Today, when people talk about the meaning of "church", they have broken the old stereotypes, with more emphasis placed on the gathering of believers rather than the simple building of the church. However, the internal barriers within our hearts may pose a more significant hidden obstacle compared to the tangible structures.
Recently, a Christian man surnamed Zhang, who has been involved in public welfare for nearly 20 years, shared his experiences. He observed the necessity for today's church to break down its internal walls and engage society through public welfare and cultural initiatives.
Reflecting on his own transformation, Zhang said, "In the past, I was a person deeply entrenched within the church walls." He recalled that during the church's most prosperous period in China from the 1980s to 1990s, pastors could simply set up a stage anywhere and loudly proclaim, "Believe in Jesus for eternal life, or face damnation." This straightforward word-of-mouth approach naturally drew people to the church, filling it to capacity.
However, such days did not last, and the situation changed significantly afterward. As society became more open, people's eyes seemed to become brighter, and their hearts more discerning. The old methods of preaching are no longer as effective in reaching them as before.
Gradually, Zhang realized that modern people do not pay attention to what is said but care more about what is done. He recalled the beginning of his involvement in public welfare, "We should usher in an era of good deeds for the church. I was eager to establish a public welfare initiative but was unsure if it aligned with the Lord's will. So, I continued to pray." One day, a phrase deeply moved him: "Against such things, there is no law." This response from God affirmed his decision to pursue public welfare.
Zhang stated, "Public welfare knows no borders, just as our charitable acts are unrestricted." Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned that through public welfare, he built trust with others. Gradually, more people became interested and engaged. Over time, those around him also began to understand the beliefs behind his actions.
Looking back over the past twenty years, Zhang expressed, "Now, I feel we must move to the next stage. We need to embrace a cultural mission, such as music ministry, that transcends borders."
He elaborated on the cultural mission metaphorically, saying, "A cultural mission is about 'birthing sheep,' while Church buildings cannot 'birth sheep'; only 'sheep' can birth 'sheep.' Through connections among believers and between churches, the church can truly nurture believers."
He urged, "We must tear down the high walls of the church and reach out to society. Like angels, we should bring peace and the everlasting gospel to those around us."
- Translated by Abigail Wu
如今人们谈起 “教会”的含义，早已打破了过去的陈旧观念，更强调聚集在一起的信徒，而不是单纯的教堂建筑。但比起外在的有形建筑，我们内心的墙垣或许是更隐藏的阻碍。
前不久，一位从事近20年公益事业的张弟兄结合自己20多年服事的经历，看到今天的教会有必要打破教会的墙垣，藉着公益和文化走向社会，服务社会。
他以“过去我是深处围墙里的人”来谈及自己内心的改变。他谈到1980-1990期间中国教会最复兴的时期里，只要随意在哪里搭个台子，传道人大声疾呼“信耶稣得永生，不信下地狱”；简简单单地口口相传，人就自然涌向教堂，教堂爆满。
但是这样的日子并没能持续，随后的状况就改变了很多。环境越开放，人们的眼睛似乎变得越发明亮、心也变得越发聪明；再用过去动动嘴皮子的方法来做呼召，人们就比较难听得进去了。
逐渐地，张弟兄察觉到现代人不看、也不听，只是在乎你到底做了什么。张回忆起自己开始投身于公益事业的起初：“应该要成为教会的善行时代。所以，我很希望建立公益事业，但那时候并不确定这样做是不是做在了主的心上。于是，我继续祷告。”有一次，一句这样的话，“这样的事，没有律法禁止”的话深深地打动了张弟兄的心。他一下子就确认了这是从上帝而来的回应，于是他开始做起公益。
张弟兄说：“公益无国界，就像我们做公益慈善都是没有限制的。”他回忆自己创办公益事业的经历，因为这样的公益善行而与人建立起了信任关系；后来越来越多的人愿意进一步关注与了解。此后，也不知道何时，这些他身边的人透过他也了解到他背后的信念。
张弟兄一边回想一边感慨，一晃时间过去了二十年。他说：“现在，我觉得我们要走向另一个阶段了。我们要有文化使命，因为像音乐等文化的东西一样是没有国界的。”
他用比喻的方式进一步阐释了文化使命，他说：“文化使命就是‘生羊’。因为教堂建筑不能‘生羊’，而只有‘羊’才能生‘羊’。再有了弟兄姐妹之间、教会与教会的连接，教会才能真正的‘养羊’。”
他呼吁说：“我们一定要推倒墙垣，让教会的高墙倒下，走向社会；如天使般把和平、永远的福音带给身边的人。”
观点：今天教会透过公益走向社会
Today, when people talk about the meaning of "church", they have broken the old stereotypes, with more emphasis placed on the gathering of believers rather than the simple building of the church. However, the internal barriers within our hearts may pose a more significant hidden obstacle compared to the tangible structures.
Recently, a Christian man surnamed Zhang, who has been involved in public welfare for nearly 20 years, shared his experiences. He observed the necessity for today's church to break down its internal walls and engage society through public welfare and cultural initiatives.
Reflecting on his own transformation, Zhang said, "In the past, I was a person deeply entrenched within the church walls." He recalled that during the church's most prosperous period in China from the 1980s to 1990s, pastors could simply set up a stage anywhere and loudly proclaim, "Believe in Jesus for eternal life, or face damnation." This straightforward word-of-mouth approach naturally drew people to the church, filling it to capacity.
However, such days did not last, and the situation changed significantly afterward. As society became more open, people's eyes seemed to become brighter, and their hearts more discerning. The old methods of preaching are no longer as effective in reaching them as before.
Gradually, Zhang realized that modern people do not pay attention to what is said but care more about what is done. He recalled the beginning of his involvement in public welfare, "We should usher in an era of good deeds for the church. I was eager to establish a public welfare initiative but was unsure if it aligned with the Lord's will. So, I continued to pray." One day, a phrase deeply moved him: "Against such things, there is no law." This response from God affirmed his decision to pursue public welfare.
Zhang stated, "Public welfare knows no borders, just as our charitable acts are unrestricted." Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned that through public welfare, he built trust with others. Gradually, more people became interested and engaged. Over time, those around him also began to understand the beliefs behind his actions.
Looking back over the past twenty years, Zhang expressed, "Now, I feel we must move to the next stage. We need to embrace a cultural mission, such as music ministry, that transcends borders."
He elaborated on the cultural mission metaphorically, saying, "A cultural mission is about 'birthing sheep,' while Church buildings cannot 'birth sheep'; only 'sheep' can birth 'sheep.' Through connections among believers and between churches, the church can truly nurture believers."
He urged, "We must tear down the high walls of the church and reach out to society. Like angels, we should bring peace and the everlasting gospel to those around us."
- Translated by Abigail Wu
Church Engages Society Through Public Welfare
