New and Living Way
The Role of Chinese Churches in Changing Times (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Chinese churches in North America have withstood the test of time. Against threats of prejudice and assimilation, secularism and modernity, and the vast diverse needs and interests of Chinese in Canada and the United States, Chinese churches are thriving and becoming new.
One faithful organization that started nearly 50 years ago in 1955 to bring Chinese churches together for learning, prayer, and fellowship is the National Conference of Chinese Churches, popularly known as “CONFAB.” In 2002, CONFAB will return to its city of beginnings—San Francisco to sponsor its next gathering. We joyously invite you to attend!
The future of Chinese churches rests on our openness to face new challenges of these new times. The writer of Hebrews was speaking to fatigued and beleaguered Christians who have become weary of the Christian way of life. In Hebrews 10:19-25, we see that we too are called to persevere, hold fast in hope, provoke each other to meet, love, and do good deeds because Jesus is the new and living way. Theme speakers, workshop facilitators, and worship leaders will share emerging trends, helpful resources, and inspiring messages for you to engage in. Together you will have an opportunity to contextualize what you learn from this conference for your local church.
Our conference will take place at Chinese churches located closely together in San Francisco’s dynamic Chinatown. Recommended hotel accommodations and parking garages are within walking distance of all programs. In addition to the conference programming, you will have an opportunity to worship at local churches on Sunday and to extend your stay by vacationing in the SF Bay Area.
English-Speaking Program
Theme Speaker
Speaking on the conference theme for the English track is Dr. Timothy Tseng, Associate Professor of American Religious History at the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, CA. Tim’s work has focused on the history of Protestant missionary work among Chinese and Japanese churches. He is currently writing a history of Chinese Protestantism in North America. His broad appreciation of history will set the stage for our understanding of the role of Chinese churches in the future. He and his family are members at the New Life Christian Fellowship (American Baptist) in Castro Valley, CA.
Saturday Afternoon Workshops
Four helpful workshops to strengthen your ministry in the local church will be offered. You will have the opportunity to take two.
+Communicating Between Teenagers and Parents
It is already difficult for developing adolescents and caring parents to learn new skills in talking but when you add Asian cultural expectations to this relationship, having harmonious conversations may only be a wish. Dr. Samuel Leong, a Christian counselor with the Christian Psychotherapy Services, SF and a member of the Independent Chinese Baptist Church, SF will offer you practical steps to begin building positive relationships in your family.
+Women in the Church
From the beginning women were assisting Jesus and bearing witness to his miracles. The role of women in the church is essential in fostering a partnership with men in order to model vibrant and creative ministries for the future. Come and explore the unique gifts women offer to the Chinese church. Both women and men are encouraged to attend. Ms. Laurene Chan, an elder at the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown and who has facilitated many educational workshops and women’s retreats will share how vital women are to today’s church.
+Christian Education & Youth Ministry
Perhaps the most important ministries of a Chinese church are the Sunday school and youth fellowships. More people have come to believe in Jesus Christ because of the nurture and transforming power of teaching and learning. Come to hear about innovative methods, adapting resources, recruiting and training teachers and leaders to shape a growing Chinese church. __________ will challenge you to expand your thinking about what Christian education is in this new century.
+Pastoral Care & Finances
“The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).” Many Chinese churches are not aware of the various ways that they can fully support their pastors financially and emotionally. As a result, many servants of God feel stressed and burned out. Rev. Augie Bau, western representative of the American Baptist benefits board, will present several creative suggestions. Topics include a fair pastoral budget, clergy taxes, IRS church reporting requirements, an internal church audit, an effective pastoral relations committee, a sample agreement between a pastor and a church, and Christian career counseling for pastors. The workshop is designed for both pastors and lay leaders in Chinese churches.
DN
Second draft, 12/3/01