This year June 5th is Pentecost, also known as the "Birthday of the Church". In the book of Acts, it was on this day that the promise of Jesus was fulfilled that the Holy Spirit came upon men and women, old and young, regardless of gender, race, age, and color. It was on this day that 3,000 people were baptized after hearing the apostle Peter’s sermon. They became the first members of the early church.
Although many churches are often in conversation about loving the church, longing for the Holy Spirit, and preparing for revival, we have to admit honestly that time after time we overlook and forget the important builders of grassroots churches and the executors of church functions — the group of grassroots pastors. To us, they are often the “silent majority.”
1:24,000 pastoring ratio: the burden of pastors caused by “many sheep with few shepherds”
According to the book Religions of China Report 2010, released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, there were more than 55,000 Christian churches in mainland China at that time. As found in the 29th issue of Phoenix Weekly in 2010, many interviewed experts studied this data further and found that this number was overly conservative. Although no one could give an exact number, most experts believe that the accurate number should be much higher than 55,000. The Journal quoted the analysis provided by scholars such as Li Fan and Li Xiangping, Director of the Center for Religions and Cultures Research at East China Normal University. They felt that, at that time, the number of church sites (church buildings and meeting venues) exceeded 80,000. This number did not include small meetings in homes.
Based on the data released by the State Administration of Religious Affairs in June 2012, there were nearly 139,000 sites approved for religious activities in China, including 56,000 Christian churches and meeting locations approximately.
It is 2022 now, and the numbers may be higher or lower due to changes in various situational factors. From the official data of 2010 and 2012, the number of grassroots pastors at that time (the pastors and church workers in the pastoral position) should be in the tens of thousands.
According to the data from the white paper entitled, China's Policies and Practices on Upholding Freedom of Religious Belief, there are more than 38 million Christians and about 57,000 clergy. In addition to the registered teaching staff, there are many non-government-approved grassroots pastors. The exact number remains unknown, but it is estimated that there are more than 60,000 or 70,000 grassroots pastors.
Many pastors commented that the revival of the Chinese church in the 1980s and 1990s after China’s reform and opening up was essentially a "lay movement." This manifested itself in grassroots pastors being "good shepherds." They may not have much power and benefits associated with the hierarchical structure of an institutionalized church. Most of them are the pastors of their congregations simply because they have experienced God's grace and calling.
Derived from the official data of 2014, the current number of Christians in China is between 23 million and 40 million, accounting for about 1.7% to 2.9% of China's total population. If we calculate based on 40 million Christians and 60,000 grassroots pastors, one pastor is ministering to 24,000 people. Even if we take various factors into account and reduce the number by half, the minimum number of people that one grassroots pastor has to minister exceeds 10,000.
Compared to churches around the globe, the ration of 1:10,000 is shocking. This shows how great is the burden upon the shoulders of grassroots pastors.
When talking to an urban pastor in Shandong, I asked, "What do grassroots pastors need?" His answer impressed me. "The best thing is to give us some rest. The reality is that numerous pastors in China have no chance to rest at all, including me. Retreat? It is not that there are some. Rather, there are none at all. Pastors in other countries are able to have a sabbatical every seven years, but that is impossible in China. If I take a break, who is able to fill in for me? There are so many things that no one else can handle. Taking Monday off every week is very difficult to implement. If believers come to talk, they can't be left alone, can they? They could drop by at any time. Those who come are typically troubled. No one comes to the pastor if everything goes well."
The situation this pastor faces is not unique. Many nameless grassroots pastors are under this continual, year after year of the stress of giving pastoral care.
A stable income and life often "not expected nor attainable" for grassroots pastors
In addition to the burden of pastoral care, many grassroots pastors face financial difficulties. With the rise of urban churches, there has been an emphasis on the institutionalization of full-time pastoral staff. Many urban churches have gradually attached importance to and implemented a payroll system for full-time pastors. The reporter recently heard that, especially in the southeastern coastal areas, such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and other places, full-time pastors are offered wages and social security that are higher than the city’s minimum wage. These places have attracted seminary graduates from all over. After all, a secure income is a key to the stability of the ministry. This approach, in turn, is a blessing to the local church. It can ultimately lead to the steady operation and development of the church, and bring about a cycle of virtue.
However, it is undeniable that very few grassroots pastors earn comparable salaries in most of the economically underdeveloped regions, such as the Central Plains, Northeast, and Northwest regions, especially in rural churches.
Most of the pastors of rural churches that I have met have been farming or working a second job to support themselves and their families. A case that I remember clearly was that of a pastor who did not receive any salary from the church. He could only earn 50-200 yuan when he was invited and rode an electric bike to preach in a church or when he lead a one-day training in a neighboring village. For the pastors of small churches in some third- or fourth-tier cities, the maximum salary that a church can offer is around 600-1500 yuan per month. It is barely enough to support the pastor themself. When they get married, it becomes extremely difficult to support a spouse and children. They have to deal with the enormous tension between "supporting the family" and "serving faithfully." Numerous pastors have had no choice but to give up their ministry and find a job after they were married or had children.
This dilemma is due to not only the lack of offerings in local churches, especially rural churches, but the mentality of believers toward offerings. Churches rarely address the meaning and importance of offerings in an upright manner. Pastors who bring up this topic would be misinterpreted by the believers as "loving money." Churches would not receive offerings over time, nor would they have funds for other ministries, let alone hiring full-time pastors.
The traditional notion of "living by faith" has been dogmatically and rigidly applied. In traditional Chinese church circles, "Pastors live by faith" has become a cliché. This notion can be traced back to the history of Hudson Taylor’s mission. Hudson Taylor followed this principle because he did not want the Chinese to develop the wrong impression that Christianity was dependent on the power and wealth of the British Empire. He and others gave up these worldly powers for the Chinese to receive the sound gospel.
Today's context is completely different. Under the influence of secular culture, many churches fail to pay their pastors the salaries they deserve. It is difficult to meet their daily needs with their low wages, which has discouraged many young people from becoming pastors. It is questioned whether the meager income of this profession can support a family. Grassroots churches, especially those in economically underdeveloped areas, have consequently found no one to continue their ministries. Young people are hesitant to study theology and be pastors. Even if they embark on this path, they would either leave to serve in the southeast coastal area after graduation or choose to take a secular job and earn a living, deviating from their original calling.
"There is no one who cares for us": the heart-wrenching voice of grassroots pastors
Fortunately, the development of churches in China in recent decades has brought about an increase in correspondence courses and training resources. While high-quality resources are still lacking, pastors now have more opportunities for in-person or online training. It is easier for them to equip themselves through various channels today, compared to the hardship faced by the grassroots pastors in the 1980s and 1990s.
But all this time, most churches in China have paid little attention to caring for pastors. Churches oftentimes talk about "caring for the believers", "caring for the disadvantaged", and “caring for the society"... The one group that needs the most care, the grassroots pastors, is often overlooked.
Pastor D, who has served in grassroots churches for more than 20 years in the Central Plains, said, "We do have 'material needs.' 'Spiritual care' is needed as well but unavailable. Pastors are also in need of love and shepherding."
In 2017, an article that went viral in the Christian community was, "'I Saw No Hope,"' 33-Y-O Young Missionary Died of Cancer and Pressure in Marriage". The article stated that 33-year-old Pastor Ding Nanjiang passed away early in his life due to advanced lung cancer. His death at a young age was not simply due to his physical illness. His frustration in serving the church, and his unhappiness and despair in his family also played a role. The article said, "After studying theology for seven years with a passion for serving, (Ding Nanjiang) planned to devote himself to the mission field after graduation. He later had no choice but to run around to fulfill his family responsibilities. He did not experience the warmth of family. The tremendous stress overwhelmed him. Besides, there was no understanding or caring from his church. As a result, he often lost contact, his health deteriorated, and he missed the best timing for treatment. He was not clear about his health issues even when he died."
At that time, Pastor Pan from East China sighed after reading the article. She mentioned that new pastors often face three major challenges when they serve in grassroots churches after graduation. One is the agony resulting from senior pastors’ oppression. Another is that they are underpaid by the church. Lastly, there is a lack of relational shepherding. No one cares for them. These are all demands on them.
What we learn from this is that when it comes to caring, one of the critical factors is "relationship". Pastor D from the Central Plains indicated that most churches and pastors with a charismatic background put more emphasis on relationships. In contrast, conservative and evangelical churches and pastors focus on effectiveness. That is, pastors have to reach the goals set for themselves. For instance, the number of church members has to reach 70 or a certain number. "Caring for pastors is essential but easily overlooked... We have seen some grassroots pastors who have served for years but have never been ministered to by pastors above them. Every time they are contacted, it is all about their ministry assignments. Frankly speaking, grassroots pastors are also human. They will feel exhausted and are in need of love!”
His voice was piercing. "Grassroots pastors need to shepherd believers with love and love the Lord's flock. They give so much love, but receive so little love. Who can minister to a large number of grassroots pastors? Who will love us?”
The reality is usually the opposite. A pastor from Shandong stated, "We don't ask for much understanding, but just a little. The truth is that many believers do nothing but keep receiving. They know nothing about being grateful. From what they understand, talking to you about their problems is the way it should. Pastors should help themselves. It is the pastor’s responsibility to pray for and give to believers. Who asked you to be a pastor? That’s your job.”
Pastor M from the Central Plains indicated, “Pastors, preachers, and teachers of the church are ordinary people. They are the instruments used by God. They are not able to handle all situations with ease or to be without problems of any kind. They have their own life paths to follow and their own ups and downs to overcome."
"Here are some questions. Who will care for pastors of the church? Who will listen to them? Who will care about their life? When pastors encounter problems in their everyday lives, their families, and their spiritual lives, who will care?" In reality, they can only overcome these difficulties by relying on God, trusting that God does not forget them.
A youth minister, born in the 1990s in Jiangsu, had this observation. "This tremendous pain is often ignored by the church. Both believers and pastors say that no one cares for them." There is bitterness in the hearts of both believers and pastors. However, these two groups don’t understand or care for each other. "The pastor and the believers may seem close, but the gap between them is as wide as the Pacific Ocean. How sad it is for the church to be filled with hypocrisy and bureaucracy!"
Conclusion:
All of the above are listed to make us more aware that caring for grassroots pastors is an unavoidable responsibility of churches in China today.
We can call for better pastoral care, innovative church systems and management, and taking more responsibility for society and even the Great Commission. Nevertheless, when we want to go far and go global, we cannot ignore our immediate needs right in front of us — "caring for grassroots pastors" should not become a blind spot in Chinese churches.
Church revival and the Great Commission that we talk about would be in vain if we do not pay attention to and take good care of grassroots pastors who silently and committedly sacrifice themselves for the churches in China. Indeed, we advocate for and value the laity, but we cannot use it as an excuse not to look after the servants of God who remain faithful in all kinds of hardships.
May the churches in China become more aware of this problem and make changes soon. Hopefully, the hearts of more grassroots pastors will be warmed, and the fire of revival of more healthy churches will be ignited.
- Translated by June I. Chen
6月5日是今年的五旬节，也称作是“教会诞生日”。因为在使徒行传的记录中，正是在这一天，耶稣的应许实现了，圣灵降临在男和女身上、老与少身上，不分性别、种族、年龄和肤色；正是在这一天，3000人因着使徒彼得的演讲而受洗，成为初代教会的第一批会友。
然而，当下我们不少教会虽然常常说要爱护教会、渴慕圣灵、预备复兴，但与此同时，我们也需要坦率地承认，我们常常忽略和忘记基层教会重要的建造者和教会功能的执行者——基层牧者这个群体，这个群体对我们而言常常是“沉默的大多数”。
1：24000的牧养比例：“羊多牧人少”带来的牧养重担
按照中国社科院发布的宗教栏目书《中国宗教报告2010》显示，当时统计的大陆基督教会已有55000多个堂点。根据《凤凰周刊》2010年第29期对此数据给出的调查提到的多位受访专家认为这一数据过于保守。尽管没有人能够给出确切的数字，但专家大多认为，真实的数字应该远远高于55000；其中，该刊引用了华东师范大学宗教文化研究中心主任李向平、李凡等学者给出的分析，认为教会堂点（教堂+聚会点）在当时的数量应该逾8万，”这个还并未包括一些人数较少的家庭聚会点。
国家宗教事务局2012年6月发表的数据显现，我国现有经批准开放的宗教活动场所近13.9万处，其中基督教教堂、聚会点约5.6万处。
当下是2022年，数据可能因为各种环境因素变化或带来上升或下降，但若仅以2010和2012年年官方的数据，当时的基层牧者（担当牧养职分的牧师和同工）应该也有数万人。
根据《中国保障宗教信仰自由的政策和实践》白皮书数据显示，基督教信徒3800多万人，宗教教职人员约5.7万人。除去注册登记的教职人员，还有不少民间草根的基层牧者。虽然不知道准确的数据，但是估计下来也是不止有六七万基层牧者。
有不少牧者评价说，中国教会改革开放后的1980-1990年代的复兴本质上是一种“平信徒运动”，它在许多是“好牧人”的基层牧者群体上的表现就是，他们可能没有太多建制化教会的层级结构带来的权力和福利，大部分只是自己因为品尝过上帝的恩典和呼召，而成为牧养会众的牧者。
若以官方2014年给出的数据，目前中国基督教信徒人数在2300万至4000万之间，约占我国总人口的1.7%—2.9%来说，按照4000万基督徒和6万基层牧者计算，也是一个牧者要牧养2万4千人。即使数据因为各种原因按照折半计算，一位基层牧者肩膀上所要负担的牧养人数也要超过至少1万人。
1：100000，这在全球教会范围内比较而言，都是一个非常冲击的比例，由此可见基层牧者所肩负的牧养重担有多大。
笔者和一位山东的城市牧者谈话时问及“基层牧者需要什么呢？”他的回答令人印象深刻：“最好的就是能够给我们一些休息的机会。现实情况是包括我在内的很多牧者根本没有休息的机会。退修会？不是很少，而是根本就没有。国外的牧师们还能够每7年有一个安息年，但是在中国是完全没有的。如果我休息的话，谁来代替我呢？那么多的事情没有人能够处理。现在我是自己给自己规定一周要休息一天，就是周一这天，但是实际上执行起来是非常有难度的，信徒来找的话不能放着不管吧？随时都有可能过来...对于牧者来说，往往信徒过来找你都是一些不好的事情，好事情没有人会找你的，能够找上门来的基本都是坏消息。”
而这位牧者面对的情况并非个例，许多默默无闻的基层牧者每周年承担地都是这样无休无止的牧养压力。
稳定的薪资和生活对基层牧者常常“不可望更不可及”
除了牧养重担，不少基层牧者还需要面临经济困难。虽然伴随着城市教会的兴起和强调全职教牧同工的建制化，使得不少城市教会逐渐重视和施行全职传道人的薪资制。笔者最近听闻，尤其在东南沿海一带，比如江浙广东等地，给予全职教牧人员能够高于城市最低工资保障的薪资和社保，所以吸引各地神学毕业生前往，毕竟有一份稳定的收入对于服事的稳定也是非常重要的，而这种方式反过来对当地教会也是有福的，最终可以带来教会的稳定运作和发展，而形成一种良心循环。
但是，不可讳言地是，大部分经济不发达地区，比如中原、东北和西北等地，尤其是农村教会，能够有足够薪资的基层牧者少之又少。
笔者所接触的绝大部分农村教会的牧者几乎都是自己一边打工或一边种地，然后一边养活自己和家人。记忆最深刻的是一位牧者说教会没有任何薪资，只是每次邀请自己骑着电动车去邻村的教会讲道或者带一天的培训，能够给50-200块不等。而在一些三四线小城市的小教会的牧者，教会能够给的薪资最多一个月也就600-1500左右，养活一个人还可以勉强，但若成家的话，有配偶有孩子就变得无比艰难，因此他们要面临着“养家糊口”和“忠心服事”的巨大张力，不少传道人不得不在结婚或者有了孩子后只能打工，放弃服事。
这种矛盾的形成，除了的确当地教会尤其是农村教会奉献少之外，但是最根本还是与观念有关系，一方面是教会很少堂堂正正的宣讲奉献的重要性和意义，如果有的牧者讲这方面的话题，会被信徒误以为是“贪爱钱财”，久而久之教会没有奉献，也没有资金去做对发展有益的事情，比如聘用全职传道人。
一方面是“凭信心生活”的传统观念被教条化、僵硬化的应用了。在中国的传统教会圈子里，流行着这样一个几近公式化的属灵套话：“传道人是凭信心生活的”，这和当初戴德生的宣教路线是有延续关系的，但是戴德生当时采用这一观念更大的时代背景是让中国人不要误解基督教是背靠大英帝国的势力和金钱的，为了中国人得到纯正的福音他们放弃了使用这些世俗的权力。
而今天的时代背景已完全不同，身处世俗化的大背景下，很多教会未能给传道人应有的薪水，给传道很低的工资，难以满足其生活的需要，这是是导致很多年轻人望而却步的原因，并且使得不少人看到传道人收入微薄，都会对这个职业能否养家提出了质疑。由此，也使得基层教会尤其是经济不发达地区的教会出现明显的断代问题：没有多少年轻人愿意出来读神学、做传道人，即使走上了这条路，或者毕业后“孔雀东南飞”到沿海地区服事，或者只能背离初衷选择打工谋生的道路。
“没有关怀我们的人”：当下基层牧者的扎心呼声
庆幸的是，最近几十年中国的教会的发展带来许多相应课程和培训资源的增加。虽然优质资源仍旧缺乏，但和1980-90年代的基层牧者面对的困境而言，现在牧者透过多种渠道得到实地或网络培训和充电的机会多了许多。
但一直以来，中国大部分教会对于牧者关怀这一块鲜有重视。教会往往会谈“关怀信徒”、“关怀弱势群体”、“关怀社会”...但与此同时，最需要关怀的一个人群——基层牧者，却很少有人关注到。
中原一位服事了20多年基层教会的D牧师说：“物质需要”固然必不可少，但更稀缺的是对牧者的“心灵关怀”，他们也需要爱和被牧养。
2017年在基督徒群体里面引起刷屏的一篇文章是《“看不到希望”——一位年仅33岁的传道人病逝 直到离世也不知真相》，文章里写到年仅33岁的传道人丁南江因着肺癌晚期早早离世。然而让他之所以如此年轻就去世的原因，不简简单单只是由于身体上的疾病，还有他在教会的郁郁不得志，在家庭中的悲伤与绝望。文章里说：“怀着决志服事的热忱读了七年神学，（丁南江）本想毕业后一心投入禾场，但无奈不得已为家庭的责任奔波，却又得不到家人的温暖，并陷入到沉重的压力之中，另外也得不到来自教会的理解和关怀，最终导致他常常失联，身体每况愈下，错过了最佳治疗期限，直到死时也不知道自己的病情。”
在当时，有华东的一位潘牧师看完该文后一直叹息，她谈到，新传道人毕业后去到基层教会常常面临三大挑战，除了受老传道人的压制等家长制带来的痛苦、教会对传道人待遇上的亏欠之外，还有就是没有关系性的牧养，没有关怀他们的人，更多只是对他们的要求。
由此可以看到：谈到关怀，其中最关键的一个因素就是“关系”。中原地区的D牧师对比说，目前一个现象是强调关系较多大多是灵恩派背景的教会和牧者，而保守派和福音派教会和牧者更加强调的是果效，即作为一名牧者就必须完成给你制定的目标，比如教会必须达到70个人或者多少人才行。“但其实，对牧者的关怀是非常重要而又十分容易被忽视的.....于是，我们就看到，甚至有一些基层牧者虽然服事了许多年了，但是甚至从来都没有得到过上面牧者的关怀，每一次联系的时候都是分派任务。但是其实——诚实地说，基层牧者也是人，也会累，基层牧者也需要得到爱啊！”
他的呼声十分扎心：“基层牧者需要带着爱来牧养信徒、爱主的群羊、给信徒们很多的爱，但是作为牧者，也需要得到爱。那么谁来牧养为数众多的基层牧者，谁来爱我们呢？”
但是现实往往并非如此。一位山东的牧者说：“不需要理解的太多，能够有一些就可以了。但是现在的现实状况是，很多的信徒只知道索取，一味的索取，而不知道感恩。他认为有问题来找你都是完全应该的，牧者帮助自己也是应该的，为他祷告是应该的，为他付出很多这些都是应该的。谁让你是牧师呢？这就是你的工作啊。”
另一位中原地区的M牧师说：“教会的牧者、讲道人、教师，他们也是平凡的人，神所使用的器皿，并不是什么环境都能得心应手的面对，什么问题都不需要解决，他们也有自己的人生道路要走，也有自己的坎坷需要迈过去。”
“试问，谁来关怀教会的传道人？谁来听一听传道人的心声？谁来问候一下传道人的生活？当传道人生活、家庭、人生、面对艰难时，谁来关怀一下？”然而现实情况是，最后他们只能靠上帝、相信上帝不会忘记他们而得胜这些艰难。
江苏一位90后的青年团契同工观察到一个现象：“这个最大的痛点教会却常常漠视：信徒说没人关怀我，牧者也说没人关怀我”，信徒心里苦，牧者有心里苦，可是却彼此很难理解和安慰。“牧者和信徒之间看似亲密无间，实则隔了太平洋啊。教会如果被虚伪和形式充满了，是多么的可悲！。”
结语：
以上种种列举出来，是为了让我们更多清醒地意识到：关怀基层牧者群体是当下中国教会不可回避的责任。
我们呼吁牧养信徒更精细、更多革新教会体制和管理、更多承担关怀社会的责任、甚至我们也呼吁中国教会有责任承担起普世宣教的大使命，但是，当我们想走向远方走向全球时，我们不能忽视我们的脚下——我们不能让“关怀基层牧者群体”成为中国教会一个“灯下黑”的现象。
试问，当我们都无法能够很好地关注和照顾好为中国教会默默委身、牺牲服事地这些基层牧者群体时，我们所谈论的教会复兴、承担大使命等都是头重脚轻、无源之水。的确，我们提倡和看重平信徒运动，但是我们不能以此为理由和借口而不看顾那些仍旧在各种艰难和困境中忠心持守的上帝的仆人们。
愿中国教会愈来愈意识到这个问题，并早日改变，让更多基层牧者的心变得温暖起来，也点燃更多教会良性发展的复兴之火。
角声|关怀基层牧者群体：当下中国教会不可回避的责任
This year June 5th is Pentecost, also known as the "Birthday of the Church". In the book of Acts, it was on this day that the promise of Jesus was fulfilled that the Holy Spirit came upon men and women, old and young, regardless of gender, race, age, and color. It was on this day that 3,000 people were baptized after hearing the apostle Peter’s sermon. They became the first members of the early church.
Although many churches are often in conversation about loving the church, longing for the Holy Spirit, and preparing for revival, we have to admit honestly that time after time we overlook and forget the important builders of grassroots churches and the executors of church functions — the group of grassroots pastors. To us, they are often the “silent majority.”
1:24,000 pastoring ratio: the burden of pastors caused by “many sheep with few shepherds”
According to the book Religions of China Report 2010, released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, there were more than 55,000 Christian churches in mainland China at that time. As found in the 29th issue of Phoenix Weekly in 2010, many interviewed experts studied this data further and found that this number was overly conservative. Although no one could give an exact number, most experts believe that the accurate number should be much higher than 55,000. The Journal quoted the analysis provided by scholars such as Li Fan and Li Xiangping, Director of the Center for Religions and Cultures Research at East China Normal University. They felt that, at that time, the number of church sites (church buildings and meeting venues) exceeded 80,000. This number did not include small meetings in homes.
Based on the data released by the State Administration of Religious Affairs in June 2012, there were nearly 139,000 sites approved for religious activities in China, including 56,000 Christian churches and meeting locations approximately.
It is 2022 now, and the numbers may be higher or lower due to changes in various situational factors. From the official data of 2010 and 2012, the number of grassroots pastors at that time (the pastors and church workers in the pastoral position) should be in the tens of thousands.
According to the data from the white paper entitled, China's Policies and Practices on Upholding Freedom of Religious Belief, there are more than 38 million Christians and about 57,000 clergy. In addition to the registered teaching staff, there are many non-government-approved grassroots pastors. The exact number remains unknown, but it is estimated that there are more than 60,000 or 70,000 grassroots pastors.
Many pastors commented that the revival of the Chinese church in the 1980s and 1990s after China’s reform and opening up was essentially a "lay movement." This manifested itself in grassroots pastors being "good shepherds." They may not have much power and benefits associated with the hierarchical structure of an institutionalized church. Most of them are the pastors of their congregations simply because they have experienced God's grace and calling.
Derived from the official data of 2014, the current number of Christians in China is between 23 million and 40 million, accounting for about 1.7% to 2.9% of China's total population. If we calculate based on 40 million Christians and 60,000 grassroots pastors, one pastor is ministering to 24,000 people. Even if we take various factors into account and reduce the number by half, the minimum number of people that one grassroots pastor has to minister exceeds 10,000.
Compared to churches around the globe, the ration of 1:10,000 is shocking. This shows how great is the burden upon the shoulders of grassroots pastors.
When talking to an urban pastor in Shandong, I asked, "What do grassroots pastors need?" His answer impressed me. "The best thing is to give us some rest. The reality is that numerous pastors in China have no chance to rest at all, including me. Retreat? It is not that there are some. Rather, there are none at all. Pastors in other countries are able to have a sabbatical every seven years, but that is impossible in China. If I take a break, who is able to fill in for me? There are so many things that no one else can handle. Taking Monday off every week is very difficult to implement. If believers come to talk, they can't be left alone, can they? They could drop by at any time. Those who come are typically troubled. No one comes to the pastor if everything goes well."
The situation this pastor faces is not unique. Many nameless grassroots pastors are under this continual, year after year of the stress of giving pastoral care.
A stable income and life often "not expected nor attainable" for grassroots pastors
In addition to the burden of pastoral care, many grassroots pastors face financial difficulties. With the rise of urban churches, there has been an emphasis on the institutionalization of full-time pastoral staff. Many urban churches have gradually attached importance to and implemented a payroll system for full-time pastors. The reporter recently heard that, especially in the southeastern coastal areas, such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and other places, full-time pastors are offered wages and social security that are higher than the city’s minimum wage. These places have attracted seminary graduates from all over. After all, a secure income is a key to the stability of the ministry. This approach, in turn, is a blessing to the local church. It can ultimately lead to the steady operation and development of the church, and bring about a cycle of virtue.
However, it is undeniable that very few grassroots pastors earn comparable salaries in most of the economically underdeveloped regions, such as the Central Plains, Northeast, and Northwest regions, especially in rural churches.
Most of the pastors of rural churches that I have met have been farming or working a second job to support themselves and their families. A case that I remember clearly was that of a pastor who did not receive any salary from the church. He could only earn 50-200 yuan when he was invited and rode an electric bike to preach in a church or when he lead a one-day training in a neighboring village. For the pastors of small churches in some third- or fourth-tier cities, the maximum salary that a church can offer is around 600-1500 yuan per month. It is barely enough to support the pastor themself. When they get married, it becomes extremely difficult to support a spouse and children. They have to deal with the enormous tension between "supporting the family" and "serving faithfully." Numerous pastors have had no choice but to give up their ministry and find a job after they were married or had children.
This dilemma is due to not only the lack of offerings in local churches, especially rural churches, but the mentality of believers toward offerings. Churches rarely address the meaning and importance of offerings in an upright manner. Pastors who bring up this topic would be misinterpreted by the believers as "loving money." Churches would not receive offerings over time, nor would they have funds for other ministries, let alone hiring full-time pastors.
The traditional notion of "living by faith" has been dogmatically and rigidly applied. In traditional Chinese church circles, "Pastors live by faith" has become a cliché. This notion can be traced back to the history of Hudson Taylor’s mission. Hudson Taylor followed this principle because he did not want the Chinese to develop the wrong impression that Christianity was dependent on the power and wealth of the British Empire. He and others gave up these worldly powers for the Chinese to receive the sound gospel.
Today's context is completely different. Under the influence of secular culture, many churches fail to pay their pastors the salaries they deserve. It is difficult to meet their daily needs with their low wages, which has discouraged many young people from becoming pastors. It is questioned whether the meager income of this profession can support a family. Grassroots churches, especially those in economically underdeveloped areas, have consequently found no one to continue their ministries. Young people are hesitant to study theology and be pastors. Even if they embark on this path, they would either leave to serve in the southeast coastal area after graduation or choose to take a secular job and earn a living, deviating from their original calling.
"There is no one who cares for us": the heart-wrenching voice of grassroots pastors
Fortunately, the development of churches in China in recent decades has brought about an increase in correspondence courses and training resources. While high-quality resources are still lacking, pastors now have more opportunities for in-person or online training. It is easier for them to equip themselves through various channels today, compared to the hardship faced by the grassroots pastors in the 1980s and 1990s.
But all this time, most churches in China have paid little attention to caring for pastors. Churches oftentimes talk about "caring for the believers", "caring for the disadvantaged", and “caring for the society"... The one group that needs the most care, the grassroots pastors, is often overlooked.
Pastor D, who has served in grassroots churches for more than 20 years in the Central Plains, said, "We do have 'material needs.' 'Spiritual care' is needed as well but unavailable. Pastors are also in need of love and shepherding."
In 2017, an article that went viral in the Christian community was, "'I Saw No Hope,"' 33-Y-O Young Missionary Died of Cancer and Pressure in Marriage". The article stated that 33-year-old Pastor Ding Nanjiang passed away early in his life due to advanced lung cancer. His death at a young age was not simply due to his physical illness. His frustration in serving the church, and his unhappiness and despair in his family also played a role. The article said, "After studying theology for seven years with a passion for serving, (Ding Nanjiang) planned to devote himself to the mission field after graduation. He later had no choice but to run around to fulfill his family responsibilities. He did not experience the warmth of family. The tremendous stress overwhelmed him. Besides, there was no understanding or caring from his church. As a result, he often lost contact, his health deteriorated, and he missed the best timing for treatment. He was not clear about his health issues even when he died."
At that time, Pastor Pan from East China sighed after reading the article. She mentioned that new pastors often face three major challenges when they serve in grassroots churches after graduation. One is the agony resulting from senior pastors’ oppression. Another is that they are underpaid by the church. Lastly, there is a lack of relational shepherding. No one cares for them. These are all demands on them.
What we learn from this is that when it comes to caring, one of the critical factors is "relationship". Pastor D from the Central Plains indicated that most churches and pastors with a charismatic background put more emphasis on relationships. In contrast, conservative and evangelical churches and pastors focus on effectiveness. That is, pastors have to reach the goals set for themselves. For instance, the number of church members has to reach 70 or a certain number. "Caring for pastors is essential but easily overlooked... We have seen some grassroots pastors who have served for years but have never been ministered to by pastors above them. Every time they are contacted, it is all about their ministry assignments. Frankly speaking, grassroots pastors are also human. They will feel exhausted and are in need of love!”
His voice was piercing. "Grassroots pastors need to shepherd believers with love and love the Lord's flock. They give so much love, but receive so little love. Who can minister to a large number of grassroots pastors? Who will love us?”
The reality is usually the opposite. A pastor from Shandong stated, "We don't ask for much understanding, but just a little. The truth is that many believers do nothing but keep receiving. They know nothing about being grateful. From what they understand, talking to you about their problems is the way it should. Pastors should help themselves. It is the pastor’s responsibility to pray for and give to believers. Who asked you to be a pastor? That’s your job.”
Pastor M from the Central Plains indicated, “Pastors, preachers, and teachers of the church are ordinary people. They are the instruments used by God. They are not able to handle all situations with ease or to be without problems of any kind. They have their own life paths to follow and their own ups and downs to overcome."
"Here are some questions. Who will care for pastors of the church? Who will listen to them? Who will care about their life? When pastors encounter problems in their everyday lives, their families, and their spiritual lives, who will care?" In reality, they can only overcome these difficulties by relying on God, trusting that God does not forget them.
A youth minister, born in the 1990s in Jiangsu, had this observation. "This tremendous pain is often ignored by the church. Both believers and pastors say that no one cares for them." There is bitterness in the hearts of both believers and pastors. However, these two groups don’t understand or care for each other. "The pastor and the believers may seem close, but the gap between them is as wide as the Pacific Ocean. How sad it is for the church to be filled with hypocrisy and bureaucracy!"
Conclusion:
All of the above are listed to make us more aware that caring for grassroots pastors is an unavoidable responsibility of churches in China today.
We can call for better pastoral care, innovative church systems and management, and taking more responsibility for society and even the Great Commission. Nevertheless, when we want to go far and go global, we cannot ignore our immediate needs right in front of us — "caring for grassroots pastors" should not become a blind spot in Chinese churches.
Church revival and the Great Commission that we talk about would be in vain if we do not pay attention to and take good care of grassroots pastors who silently and committedly sacrifice themselves for the churches in China. Indeed, we advocate for and value the laity, but we cannot use it as an excuse not to look after the servants of God who remain faithful in all kinds of hardships.
May the churches in China become more aware of this problem and make changes soon. Hopefully, the hearts of more grassroots pastors will be warmed, and the fire of revival of more healthy churches will be ignited.
- Translated by June I. Chen
Voice: Caring for Grassroots Pastors Is Unavoidable Responsibility of Churches in China Today
