Church, What Is Your Image?
Barry CHUNG, General Secretary
FES recently prepared a “Survey on the Faith Conditions of College Believers in Hong Kong”. We contacted a number of congregations and invited their tertiary students to fill in the questionnaire, and along the way, to find out about the situation of youth pastoral care in the congregations. The results of this “verbal inquiry” were rather sad, “We only have one or two tertiary students”, “We don’t have any tertiary fellowships”, “We would also like to know the results of the survey”…… I could feel the helplessness and urgency of the staffs. The image of the division came back to my mind—young people of the church seemed to be unable to go back to their homes.
Young People’s Impressions of the Church
What is the image of “church” in the minds of young people? While specific answers await the results of our survey, the impression I got from my contact with the youth believers is that the church is like an institutional organization with layers of structure and rules. Undoubtedly, the Church, as a cross-generational community, inevitably needs to operate under a system in which the exercise of power is necessarily involved. In this regard, we need to have a clear theological understanding that all authority or power in the church is derived from Christ. Unfortunately, many believers view the practice of power as natural and common sense and lack the foundation of theological understanding, which gradually creates a hierarchical culture in the church and limits the fulfillment of freedom in Christ. If young people need to voice out, they need courage (sometime may seems radical), or wait till the suitable moment and place to express.
Young People’s Experiences in Church
On one occasion, I ran into a college student I knew at church after I had preached. We talked for a few moments and agreed that we could speak more freely outside the church. Sometimes, the church gives young people the feeling of a “cold court”. Although they are less likely to speak up immediately when they encounter adversity, when they are ready to talk to the church or ask for help with the words that have been accumulating in their hearts, they are often met with dull, emotionless responses that have no flesh and blood. As a matter of fact, every young person encounters problems, but they do not always take the initiative to seek help. Sometimes they think they can handle it themselves, and sometimes they do not want to bring trouble to those around them. The Old Testament psalmists described the Lord as the refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1) and a very ready help in times of trouble. Can the church become a refuge for young people? Whenever they encounter difficulties, will they think of the church as a place to turn to?
Young people’s needs in the Church
In my experience, young people need clues and they are happy to take them. How does a companion work in concrete terms? We are all familiar with the concept of companions, but from the perspective of young people, we may have a different idea of what a companion is. The image of the companion is different from that of the teacher, not one that seeks to provide answers to questions in truth and demands absolute compliance, but rather a seeker who discovers the answers together on the road, like Jesus beside his disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:19). Companions will leave room for young people to articulate the struggles of their hearts, for it is ultimately up to them to discover the answers (Lk. 24:31). Companions need to let go in time, but not indulge. A college believer once shared with me that the pastors of their church only attend the meetings and do not give any advice, and that all the work is led by the fellowship committee. I can imagine how much they longed for appropriate support from their pastors so that they would not have to bear the burden alone.
Young People’s Relationship with the Church
What image does the Bible use to describe the Church? Let me conclude by sharing the image of the “vine and its branches”: each member of the church is a branch attached to the true vine of Christ, and apart from Him it can do nothing (Jn 15:5), or it is thrown away and withers (Jn 15:6). Therefore, we cannot say that the church has already mastered the truth, but rather we must remain “abiding in Him,” maintaining the motivation and vitality to pursue the truth, and to become a living organism that always experiences growth. As the church struggles with youth ministry today, let us first rebuild our true image in Christ, realize that we are branches of each other with the younger generation, equally in need of God’s word, and learn to pursue and fulfill God’s will in companion.
Reading printed books helps people to regain their ability to concentrate and think deeply, which is why Evangelical Reading Room emphasizes the publication of physical books. Therefore, following the publication of PRAXIS—Community Service as Practice in Faith at the beginning of the year, A Spiritual Journey through Companionship with Others and Self-Understanding for Personal Well-Being (revised and extended version) are also launched at the United Christian Book Fair. We look forward to meeting and exchanging ideas with our readers face-to-face. Besides, in order to engage the reading culture, we have also set up the “Rambling Readers Concern Group” (IG: rambling_readers), which aims to observe the reading habits of modern people. Is reading and writing still possible in these times? If you value the culture of reading, please like and follow us to contemplate the meaning of reading.
Full text is available in Chinese version.
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