，最让我感动的是爱的文化。这里的信徒们用爱去包容和接纳每一个人，无论他们来自何方、信仰如何。这种爱是无私的、包容的，它让我感受到了人性的美好和信仰的力量。
在宁波的教会中，我还学习到了仆人文化的重要性。这里的人都愿意为别人服务、为教会付出。他们用自己的行动去践行仆人精神，让我深刻体会到了谦卑和服务的力量。
在该教会的学习中，我更加坚定了自己作为主门徒的信念。我认识到，作为主的门徒，我们不能是糊涂的，更不能是叛徒。我们要有清晰的目标，时刻保持警醒和谦卑的心态；不断学习和成长，为主的事业奋斗终身。
同时，我深刻感受到了合一的重要性。一个健康的教会需要所有信徒的共同努力和奉献，摒弃分歧和矛盾，以爱和宽容去接纳和尊重每一个人。
注：本文为特约/自由撰稿人文章，作者系广东一名牧师。
宁波教会学习之旅：信仰与文化的深刻领悟
Recently, I had the honor to have an in-depth study and exchange at a church in Ningbo. During this time, I felt the charm of honor, joy, love, and servant leadership culture. All of these helped me strengthen my faith as a disciple of the Lord.
I experienced the connotation of honor here. People respect and fear the word of God. A solemn atmosphere can be felt, whether in prayer, Bible reading, or preaching. At the same time, it is also reflected in how we treat every believer, where every person is respected and every voice is heard.
I also felt the magic of the culture of joy. Believers keep an optimistic attitude no matter what difficulties and challenges they encounter. They believe that God will give them strength and guidance, so they are joyful to overcome all difficulties.
What touched me most here was the love. They embrace and accept everyone with love, no matter where they come from or what their faith status is. Such selfless and inclusive love makes me feel the beauty of humanity and the power of faith.
Besides, I also learned the importance of being a servant. People are willing to serve others and the church. They practiced the servant spirit with their actions, which made me deeply appreciate the power of humanity and service.
Through this series of studies, I have become even more determined to become a great disciple of the Lord. I realized that as the Lord's disciples, we cannot be confused, and even more so, we must not betray him. We should not only have clear goals but also always stay alert and humble. What’s more, we are supposed to continue to study and grow, striving for the Lord throughout our lives.
In the meantime, I deeply felt the value of unity. A healthy church requires the joint efforts and dedication of all believers. Everyone needs to accept and respect each other with love and tolerance.
(This is a freelance article written by a pastor in Guangdong and originally published by the Gospel Times.)
- Translated by Olinda Wang
My Deep Understanding of Faith and Culture Through Visit to Ningbo
