In order to promote the development of the Qilu theological system and maintain the unity of churches that use the united worship, on April 17 the Shandong Christian Council & TSPM held a symposium entitled “Reflections on Pastoring in Post-denominational Churches.”
Director-General Pastor Wang Mengkun introduced what he had learned about the rise of sectarianism, pointing out that some small denominations in China are not only unconventional, they emphasize individuality in their doctrines and in the way they meet. They also go to other churches to “steal sheep.” This has affected some churches by destroying their solidarity and unity. Pastor Wang encouraged everyone to be vigilant at all times, work hard in theological education be good shepherds and strive to maintain the unity of the Shandong churches.
Pastor Wu Jianyin, vice-president and vice-chairman, pointed out that under the auspices of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, Chinese Christians had independently opened churches, achieved unity through encouraging mutual respect, and implemented a joint service in 1958. At present, the Chinese church is in the late denominational period and this situation not only conforms to the principles of faith, but also conforms to the development of the times.
Teacher Ren Encheng analyzed the doctrine and activities of some small denominations, the adverse effects to the unity of the church, and suggested that everyone should be vigilant against sectarianism.
Pastor Wang Wei, deputy secretary-general and deputy director-general, reflected on the loss of believers in some churches due to their lack of pastoral leadership. Wang believes that the key lies in strengthening theological education through providing good training for students of theology, and resisting the infiltration of extreme and heretical teachings.
Pastor Li Hongyu, vice-chairman, vice-president and executive dean of Shandong Theological Seminary, reviewed the history of the Chinese church's path to unity, and pointed out that Shandong Theological Seminary should cherish and hold onto the achievements of this hard-won unity.
Pastor Gao Ming spoke against sectarianism. Sectarianism is arrogant, shows a lack of respect and friendship with other churches, and often causes conflicts and affects the church’s unity. He said, "We should absorb and respect the fine traditions of various denominations, but we must put an end to and curb the self-glorification and exclusiveness of a few small sects. We must devote ourselves to the thought and research of Qilu theology."
A total of more than 40 people, including members of Shangdong CC & TSPM, faculty members and teachers of Shandong Theological Seminary participated in the symposium.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
山东省基督教两会召开宗派后期教会牧养反思座谈会
为推进齐鲁神学体系建设，维护联合礼拜基础上的教会合一，2020年4月17日，山东省基督教两会召开“宗派后期教会牧养反思座谈会”。
总干事王孟坤牧师就网上了解到的宗派主义抬头现象作了介绍，指出国内一些小宗派不仅在教义思想、聚会方式上标新立异、强调个性，还常常到教会中“拉羊”，破坏教会团结与合一，国内部分教会已经受到影响；希望大家时刻保持警惕，认真做好神学教育及教会牧养，努力维护山东教会的合一。
副主席、副会长吴建寅牧师指出，三自爱国运动以来，中国基督徒独立自主办教，在互相尊重前提下实现了合一，并在1958年实行联合礼拜。目前中国教会处于宗派后期，这既符合信仰原则，也顺应时代发展。
任恩成老师分析了相关小宗派的教义思想、活动特点以及对教会合一的不利影响，建议大家对宗派主义思想保持警惕。
副秘书长、副总干事王伟牧师反思了部分基层教会因自身牧养不足而导致的信徒流失现象，认为关键在于强化神学教育，严格对神学生的训练与要求，以强自身的方式抵御极端与异端思想的渗透。
副主席、副会长兼山东神学院常务副院长李洪玉牧师就中国教会走向联合之路的历史作了回顾，指出山东神学院要珍惜和持守来之不易的合一成果。
高明牧师对发言，要防备宗派主义抬头。宗派主义妄自尊大，缺乏对其他教会的尊重和友好交往，常会造成教会矛盾，影响团结合一。对于各宗派优良传统要给予吸纳和尊重，对于少数小宗派自我标榜、排他主义等极端思想，要坚决予以杜绝和遏制；；要致力于对齐鲁神学思想的思考和研究。两会驻会班子成员、教职员工和山东神学院老师共四十多人参加。
In order to promote the development of the Qilu theological system and maintain the unity of churches that use the united worship, on April 17 the Shandong Christian Council & TSPM held a symposium entitled “Reflections on Pastoring in Post-denominational Churches.”
Director-General Pastor Wang Mengkun introduced what he had learned about the rise of sectarianism, pointing out that some small denominations in China are not only unconventional, they emphasize individuality in their doctrines and in the way they meet. They also go to other churches to “steal sheep.” This has affected some churches by destroying their solidarity and unity. Pastor Wang encouraged everyone to be vigilant at all times, work hard in theological education be good shepherds and strive to maintain the unity of the Shandong churches.
Pastor Wu Jianyin, vice-president and vice-chairman, pointed out that under the auspices of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, Chinese Christians had independently opened churches, achieved unity through encouraging mutual respect, and implemented a joint service in 1958. At present, the Chinese church is in the late denominational period and this situation not only conforms to the principles of faith, but also conforms to the development of the times.
Teacher Ren Encheng analyzed the doctrine and activities of some small denominations, the adverse effects to the unity of the church, and suggested that everyone should be vigilant against sectarianism.
Pastor Wang Wei, deputy secretary-general and deputy director-general, reflected on the loss of believers in some churches due to their lack of pastoral leadership. Wang believes that the key lies in strengthening theological education through providing good training for students of theology, and resisting the infiltration of extreme and heretical teachings.
Pastor Li Hongyu, vice-chairman, vice-president and executive dean of Shandong Theological Seminary, reviewed the history of the Chinese church's path to unity, and pointed out that Shandong Theological Seminary should cherish and hold onto the achievements of this hard-won unity.
Pastor Gao Ming spoke against sectarianism. Sectarianism is arrogant, shows a lack of respect and friendship with other churches, and often causes conflicts and affects the church’s unity. He said, "We should absorb and respect the fine traditions of various denominations, but we must put an end to and curb the self-glorification and exclusiveness of a few small sects. We must devote ourselves to the thought and research of Qilu theology."
A total of more than 40 people, including members of Shangdong CC & TSPM, faculty members and teachers of Shandong Theological Seminary participated in the symposium.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
Shandong Holds Symposium on Pastoring in Post-denominational Era: Keep Unity, Avoid Sectarianism
