A Presbyterian Church in Taiwan

Since we arrived in Taiwan, we have been to several churches. One church we visited was the oldest Presbyterian church in Changhua, which happens to be related with the establishment of the largest hospital in the city, Changhua Christian Hospital. It is situated directly across from the former location of the hospital. Since the new pastor has arrived about 1 1/2 years ago, this congregation has been growing and has experienced some spiritual revival. We went to visit this pastor yesterday and had a very nice visit . I shared with him that I was studying at a Lutheran seminary in Saskatoon and look forward to my ordination the year following my internship year. He did his basic theological studies at a Methodist seminary in Taiwan and also did a Masters degree in Comparative Religions in Birmingham, England. Later, I asked him if he found his studies in comparative religions (Buddhism) useful but what he told me surprised me a little. He said it has not been useful in his ministry. Even though it is good to have a knowledge of other religions, it is actually useless in the practical aspects of real-life ministry. So much for studying world religions in seminary. I was pleased to discover his heart for the people's spiritual well-being. From listening to his sermon a few weeks ago, what impressed me about him was his evangelical outlook. He believes in the discipleship of God's people. He shared with Alice and I that discipleship is very important in the spiritual life of the congregation. He mentioned that there are two things that no one in any congregation or church will ever disagree with, and these are: prayer and bible study. He said that as pastors, we should guide and lead God's people towards a Christian lifestyle that incorporates both prayer and bible study. He hopes to encourage every family in the congregation to establish a habit and spiritual discipline of daily prayer and bible study. This is like a family altar.

Last year, the congregation has begun a youth worship service. It began with about 25 people in October 2006, and now has over 40 people in attendance. The youth deacon showed us the facility that have for this youth service. They have converted a Christian bookstore located on the 2nd floor into a worship sanctuary dedicated for the Saturday night youth service. They have all the necessary musical instruments for a youth service, e.g., drums, electric bass and acoustic guitars, electronic keyboard, etc. This service on Saturday begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m. The first half-hour of the worship is just praise music and singing. The second half-hour is the sermon; and the last half-hour is group discussion/sharing/bible study. I hope to attend one of these services in the future.

In Taiwan, it is estimated that 5% of the population is Christian. Of this figure, 3% are Presbyterian. As I have observed the various churches in Taiwan, I have noticed that one of the more prevalent denominations still seems to be the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. I've always wondered why certain denominations/churches are more established in non-western countries or regions than others. It was the work of Christian missionaries generations ago that established these churches. Missionary activities are very important in the establishment of churches. The work of evangelical missionaries can effect change that can last for generations. However, the situation of the Presbyterian Church today is similar to that in Canada. The pastor shared with me that the dominant group of attendees are the more elderly folks. He feels that the church is aging and needs to reach out to the younger generation. All the Presbyterian churches and pastors in Taiwan realize the situation is not getting better and that they need to change. I admire the pastor's desire to disciple his flock. He has put together a book to teach the people about the sacraments of the church, i.e., baptism and communion; the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the church; discipleship; and how to live the Christian life. He is currently working on an advanced edition of the book too. I encouraged him to share this valuable resource with other Presbyterian pastors and churches in Taiwan. I wish all pastors in Taiwan were like him. As we ended our meeting with prayer, we encouraged each other to place our faith in the Lord.